Music Across Borders
This spring, Live Music Now Scotland took part in Festival of Europe Scotland through an international exchange with Live Music Now Vienna — bringing musicians and audiences together across borders through live performance.
An evening at the National Galleries of Scotland
As part of their visit to Edinburgh, Duo Winter–Djurdjevic — Anna Winter (flute) and Mihajlo Djurdjević (guitar) — performed at the National Galleries of Scotland as part of Festival of Europe Scotland.
Set within the informal surroundings of the gallery, the performance invited audiences to pause for a moment and experience live music in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Visitors drifted in and out, some stopping unexpectedly, others staying for the full performance — one of the lovely things about sharing music in public spaces.
The concert also formed part of Live Music Now Scotland’s long-standing partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland, which this year celebrates 85 years of musical performances in the galleries.
Rooted in the vision of founder Yehudi Menuhin, Live Music Now supports musicians at the start of their careers while bringing high-quality live music into communities and settings where it can have real impact.
“At this concert we will be treated to some brilliantly talented musicians in a programme celebrating European artists; it is a real pleasure to be presenting in partnership with the Festival of Europe’. Artists hold such an important role in our society, exploring new ways of thinking while providing moments for joy, peace and togetherness.“
— Jude Anderson, Chief Executive, Live Music Now Scotland
Beyond the gallery walls
The visit to Scotland didn’t stop at the concert at the National on the Mound.
During their time in Edinburgh, Anna and Mihajlo also performed in local care homes, sharing music with residents in much smaller and more personal settings. These performances are an important part of Live Music Now’s work — bringing live music into spaces where it can spark conversation, memories, reflection or simply a moment of enjoyment in the day.
Moving between the gallery and care home settings also reflected something central to Live Music Now: the idea that music belongs everywhere, and that meaningful musical experiences can happen in all kinds of places.
About Festival of Europe Scotland
Festival of Europe Scotland, now in its third year, continues to grow as a community-led programme shaped by partners, volunteers and participants. Through music, film, conversation and creative events, it offers opportunities to explore shared experiences across Scotland, the UK and Europe.
This event was supported by the NGS Foundation and the Festival of Europe (Scotland). Elaine Ballantyne, the festival’s Trustee and Director, said:
“Scotland has a rich heritage of European connections and the Festival of Europe (Scotland) is delighted to support Live Music Now and the National Galleries of Scotland in furthering new European opportunities for young musicians. We very much look forward to the Duo Winter–Djurdjevic concert on the opening of our 2026 Festival programme on 7 May.”
About the National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland cares for and shares the nation’s art collection across its sites in Edinburgh — National, Portrait and Modern — as well as the Granton Centre for Art in North Edinburgh. Its collection spans historic and contemporary works, including one of the world’s most significant collections of Scottish art alongside international artists such as Botticelli, Titian and Van Gogh. Through exhibitions, events and partnerships, the National Galleries of Scotland works to make art accessible to a wide range of audiences, supporting learning, research and public engagement with the visual arts.