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 2010 Festival kicks off on 26 May with the stunning Rustavi Ensemble from Georgia, in Bath Abbey.  Friday 28 May is Bath's biggest party night, Party in the City a mammoth night of free music in Bath city centre, featuring over 100 performers in venues throughout the city, plus a headline show from bluegrass favourites The Wilders in the Pavilion.  Other highlights from the 2010 programme include a unique performance from the English National Ballet  in Bath Abbey; Handel's Israel in Egypt in a spectacular production afloat the Roman Baths; American Jazz & Soul legend Booker T; Scottish folk and pop darling Eddi Reader;  and all-out dancing finale with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

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