Artists & Performers
World-class musicians performing in the heart of the Scottish Borders
2026 Programme
Artists & Performers
Ten days of exceptional music featuring world-class ensembles and performers.
Early Music · Headline
The Sixteen
Tuesday 15th September · Melrose Parish Church · 19:00
One of the world's finest choral ensembles, The Sixteen are celebrated for their performances of Renaissance polyphony and Baroque music. Founded by Harry Christophers, they bring unparalleled artistry to the 2026 festival. Hallmarked by tonal richness, expressive intensity and compelling collective artistry, The Sixteen take us on an inspirational journey through music and history.
'We make music of the past live, and we give a platform for the music of today.' — Harry Christophers
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Baroque · Headline
The London Handel Players
Friday 18th September · Melrose Parish Church · 19:00
The London Handel Players is a world class ensemble bringing together leading period-instrument specialists in baroque chamber music. For twenty-five years, since making their debut at Handel's parish church St George's Hanover Square, they have thrilled audiences across the world with performances and recordings of the highest calibre.
'Soulful depth' and 'consummate skill and musicianship' — New York Times
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Jazz · Opening Night
Ross Milligan's Swing Four
Friday 11 September · Corn Exchange · 19:00
A rare opportunity to hear four leading lights of the Scottish jazz scene perform together — paying tribute to Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson and many more. Ross Milligan is a Scottish guitarist and composer whose music has appeared in film and TV worldwide. Joined by Dave Milligan (piano), Roy Percy (double bass) and Tom Gordon (drums).
'A guitar maestro' — Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
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Choral · Community
Come and Sing - Mozart Requiem
Saturday 12 September · Melrose Parish Church · 13:45
One of the festival's most loved events — a joyful, inclusive performance of Mozart Requiem open to singers of all abilities. A massed choir featuring our Emerging Artists programme (Katie Carmichael, Caitlin Mackenzie, Austin Smith, Timi Bimbo-Adeola) and the Borders Chamber Orchestra rehearse together, culminating in a wonderful performance. Register from 13:45 to sing, or book audience tickets for the 18:30 performance.
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Brass · Community
Brass in the Scottish Borders
Sunday 13 September · Melrose Parish Church · 19:00
A highly entertaining evening celebrating brass band music in the Borders. The Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band (SBYBB) — founded 2009, six-time Scottish Youth Champions and European representatives — performs alongside the UK championship standard Jedforest Instrumental Band, founded 1854 in Jedburgh. Conductor Phil Rosier leads Jedforest, with Stuart Black conducting the SBYBB.
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Chamber · Patrons Only
Gina MacCormack & Nigel Clayton
Monday 14 September · Bowhill House · 18:00
Violin and piano — an exclusive chamber recital for festival Patrons at Bowhill House.
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Jazz · Educational
SNJO Big Band Workshop and Showcase
Tuesday 15 September · Peebles High School · 15:00
Members of the Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra work with the IMS Big Band at Peebles High School, culminating in a free public showcase performance at 15:00. Part of the festival's partnership with Scottish Borders Council Instrumental Music Service.
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Opera
Bluebeard's Castle
Wednesday 16 September · Holy Trinity Church · 20:00
Emotionally Volatile Productions present Bartók's one-act masterpiece. In Duke Bluebeard's Castle, his new wife Judith unlocks seven mysterious doors. A work of extraordinary atmosphere, astonishing theatrical power and beauty — performed in a reduced and intimate semi-staged English language version by two acclaimed professional opera singers.
'Sung by the fabulous Catherine Backhouse, one of Scotland's finest singers. Her range is phenomenal.' — Brian Bannatyne-Scott, Edinburgh Music Review
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Talk · Free
In Conversation — LIVE Borders
Thursday 17 September · Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels · 18:00
By popular demand — our CEO Robert Marshall in conversation with Martha Burns-Findlay, the new Head of Culture at LIVE Borders, on the challenges and opportunities of supporting culture and the performing arts across the Borders. Free to attend.
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Choral · Educational
Primary Schools Singing Workshop
Friday 18 September · St Mary's School · 10:00
A singing workshop for primary school children from across the Scottish Borders, culminating in a free showcase performance at 11:30 for parents. Part of the festival's education and outreach programme.
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Folk · International
Lucie Hendry Trio
Saturday 19 September · Corn Exchange · 14:30
Fresh from Celtic Connections, lever harpist Lucie Hendry moves fluidly between genres, blending Scottish folk traditions with Nordic and contemporary jazz influences. Now based in Denmark, Lucie leads a dynamic trio with Scottish guitarist Chris Amer and Danish drummer Christoffer Skovhus — combining distinctive styles with original compositions.
'Each piece is a masterclass in harp technique and expression' — Folkworld
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Jazz · International
Paul Harrison Trio
Saturday 19 September · Corn Exchange · 19:00
After a sold-out Edinburgh Jazz Festival concert, Paul Harrison and his trio bring The Köln Concert Revisited to Melrose — a tribute to Keith Jarrett's legendary 1975 recording, the best-selling solo album in jazz history. With BBC Young Jazz Musician winner Brodie Jarvie (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums).
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Orchestral · Youth
SCO VIBE in the Borders Showcase
Sunday 20 September · Galashiels Academy · 15:00
Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s acclaimed VIBE project comes to Galashiels Academy for a high-energy showcase performance. Led by SCO musicians, including Paul Griffiths, VIBE brings young people together from across the borders to create, collaborate, and perform original music in a fun, inclusive environment. Ticketed event (free admission).
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Choral · Closing
Festival Evensong
Sunday 20 September · Holy Trinity Church · 18:30 - 19:30
Borders Chamber Choir conducted by Robert Marshall, with David Goodenough on organ — a fitting and beautiful conclusion to ten days of exceptional music, in Holy Trinity Church where the festival began. All are welcome.
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Inspiring the Next Generation
Education and community engagement are central to the Borders Music Festival. In 2026 we and our partners are working with schools and young musicians across the Borders through a series of workshops and other immersive projects.
Borders Music Festival 2026
Emerging Artists
The Borders Music Festival is proud to present five outstanding young Scottish soloists as part of our Emerging Artists programme. Performing alongside the Borders Chamber Orchestra in the Come and Sing — Mozart Requiem on Saturday 12th September, these talented musicians represent the very best of the next generation of Scottish classical singing.
Katie Carmichael
Soprano
Click to read biography
Caitlin Mackenzie
Mezzo-soprano
Click to read biography
Austin Smith
Tenor
Click to read biography
Timi Bimbo-Adeola
Bass-baritone
Click to read biography
Alex White
Bass
Click to read biography
Where to Find Us
Festival Venues
Educational Projects