10 Best Classical Music Festivals in Europe

The BBC Proms is among the world's greatest classical music festivals. Featuring a wide range of performances from established artists to emerging talents, the event takes place over eight weeks from July to September at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. It offers a diverse program of orchestral, chamber, and choral music, with highlights including the opening and closing nights, which feature large-scale works and fireworks displays. The festival also includes a series of "Proms in the Park" events in various locations across the United Kingdom. You can also explore Heritage Open Days in September for the opportunity to explore historic buildings and sites across the UK that are usually closed to the public.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the BBC Proms is its commitment to making classical music accessible to all. This is exemplified by the famous "Prommers" tradition, where attendees can purchase affordable standing tickets on the day of the performance. The festival also embraces innovation, regularly commissioning new works and featuring contemporary compositions alongside beloved classics.

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The prestigious Salzburg Festival is held in Mozart’s birthplace for five weeks from late July. It features opera, drama, and concert performances in various venues throughout the city, including the Felsenreitschule and Großes Festspielhaus. Highlights to look forward to are productions of classic operas, as well as contemporary works and world premieres. The festival also includes a series of concerts by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Salzburg Festival is renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. It attracts top-tier performers, conductors, and directors from around the globe, creating a unique atmosphere of cultural exchange and creativity. Each year, the festival explores a specific theme, which influences the programming and encourages audiences to engage with the arts in new and thought-provoking ways. The event's rich history dates back to the 1920s and combines with its continued relevance on the contemporary arts scene as an exciting experience for music lovers or cultural enthusiasts.

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The Lucerne Festival takes place from mid-August to mid-September and is known for its exceptional acoustics and stunning location in the Swiss Alps. It features a variety of concerts throughout the year, including the Spring Festival, which focuses on chamber music and solo recitals, the Piano Fest, which showcases the world's top pianists, and the Summer Festival, which offers a diverse program of orchestral, choral, and chamber music. The festival also features a series of concerts by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra.

The event is committed to nurturing young talent and promoting contemporary music. The Lucerne Festival Academy provides intensive training for emerging musicians and composers, culminating in performances during the Summer Festival. This dedication to fostering new voices in classical music, combined with its breathtaking setting and world-class performances, has solidified Lucerne's reputation as a must-visit destination for music lovers and artists.

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For a stand-out mix of opera and classical musical performances in idyllic surroundings in July, visit the Aix-en-Provence Festival. The event takes place in various venues, including the open-air Théâtre de l'Archévêché and the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume. The festival highlights productions of classic operas, as well as contemporary works and world premieres. It also features concerts by leading orchestras and soloists.

The Aix-en-Provence Festival is also committed to nurturing young talent and fostering artistic innovation. Its Académie program provides training and performance opportunities for emerging singers, instrumentalists, and composers, often integrating them into main-stage productions. This mix of established stars and rising talents creates a dynamic atmosphere that keeps the festival fresh and exciting. Its picturesque setting in the south of France adds a unique charm that will allow you to immerse yourself in world-class performances and the rich cultural heritage of Provence.

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For a hidden gem on the European classical music scene, head to Switzerland for the Verbier Festival, an event that brings together established musicians and emerging talents in the scenic Swiss Alps from late July to early August. The festival features a variety of performances, from big orchestral works to intimate chamber music. Concerts by the Verbier Festival Orchestra, conducted by renowned conductors, as well as recitals by top soloists and chamber ensembles, will be on the agenda.

The Verbier Festival’s Academy program offers young musicians the opportunity to study with world-class artists, participate in masterclasses, and perform alongside seasoned professionals. This collaborative atmosphere fosters a spirit of musical exploration and innovation, often resulting in spontaneous collaborations and unforgettable performances. The stunning mountain setting adds to the festival's charm, creating an intimate and inspiring environment for musicians and audience members.

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The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival takes place from June to August and is one of the largest classical music festivals in Europe. The event takes place in various venues throughout the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, showcasing a program of orchestral, chamber, and choral music, as well as opera and dance performances. Highlights include concerts by the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra and performances by leading soloists and ensembles.

