At the heart of this year’s Festival lies the theme Transfiguration, inspired by Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht (‘Transfigured Night’). Across four varied programmes, the Festival explores music shaped by change, reflection, conflict and pacifism, bringing together works spanning four centuries – from French Baroque music performed on period instruments to some of the most distinctive voices of the 20th century, alongside new music and a world premiere.

Each concert offers a different perspective on transformation and creative expression. The Festival opens with Schoenberg’s extraordinary Verklärte Nacht alongside Brahms’s Second String Sextet, and goes on to feature music by Ravel, Frank Bridge and Amy Beach. The French Baroque programme offers a glimpse into an earlier musical world, while the Festival culminates in the world premiere of Jan Rautio’s Requiem, a setting of Anna Akhmatova’s poetry.

Alongside the concerts, audiences are invited into the creative process through Artists in Conversation events and open rehearsals, offering opportunities to meet the musicians and discover more about the music.

Jane Gordon, Artistic Director

We look forward to welcoming our 2026 Festival Artists: Felix Ensemble, Rautio Piano Trio, Ensemble Molière, Elmore Quartet, Hannah Dienes-Williams, Steve Williams and Jan Rautio, and to presenting our Artists in Conversation and Open Rehearsals events.