The Edinburgh Renaissance Band

Written By Jean Allen

The Edinburgh Renaissance Band

Formed over half a century ago in 1973, the Edinburgh Renaissance Band is a merry group of Edinburgh-based musicians performing European medieval and Renaissance music from the 13th to 17th centuries with an emphasis on the music of Scotland. The Band is known for the wide variety of instruments used - over 100 period instruments with magnificent names and often bewildering shapes, including shawms, cornetti, sackbuts, nakers, viols, fiddles, crumhorns, gemshorns, bells, bagpipes, racketts, and serpents. It presents well-researched programmes with informality and authenticity, making early music accessible for everyone.

This August the ERB have two shows in the Festival Fringe.

Saints and Sinners 2026 is at artSpace@St Marks (Venue 125) 17-19 August (various times, see Fringe website for details). Saints are in short supply these days, sinners sadly less so. This is a divine selection of religious and secular vocal and instrumental music from medieval and Renaissance Europe and Central America. The variety of the pieces is matched by the enormous range of period instruments used. The presentation is friendly and informative, and the band members are happy to chat about instruments and music afterwards.

Edinburgh Renaissance Band’s Viol Rackett Show 2026 at St Cecilia’s Hall Venue 77) on Sunday 23 August at 3pm. The Edinburgh Renaissance Band joins with the Edinburgh Early Dancers to present a programme of music and dance from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The Band shows off its huge range of period instruments, accompanied by colourful costumed dancers. Music Director Murray Campbell adds his lively commentary. Suitable for all ages.

Children are free at both shows, but need a pre-booked ticket.

‍https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/edinburgh-renaissance-band-s-saints-and-sinners-2026

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/edinburgh-renaissance-band-s-viol-rackett-show-2026

Website: https://www.edinburghrenaissanceband.com/‍ ‍

photo credit: Toby Young

Jean Allen

Jean fell in love with music at her state primary school, where every pupil was encouraged to be in a choir, play a recorder, and learn a stringed instrument. As part of a varied career in librarianship, she was Music Librarian at Nottingham University. She is on the committee of the Friends of St Cecilia’s Hall and Museum.

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Georgian Concert Society 2026-27 Programme