Percussion Takes Centre Stage at Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Perth Youth Orchestra
Perth Youth Orchestra brought an electrifying performance to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Thursday 21 August 2025, captivating a packed audience in Greyfriars Kirk with a thrilling programme that placed percussion in the spotlight.
The highlight of the evening was a landmark performance of Ziek’s Concerto for Percussion Solo, featuring rising star Zöe Neave as soloist. Commanding an array of instruments with precision, energy, and artistry, Neave delivered a performance that was both technically dazzling and emotionally compelling.
Under the baton of conductor Lorna McGovern, Perth Youth Orchestra provided a vivid, dynamic accompaniment, matching the soloist’s intensity with a vibrant orchestral sound. The concerto’s shifting moods — from rhythmic drive to atmospheric colour — showcased the ensemble’s versatility and Neave’s extraordinary musicianship.
The concert was part of Perth Youth Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to giving young musicians opportunities to perform challenging and ambitious repertoire on one of the world’s most renowned festival stages. Their appearance at Greyfriars Kirk, a venue renowned for its acoustic clarity and historic beauty, added an extra dimension to an already memorable evening.
The audience’s enthusiastic ovation, recognised both the soloist’s remarkable achievement and the orchestra’s spirited performance under Mrs McGovern’s assured leadership.
Perth Youth Orchestra’s 2025 Festival Fringe appearance reaffirms its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading youth ensembles — and marks a significant milestone in Zoé Neave’s developing career as a percussionist of rare talent.