As the Festival season draws to a close this year, Edinburgh will still play host to the best of Scotland’s emerging talent throughout the winter as a new programme of Sound Check events is announced.

Following a celebrated series of concerts last year, the groundbreaking ‘Emerging Artists’ scheme returns for a second successive year.

Featuring the best of Scotland’s young professional talent, the series gives artists a unique opportunity to perform live in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh’s premier concert hall, and gives audiences a chance to hear tomorrow’s stars today.

In partnership with Live Music Now, a charity set up by Yehudi Menuhin in 1977, the initiative not only makes high quality live music accessible, it also supports young musicians at the outset of their careers.

Councillor Deidre Brock, Culture Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great to welcome this series back with a new programme and a new set of talented young performers, who I’m certain will be inspired by the fantastic setting of Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

“Some of Scotland’s best young musicians will have the opportunity to play on the stage where such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, the Flaming Lips and classical star Nicola Benedetti have performed.”

A range of genres will be on offer, from singer/song writer talent Jo Mango, with her haunting, evocative vocals, to the exuberant rhythm and soul of Hebridean-originals Skerryvore.

All the concerts will take place from 11.00-11.45am, with school pupils, children and students in for free. All other tickets are £2.

Members of the audience have the opportunity to chat with the artists afterwards in the Usher Hall Café Bar. To book, visit usherhall.co.uk or call the box office on 0131 228 1155.