We Are Edinburgh's Philharmonic Orchestra United by Passion for Music
Our Story
We unite people through the transformative power of music by delivering artistic excellence, creating accessible musical experiences, and serving the people and cultural life of Edinburgh.
Capella Edina is Edinburgh’s Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 2024 by the now 22-year-old German conductor Luis Schmidt as the city’s first resident professional philharmonic orchestra since 1937. Guided by our motto, United by Passion for Music, the orchestra brings together a hand-picked group of brilliantly talented musicians from across the Central Belt of Scotland with a shared commitment to artistic excellence, accessibility, and service.
Every donation, no matter the size, has an impact on our work.
Like many registered arts charities, we balance our mission of widening access to orchestral music with staying financially sustainable.
We believe that music has the power to transform people’s lives and that’s what we want to present by delivering artistic excellence in accessible concerts and school workshops for our home city and our community in Edinburgh.
Your support can help us to share our passion with the entire community.
Upcoming Concerts
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Current News
Capella Edina to Celebrate Edinburgh 900 with a Special Concert
On Thursday, 26th June 2025, Capella Edina will return to the Usher Hall with a special concert to celebrate Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary.
The concert, entitled “Celebrate Edinburgh 900” will present a varied programme of waltzes and polkas by the infamous Strauss family alongside Scottish traditional music.
Capella Edina Appoints Two New Trustees
As the City of Edinburgh’s symphony orchestra, Capella Edina is committed to making orchestral music more accessible to people from all different backgrounds. In light of this, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Jill Dykes and Col Allan C C Lapsley QVRM TD DL as new members to Capella Edina’s Board of Trustees.
Capella Edina Named as The City of Edinburgh’s Symphony Orchestra
During his speech, the Lord Provost reflected on the 900th anniversary of Edinburgh, this year, and announced that on the occasion of this special milestone in the city’s history, Edinburgh would finally also get its own resident symphony orchestra, Capella Edina, after nearly 90 years without one.
Capella Edina Wins Bronze ERS Award
Because of the commitment shown by Capella Edina to support our armed forces, we were nominated for a bronze award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.