11 - 20 September 2026
What's On
Ten days of world-class music in the Scottish Borders
The 2026 programme features ten days of exceptional music in the Scottish Borders — choral, orchestral, opera, folk, jazz and educational events for young people. Browse the full programme below or filter by genre.
Ross Milligan’s Swing Four Quartet
Opening night of the Borders Music Festival 2026 – a rare opportunity to hear four leading lights of the Scottish jazz scene perform together. Ross Milligan’s Swing Four pay tribute to the great names in jazz, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Joe Pass and
Come and Sing – Mozart Requiem
Join us for one of the festival’s most beloved events – Come and Sing the Mozart Requiem. Singers: Check in and collect scores from 1:45 pm, rehearsal begins at 2 pm with the Borders Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Robert Marshall. Come and Enjoy! – Full evening performance Audience:
SBBBA Youth Band & Jedforest Brass Band
A celebration of brass band music featuring the Scottish Borders Brass Band Association Youth Band and the Jedforest Band, with a Young Slow Melody Showcase. A wonderful evening of accessible, vibrant music showcasing some of the finest young and experienced brass players in the Borders. Artist’s Website 👉 www.jedforestinstrumentalband.org.uk FIND
Patrons Evening – Gina McCormack & Nigel Clayton
Monday 14th September – 18:00 – Bowhill House, Selkirk An exclusive chamber recital for Borders Music Festival Patrons. Violinist Gina MacCormack joins pianist Nigel Clayton for an intimate evening of chamber music at Bowhill House. Drinks from 6:00pm, talk and music from 6:30pm, dinner at 8:00pm. NB: This event is
SCO Immerse Project
Tuesday 15th September – All day – Galashiels Academy Immerse is a unique orchestral experience for upper secondary music and art pupils that enables students to experience the excitement of a live orchestra in concert and explore the relationship between music and art. The programme features The Origin of Colour
SNJO Big Band Workshop and Showcase
Tuesday 15 September – 10:00 – 15:45 (Public Showcase: 15:00 – 15:45) – Peebles High School. Members of the professional Scottish National Jazz Orchestra work with SNJO Big Band Workshop and Showcase. Following their fantastic opening performance at last year’s Festival, we are thrilled to welcome back the exceptional tutors
The Sixteen
Tuesday 15th September – 19:00 – Melrose Parish Church. SOLD OUT! One of the world’s finest choral ensembles, The Sixteen bring their unparalleled artistry to Melrose Parish Church for a programme of early music and Renaissance polyphony. Founded by Harry Christophers, The Sixteen are celebrated for their recordings and performances
Bluebeard’s Castle
Wednesday 16th September – 20:00 – Holy Trinity Church, Melrose Emotionally Volatile Productions brings Bartók’s darkly compelling opera to the intimate setting of Holy Trinity Church. Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a landmark of 20th-century opera – a psychological drama of power, secrets and love. Performed in a stunning intimate staging
In Conversation – with LIVE Borders
Thursday 17th September – 18:00 – The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels A conversation with the leadership of Live Borders about their role and vision for culture and the performing arts across the Borders. After the success of last year’s event at which we discussed the Scottish Borders Council’s
Primary Schools Singing Workshop
Friday 18th September – 10:00 (Showcase 11:30) – St Mary’s School, Melrose A special singing workshop for 80 primary school children from schools across the Scottish Borders, led by members of The Sixteen. Taking place at St Mary’s School, Melrose, this education event is part of the festival’s commitment to
The London Handel Players – Pearls of the Baroque
Friday 18th September – 19:00 – Melrose Parish Church. The London Handel Players bring period performance to the highest level – performing on original instruments in a vibrant programme of Baroque masterworks. Pearls of the Baroque showcases some of the finest music of the 17th and 18th centuries, performed with
Lucie Hendry Trio
Saturday 19th September – 14:30 – Corn Exchange, Melrose International folk at its finest – the Lucie Hendry Trio bring their distinctive sound to the Corn Exchange for an afternoon of world-class folk music. A perfect Saturday afternoon event in the heart of Melrose. Artist’s Website 👉 www.luciehendry.com FIND OUT
Paul Harrison Trio
Saturday 19th September – 19:00 – Corn Exchange, Melrose. After a sold-out concert at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, here is another chance to hear a unique jazz concert by three outstanding musicians. One of jazz’s artistic milestones was when legendary pianist Keith Jarrett played at the Opera House in Köln
SCO VIBE Showcase
Sunday 20th September – 15:00 – Galashiels Academy 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
Festival Evensong
Sunday 20th September – 18:30 – Holy Trinity Church, Melrose The closing event of Borders Music Festival 2026 – a Festival Evensong sung by the Borders Chamber Choir conducted by our own Robert Marshall and accompanied by the legendary David Goodenough on the organ. A fitting and beautiful conclusion to
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