Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's monumental cantata trilogy, The Song of Hiawatha (1899), became a sensation in the early 20th century, regularly selling out the Royal Albert Hall. Inspired by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem about an Ojibwe warrior, the now rarely performed piece is one of Coleridge-Taylor's greatest achievements.

With colourful orchestration and imaginative choral writing, the work explores themes of celebration (Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast), mourning (The Death of Minnehaha) and transcendence (Hiawatha’s Departure). Among the memorable solo numbers are the tenor’s romantic ‘Onaway! Awake, beloved!’ and the baritone’s impassioned ‘Farewell, said he, Minnehaha’.

Join the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conductor Rafael Payare, a trio of star soloists including Scottish tenor Nicky Spence, and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus for the first Festival performance of this choral masterpiece. They have invited Uchenna Ngwe, a specialist in Black British classical music, to introduce its fascinating history. She will be joined by Anton Treuer, an Ojibwe author, professor, and public speaker.

How To Get Your Tickets

1. Book your desired number of tickets and await an email from us confirming your order. This is NOT a ticket.

2. Await your e-ticket(s) from the venue - these may be delivered on the day of the event. Your e-ticket(s) will be sent to your contact email address.

3. Take your e-ticket(s) and show them on entry at the event. Ensure that you take personal ID with you or you may be turned away.

Pricing Information

• No further payment applies beyond the TFG booking fee

Additional Information

• This performance runtime is approximately 3 hours (including one interval), but runtimes may vary by up to 15 mins due to last-minute changes and encores

• For further event information please visit here

Accessibility Information

• Please note: We recommend, where you have specific access requirements, bookings are made directly through the event organiser, however, we are here to assist where possible. Please get in touch with us prior to booking if you have access requirements. For accessibility information please visit here

Key Terms of Sale

• Tickets are non-refundable / non-exchangeable
• Tickets cannot be resold or transferred
• The account holder must be in attendance at the event
These are the key terms. Full terms apply and are available here