‘’Joyous and mesmerising music making” at Bath Bachfest 2026 

This was The Guardian critic’s verdict as she awarded 5 Stars and gave a glowing review.   And we have to agree! 

Adrian Brendel’s first festival as Artistic Director proved to be a success on every level: outstanding music from fine musicians; wonderfully enthusiastic audiences; purring reviews and a pervasive sense of optimism.   

Rian Evans, The Guardian critic quoted above, paid tribute to Adrian and to the ‘virtuosic and adventurous performances’ of the three Bachfest Ensemble concerts she attended and declared that new life had been breathed into the festival.  This specially formed group of highly talented musicians at the start of their careers was particularly praised for the energy and commitment to the music they played.  

With seven, rather than the previous five, concerts this year, including a late-night event, plus the splendidly dramatic performance given by Solomon’s Knot on the opening night there was much that was new and fresh.  And audiences responded enthusiastically to this innovation. 

The Bachfest did not forget its roots though, and Adrian opened The Sixteen’s concert in Bath Abbey with a tribute to his predecessor, Amelia Freedman.  It was a joy to see Bath Abbey full and, as the Bachtrack critic commented in his 4-star review of this concert, the Bach and Gluck programme would ‘surely have delighted’ Amelia, as it did the sell-out audience in a programme in which ‘the atmosphere and exhilaration of the music was terrifically present’. 

In short, a fabulous festival.  Now we can all look forward to November’s Mozartfest…  

Bath Mozartfest  Friday 13- Saturday 21 November 2026 

Bath Bachfest Thursday 25- Saturday 27 February 2027