Music is central to the life of Edinburgh New Town Church. Led by our Director of Music, Ian Munro, it shapes worship, fills the building and brings people together in shared experience. From the sound of bells across George Street to the richness of choir and organ, music is both part of our tradition and a living part of the church today.
The building itself plays its part. Its distinctive shape and acoustics create a space where music carries, resonates and is heard at its best. Throughout the year, music is present in many forms, in worship, in concerts and recitals, and during the Edinburgh Festival, when the church becomes a place for performance and gathering. Whether you come to listen, to take part or simply to experience the space, you are warmly welcome.
The Choir
The Choir of Edinburgh New Town Church is a dedicated four-part ensemble, made up of volunteer singers and choral scholars. Rehearsing weekly from September to June, the choir leads music in Sunday worship and at additional services throughout the year.
These include seasonal services such as Advent and Epiphany Lessons and Carols, musical reflections during Lent and Passiontide, and concerts at Christmas and during the Edinburgh Festival. The choir also hosts special events, including recent “Come and Sing” performances.
New members are always welcome. To find out more about joining the choir as a volunteer singer or choral scholar, please contact our Director of Music, Ian Munro.
The Organ
Our organ, built by the Wells-Kennedy Partnership, has been part of the church since 1984 and was refurbished and enhanced in 2014.
Designed to support congregational singing while offering a wide and flexible repertoire, it is played regularly in worship and in concerts throughout the year.
The instrument attracts visiting organists from across the UK and beyond, contributing to a varied programme of recitals and performances. It is played by our Director of Music, Ian Munro, whose work shapes much of the musical life of the church.
Further technical details of the instrument can be found here:
The Bells
Our peal of eight bells, installed in 1788, are the oldest in Scotland hung for full-circle change ringing. Restored in 2006, they continue to be rung each week following Sunday worship, as well as for special services and occasions.
A dedicated group of ringers meets regularly in the tower, welcoming both experienced visitors and those new to ringing. If you are interested in learning or joining, you are warmly invited to get in touch:
Music at Noon
The Church’s regular lunchtime concert series brings live music into the heart of the city throughout the year.
The series welcomes performers from across a wide range of musical styles and backgrounds, with concerts taking place in the unique setting and acoustic of the Sanctuary. Recitals are free to attend, with a retiring collection supporting both the performers and the wider musical life of the church, including scholarships and future music projects.
For upcoming concerts and event details, please visit the What’s On calendar.
To enquire about performing as part of the series, please contact Ian Munro:
Music and Performance
Beyond worship, Edinburgh New Town Church is a place for performance and shared cultural life. Its unique shape and acoustics make it a distinctive setting for concerts and events throughout the year.
During the Edinburgh Festival, the church becomes a vibrant venue, welcoming performers and audiences from across the city and beyond. At Christmas, Easter and other key moments in the year, music continues to play a central role in marking the life of the church and its wider community.
Choral & Music Scholarships
Edinburgh New Town Church has a long tradition of supporting young musicians through its Choral and Music Scholarship programme. Scholarships are awarded annually to students in full-time education and are open to those with strong musical ability and an enthusiasm for contributing to the musical life of the church. Previous scholars have come from a wide range of academic backgrounds and applications are welcomed from all students.
Choral Scholars take part in weekly rehearsals, Sunday services, concerts and special events throughout the year, with opportunities for solo and recital performance. A Music Scholarship is also available for a keyboard player supporting the work of the choir.
Under the direction of Ian Munro, Director of Music, scholars gain valuable experience performing in both worship and concert settings while developing a wide range of repertoire and ensemble skills.
To find out more or enquire about scholarships, please contact:
