Musicians at the Edinburgh International Festival, 1947–1956

Musicians at the Edinburgh International Festival, 1947 to 1957 lists the major artists who have appeared at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Orchestras and groups from Scotland, Britain, Europe and America were all invited to perform.

From the beginning the Scottish Orchestra, now known as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and BBC Scottish Orchestra were present, joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Hallé Orchestra,

Major European orchestras included the Vienna Philharmonic, the Vienna Hofmusikkapelle, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Orchestra of La Scala, Milan, Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Orchestre national de la Radiodiffusion française, now called the Orchestre National de France.

From America came the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of New York, now known as the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Each orchestra or group came with celebrated conductors and soloists, many of whom are still famous today as their recordings remain the standard by which contemporary musicians are judged.