Bath International Music Festival
The Bath International Music Festival has an illustrious artistic history and has long been a well-established event of national significance and international reputation, presenting a dynamic mix of world-class performers. The Festival takes place annually over 12 days in late May/early June, and showcases a rich range of high quality events featuring orchestral and classical virtuosos, jazz giants, folk, roots and world musicians, innovative collaborations and unique commissions.
The internationally renowned musician Joanna MacGregor has been the Festivals Artistic Director since 2006, and has rejuvenated the programme, emphasizing the connections between musical genres and world traditions, and commissioning unique projects, often focusing on a contemporary social or environmental issues.
The 2009 Festival kicked off on 22 May with Party in the City a mammoth night of free music in Bath city centre, featuring over 100 performers in venues throughout the city, including a community commission by Stephen Hiscock Underneath in Bath Abbey, plus a headline show from Mali's brilliant blues guitarist Vieux Farka Toure in the Pavilion. Other highlights from the 2009 programme included a stunning concert by South African mezzo soprano Sibongile Khumalo in Bath Abbey; a unique water-bound opera featuring music by Handel set afloat the Roman Baths The Battle Of Quiberon Bay; American jazz giant Branford Marsalis; King of Appalachian Country Dr Ralph Stanley; and a sumptously romantic programme of Gershwin and Stravinksy from the BBC Concert Orchestra.
You can get up-close to the Festival by becoming a Friend, taking part in a community education project or volunteering to steward at our events.
The 2010 Bath International Music Festival takes place on 26th May - 6th June. To go on our mailing list contact Bath Festivals Box Office on (01225) 463362 or you can receive regular updates by email by signing up to our e-newsletter list here. For further information visit www.bathmusicfest.org.uk