Perth Festival of the Arts 2026

P E R T H F E S T I V A L O F T H E A R T S 20 BUY AT PERTH FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE JAZZ IN PERTH MEET THE MUSIC. MEET THE CITY. Swingin’ Strings Jazz Workshop Bridge the gap between Classical/Folk and Jazz by loosening up your rhythm and learning to Swing! Through just three chords, you'll learn a tune by ear and begin to improvise from scratch using techniques you already know and 'licks' you'll learn on the day. A one-hour workshop for string players of all ages. 10:30 | ST JOHN’S KIRK | TICKETS £5 Perth & Kinross Big Band Perth and Kinross Big Band is one of the most popular and vibrant ensembles in the local music community. Known for its energy, commitment and unmistakable team spirit, the band inspires young musicians year after year. Conductor, Iona Crosby, once played in the band as a pupil - a wonderful full-circle story that reflects the strong tradition and continuity at the ensemble's heart. 11:00 | ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH | FREE Rhapsody in Blue - An Afternoon of Gershwin BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician winner pianist Ben Shankland joins forces with Scottish Jazz Award-winning violinist/ vocalist Seonaid Aitken to present a celebration of George and Ira Gershwin’s music. Featuring the 100+ year-old symphonic masterpiece ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ - performed alongside their 9-piece string orchestra - these cross-genre musicians explore the meeting of Jazz and Classical styles in Gershwin’s music with selections from the iconic opera ‘Porgy & Bess’ and favourites such as ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’. As well as showcasing Aitken’s cinematic string arrangements, the concert will include a performance by Jazz piano trio with bassist David Bowden (Fergus McCreadie Trio). 14:30 | ST JOHN’S KIRK TICKETS £25 (SAVE £5 WITH A JAZZ PASS!) SAT 30 MAY