A distinctive aspect of the festival is its use of unconventional venues, including historic churches, barns, manor houses, and even industrial sites, which add a unique atmosphere to the performances. The festival also has a strong educational component, offering masterclasses and workshops for young musicians. Each year, it focuses on a different country or theme, showcasing the music and culture of the chosen nation alongside classical repertoire. This approach not only provides a fresh perspective each season, but also promotes cultural exchange and diversity in classical music programming.

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August’s Edinburgh International Festival is one of the world's leading arts festivals, featuring classical music, opera, theater, dance, and visual arts. Taking place in various venues throughout the city, including the Usher Hall and the Edinburgh Playhouse, it includes productions of classic operas, as well as contemporary works and world premieres. It also features concerts by leading orchestras and soloists.

What makes the Edinburgh International Festival unique is its position as the centerpiece of Edinburgh's broader Festival season, which includes the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This synergy creates an atmosphere of cultural celebration throughout the city. The festival's commitment to artistic excellence is matched by its efforts to engage the local community, offering educational programs and free events that make the arts accessible to all. Its setting in Scotland's historic capital adds a rich cultural backdrop, with performances often taking place in stunning historic venues, creating a spectacular fusion of tradition and innovation.

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The Rossini Opera Festival in August is entirely dedicated to the works of Gioachino Rossini and takes place in the composer's hometown of Pesaro. It features productions of Rossini's operas, as well as concerts and recitals by leading singers and instrumentalists. Highlights include the opening and closing nights, which feature large-scale works and fireworks displays. The festival also includes a series of masterclasses and workshops for young artists.

A key aspect of the festival is its commitment to scholarly research and historically informed performances. The event collaborates closely with the Fondazione Rossini, a research institute dedicated to studying the composer's works, to present lesser-known and newly discovered pieces alongside Rossini's more famous operas. This approach has led to many world premieres of forgotten or reconstructed Rossini works, making the festival a pilgrimage site for opera enthusiasts and scholars. The intimate setting of Pesaro, with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque Adriatic coastline, provides a unique backdrop that enhances the immersive Rossini experience.

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The Helsinki Festival features classical music, theater, dance, and visual arts. The event takes place in various venues throughout the city, including the Helsinki Music Centre and the Finnish National Opera. Highlights include concerts by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as performances by leading soloists and ensembles. It also includes free outdoor events and family-friendly activities.

The Helsinki Festival embraces Finland's unique cultural identity, showcasing traditional and contemporary Finnish arts alongside international performances. The festival's "Night of the Arts" is a particularly popular event, where the entire city becomes a stage on one night for performances and exhibitions in unexpected locations. The festival also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness, integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations and programming. Its timing in August allows visitors to experience the magical atmosphere of Finland's long, light-filled evenings, adding to the overall charm of the event.

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One of the oldest multidisciplinary festivals in Europe, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival dishes up classical music, theater, dance, and visual arts between July and August. It occurs in various venues throughout the historic city, including the Rector's Palace and the St. Blaise Church. Highlights include productions of classic plays and operas, as well as concerts by leading orchestras and soloists. The festival also includes a series of exhibitions and workshops for artists and audiences.

Set in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the event transforms the city's ancient streets, squares, and fortresses into open-air stages, creating a fusion of art and history. This distinctive ambiance allows you to experience performances in a truly immersive environment, one in which the city's stunning architecture becomes an integral part of the artistic experience. The festival also places a strong emphasis on showcasing Croatian artists alongside international performers, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the region.

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Whether you are visiting Italy, Switzerland, or the UK for a classical music festival, we can help you tailor a trip around the event. From Finland to Croatia, our travel experts will customize an itinerary to take your vacation beyond these events, allowing you to experience all your chosen destination has to offer.

For more information on visiting Europe, take a look at our Europe travel guide or our Europe tours and vacations. Zicasso’s trips of a lifetime can provide further inspiration for making your dream trip a reality.