It’s my great pleasure to present Bath Bachfest 2026. I’ve been fortunate to play at this festival and feel honoured to be following Amelia Freedman as Artistic Director.

Amelia was a central figure in my life through our work with the Nash Ensemble – we all miss her enormously and I would like to dedicate this programme to her memory. Her achievements here, and with so many other musical institutions in the UK, are profound and enduring.

This year’s Bachfest performances trace several interlinking lines from the beginnings of the baroque to Gluck’s early classical works, with Bach at its core. Solomon’s Knot mark their first visit to Bath with a narrated performance of early English baroque masterpieces. The Italian and French baroque, so integral to Bach’s development, is represented by Corelli, Vivaldi, Couperin and Rameau. Some of Bach’s most famous creations will be heard, including his Goldberg Variations, Well-Tempered Clavier, cantatas and solo violin works. A specially formed ensemble of outstanding musicians will perform, before regular visitors The Sixteen and Harry Christophers bring the weekend to a close at Bath Abbey. We look forward to welcoming you.

Adrian Brendel, Artistic Director