Reid Concert Hall

Do you hear that sound? It’s a gentle hum, a whisper of history, gently emanating from the Reid Concert Hall. Stand here in front of this grand sandstone building, a beacon of culture and music, and imagine the symphony of sounds that have filled its elegant halls for over 160 years. You are now standing at one of the oldest surviving purpose-built musical museums in the world. This building, named after a General John Reid, a passionate musician and army officer, was a gift to the University of Edinburgh in 1859. It was his vision to establish a Chair in Music for the university. General Reid’s gift made him the founding patron of the Chair of Music at Edinburgh University. This was the birth of the Reid Concert Hall, a space designed to amplify, not just sound but knowledge and artistic passion. Just glimpse this amazing building, with its distinctive Italianate Neoclassical design, and imagine the students, scholars, and musicians who have walked through its doors. This building is more than just a concert hall. It has seen centuries of music, from classical chamber performances played by talented students to the annual Reid Concert, held on February 13th, a celebration of General Reid’s legacy. It has even earned its own nickname, “The Cowbarn”, during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when it plays host to a plethora of live performances. There’s no doubt that the Reid Concert Hall is an important landmark, but it’s also much more than that. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music, a place where generations have gathered to share their love and passion for art. So let the sound of history wash over you as you stand here, right in front of the Reid Concert Hall, a haven for music and a symbol of Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural scene.