International Festivals has announced its line-up for the 60th anniversary edition of the Harrogate Music Festival, running from 6 June to 5 July 2026.
The summer programme includes performances from established international orchestras, classical soloists, and emerging artists.
Orchestral Performances
Two major orchestras will perform at the Royal Hall during the month-long event:
- Aurora Orchestra (24 June): Led by Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon, the ensemble will deliver its first memorised performance in the North of England. The programme includes Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 ‘Jupiter’, played entirely without sheet music, alongside works by Jessie Montgomery and Mozart.
- BBC Philharmonic (5 July): Conducted by Ben Glassberg, the orchestra will close the festival with a concert recorded for BBC Radio 3. The performance features violinist Hana Chang and a repertoire including Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.
Soloists and Recitals
The festival line-up features several high-profile soloists performing across local venues:
- Abel Selaocoe (6 June): The cellist opens the festival at Ashville College, performing alongside the Bantu Ensemble.
- Davóne Tines (12 June): The bass-baritone will give his only performance in the North of England this season at the Wesley Centre, presenting his Recital No 1: MASS.
- Alexandra Dariescu (20 June): The pianist will perform a global repertoire at the Wesley Centre, combining works by Missy Mazzoli and Florence Price with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
- Julian Lloyd Webber (16 June): The veteran cellist returns to the festival for a spoken-word and musical event at the Wesley Centre to launch his autobiography. The evening includes a live solo performance by cellist Jiaxin and a public Q&A session.
Emerging Artists and Theatre
The Young Musicians Series returns this year in partnership with the Royal College of Music (RCM), hosting events at the Wesley Centre. Featured artists include:
- RCM students Emily Crook (clarinet) and Mariamna Sherling (piano) on 26 June.
- Chamber ensemble Lumas Winds on 23 June.
- 16-year-old cellist Mariatu Kanneh-Mason on 3 July.
- Scottish operatic singer Nikki Martin on 4 July.
International guests include the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, Texas, who will perform a programme featuring works by Holst and Copland. Additionally, theatre group Oddsocks will stage outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at RHS Harlow Carr on 30 June and 1 July.
The 2026 festival is supported by title sponsor The HACS Group.
