Brass Tracks was formed in 2013 by Edinburgh trumpet players Finlay Hetherington and John Sampson and their quintet are no strangers to the Edinburgh Fringe scene. Below are details of their 2026 shows that are all being performed at Venue 125.
Brass Tracks Quintet
Brass Tracks Quintet is made up of Finlay Hetherington, John Sampson – Trumpet; Robert Newth – Horn; Fiona McLean Williamson – Trombone and Robert Fraser -Tuba, and their 2026 Edinburgh Fringe programme celebrates 20th-century brass music from American rhythmic brilliance to Russian colour. The hour’s performance unites the sounds of brass in virtuosic, expressive, continent-spanning sound.
The programme showcases how composers reshaped brass music in the remarkable musical era of the 1900s so expect brilliance, warmth and virtuosity as the sound of brass unite in a rich tapestry of styles, as each work reveals the distinctive voice of its creator.
Date and time: 20th August at 6.30
Running time: 60 mins
Venue: Venue 125
St Mark`s Unitarian Church,7 Castle terrace Edinburgh
Ticket prices: £15 concessions £12
Mrs Weatherby’s Concert Party
In an evening of good, old-fashioned Scottish entertainment featuring some of Edinburgh’s best-known performers – Wendy Weatherby (cello, vocals), John Sampson (trumpet, crumhorn, recorders), Sandy Brechin (accordion), Andy Cannon (storyteller), Allan and Rosemary McMillan (vocals, guitar), Pete Baynes (ukulele, vocals) and Lawrence Dunn (fiddle) – a cheerful, poignant or nostalgic jaunt through our favourite songs, tunes and stories awaits. From Scotland’s rich, dramatic folk traditions to the light-hearted fun of its variety theatres, there’s something for everyone at this party!
Date and time: 23rd August at 7pm
Running time: 75mins
Venue: Fringe Venue 125 (address as above)
Ticket prices: 2 tickets £10
Bruntsfield Baroque
As part of their stated mission to showcase Scottish Composers and their strong links with Europe in the 18th century, Bruntsfield Baroque invites you to transport yourself back to the Edinburgh of the 1700s, with where a wonderful variety of music from the era is in store.
With John Sampson on recorders, Sheena Jardine on violin, Malcolm Garden playing the cello and Frances Scott providing continuo, the ensemble specialises in music that would have been heard in drawing rooms throughout the Capital’s New Town. From an ‘Air on a Scotch Ground’ by Nicola Matteis, to sonatas by Telemann and Handel, there’s entertainment in a variety of solos, duets and trio sonatas from across Europe, along with some intriguing stories.
Date and time: 24th August at 6.30pm
Running time: 60mins
Venue: Fringe Venue 125 (address as above)
Ticket prices: £15 concessions £12
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 