Choirs, crescendos and colossal concerts: six classical music festivals coming soon

Every year, the very best in contemporary and time-honoured classical music is celebrated at festivals around the country. It’s quick and easy to hop on a train and explore the world of Mozart, Bach, Handel and more at these top events.

Bath Bachfest

21–23 February
Various venues
Sister to the city’s Mozart festival in autumn, Bath Bachfest is a fitting celebration to one of classical music’s biggest stars, Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as his Baroque-era contemporaries. This year’s festival will open with a performance by the fabulous vocal ensemble Stile Antico, followed by concerts from guitarist Xuefei Yang and the aptly-named violinist Margaret Faultless.
bathbachfest.co.uk
Take a GWR train to Bath Spa station

Cornwall Music Festival

18–23 March
Truro Methodist Church
Run entirely by volunteers, Cornwall Music Festival is a competitive festival that gives amateurs the opportunity to prove their mettle and offers a platform to trumpet their talents. Performances include vocal and instrumental concerts, as well as verse speaking in English and Cornish.
cornwallmusicfestival.co.uk
Take GWR train to Truro station

London Handel Festival

27 March – 29 April
Various venues
This year’s London Handel Festival will focus on the famous female singers associated with Handel – the ‘divas’ of his day – for whom he wrote some of his best-loved works. The highlight for 2019 has to be a performance of Berenice, which will be the debut concert at the newly refurbished Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House, not heard there since Handel presented it in 1737.
london-handel-festival.com
Take GWR train to Paddington station

London Festival of Baroque Music

10–18 May
Various venues
The London Festival of Baroque Music’s 36th annual outing will explore themes of travel and discovery, encouraging visitors to go on a grand tour of music inspired by cultures far and wide. Full details have yet to be announced, but you can never go wrong with some Baroque barnstormers.
lfbm.org.uk
Take GWR train to Paddington station

Newbury Spring Festival

11–25 May
Various venues
The annual Newbury Spring Festival promises two weeks of world-class music, including concerts by classical, jazz and world music performers. On this year’s bill are BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Budapest Cafe Orchestra and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra. The festival has been running for 40 years, so you know you’ll be in safe hands.
newburyspringfestival.org.uk
Take GWR train to Newbury station

The Bath Festival

17–26 May
Various venues
The Bath Festival promises a week of music and literature events, with performances by stars from classical, popular and world music, followed by a week-long closing extravaganza, perfect for pop-lovers. At the time of writing, this year’s line-up was not available, but 2018 looked a blast and included shows by pianist Roman Rabinovich and baritone Roderick Williams, as well as Ben Folds.
bathfestivals.org.uk
Take GWR train to Bath Spa station