Bath Bachfest
A celebration of J S Bach and his contemporaries
19–21 February 2026
Read Introduction
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
Booking Dates
Gold Members: Monday 1 December
Silver Members: Thursday 4 December
Bronze Members: Thursday 11 December
Become a Member
General Booking: Tuesday 6 January 2026, 10am
Festival Events
What's On
Bachfest Membership
Bath Bachfest relies on private donations and sponsorship and is only able to continue each year with support from its music lovers.
You could help by becoming a Bath Bachfest member.
Each year all members receive Priority Booking and an Acknowledgement of their support in the festival programme.
Please note that memberships are valid for one year only.
Scroll down to view Membership levels.
Bath Bachfest BRONZE
Suggested donation £100+ per person
Benefits:
- Priority Booking (level 3)
- Acknowledgement of support as a Bronze Member in Bath Bachfest programme
- Complimentary Bath Bachfest programme
Please note: membership is annual and valid for one festival only.
Bath Bachfest SILVER
Suggested donation £500+ per person
Benefits:
- Priority Booking (level 2)
- Acknowledgement of support as a Silver Member in Bath Bachfest programme
- Admission to selected rehearsals (by request only)
- Complimentary Bath Bachfest programme
Please note: membership is annual and valid for one festival only.
Bath Bachfest GOLD
Suggested donation £1,001 + per person per annum.
Benefits:
- Highest Priority Booking (level 1)
- Acknowledgement of support as a Gold Member in Bath Bachfest programme
- Invitation to a reception during Bath Bachfest 2026
- Admission to selected rehearsals (by request only)
- Complimentary Bath Bachfest programme
Please note: membership is annual and valid for one festival only.
Endowment Campaign
To help secure Bath Bachfest for future generations, we successfully launched an Endowment Campaign a few years ago, with a fundraising target of £200,000.
We need your help to reach our goal, so if you would like play an important role in underpinning this part of Bath’s musical heritage, please donate to our fundraising campaign.
Sponsor a Concert
Get closer to the music at Bachfest 2026
We all love watching and listening to classical music, but few of us see the work that goes into the performances, and meet the musicians. This is your chance.
Every year Bath Bachfest brings the very best international musicians to the City, and we need sponsors for the first of our resident Bachfest Ensemble concerts on Friday 20 February at 7pm in the beautiful church of St Mary’s Bathwick. In return for £500, we will give two of you an unforgettable musical experience: the opportunity to attend the afternoon rehearsal, and really appreciate the interaction between the Ensemble. You’ll receive two best tickets for the concert, then have the chance to meet the players afterwards. Your contribution will also be acknowledged in the festival programme.
This would be an ideal gift for a classical music fan who wants a more immersive experience at the Bachfest.