Europe, with its rich musical heritage and stunning venues, is a haven for classical music enthusiasts. In 2024, the continent will host an array of festivals that promise to enchant audiences with exceptional performances and unique experiences. Here’s a guide to the top classical music events in Europe this year and the special features that make each festival a must-visit.

BBC Proms – London, UK (July 12 – September 7, 2024)

The BBC Proms, held at the Royal Albert Hall, is the world’s largest classical music festival, renowned for its diverse programming and accessibility.

Special Features of the BBC Proms

World Premieres: Featuring several world premieres and commissioned works from leading contemporary composers.

Proms in the Park: Live broadcasts to parks across the , creating a nationwide celebration of classical music.

Last Night of the Proms: A grand finale with patriotic fervor, audience participation, and iconic pieces like “Rule, Britannia!” and “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Salzburg Festival – Salzburg, Austria (July 20 – August 31, 2024)

Located in Mozart’s birthplace, the Salzburg Festival is a pinnacle of the classical music calendar, offering a mix of opera, drama, and concerts.

Special Features of the Salzburg Festival

Historic Venues: Performances in iconic locations like the Großes Festspielhaus and Felsenreitschule.

Mozart Focus: Celebrating Salzburg’s native son with exceptional performances of his works.

Star-Studded Lineup: Featuring world-renowned artists and orchestras.

Bayreuth Festival – Bayreuth, Germany (July 25 – August 28, 2024)

Dedicated to the works of Richard Wagner, the Bayreuth Festival is a must for Wagner enthusiasts, held in the Festspielhaus designed by the composer himself.

What is special about the Bayreuth Festival?

Wagnerian Excellence: Known for its deep, authentic interpretations of Wagner’s operas.

Unique Acoustics: The Festspielhaus offers unparalleled acoustics, enhancing the Wagnerian experience.

Innovative Productions: Each year, new directors bring fresh perspectives to Wagner’s monumental works.

Lucerne Festival – Lucerne, Switzerland (August 9 – September 15, 2024)

The Lucerne Festival, set against the picturesque Lake Lucerne and Swiss Alps, is known for its innovative programming and high-caliber performances.

Lucerne Festivals Special Features

Contemporary Focus: Frequently premieres new works and features contemporary composers.

Lucerne Festival Orchestra: Assembled specifically for the festival, featuring top musicians from around the world.

Stunning Venues: Concerts held in the acoustically superb KKL Luzern, designed by Jean Nouvel.

Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh, Scotland (August 2 – 26, 2024)

Part of the broader Edinburgh Festival, the International Festival showcases a global array of performances, including top-tier classical music.

What is special about the Edinburgh International Festival?

Diverse Programming: A wide range of performances from symphonic concerts to solo recitals and opera.

Historic Venues: Iconic locations such as the Usher Hall and the Queen’s Hall.

Cultural Fusion: Integrates classical music with other art forms, including dance and theater.

Aix-en-Provence Festival – Aix-en-Provence, France (July 3 – 22, 2024)

Known for its innovative and cutting-edge productions, the Aix-en-Provence Festival is a highlight of the French cultural calendar.

Special Features

Opera Focus: High-quality opera productions, often with innovative staging.

Historical Settings: Performances in historic venues like the Théâtre de l’Archevêché.

Creative Staging: Known for bold and imaginative approaches to classical works.

Glyndebourne Festival – East Sussex, UK (May 18 – August 25, 2024)

Glyndebourne is synonymous with world-class opera and a quintessentially English setting, complete with a tradition of picnicking in the gardens during the long interval.

Worth mentioning

Opera Excellence: Renowned for its high production values and outstanding vocal performances.

Beautiful Setting: Set in the Sussex countryside, offering a charming and scenic backdrop.

Traditional Picnics: Encourages audiences to bring lavish picnics to enjoy in the gardens

Verbier Festival – Verbier, Switzerland (July 19 – August 4, 2024)

Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Verbier Festival is known for its intimate atmosphere and masterclasses that draw both established and emerging artists.

What is Special about the Verbier Festival?

Masterclasses: Offering young musicians the opportunity to learn from and perform with world-renowned artists.

Alpine Setting: The stunning mountain backdrop adds a magical element to every performance.

Chamber Music: A strong focus on chamber music, with many spontaneous, collaborative performances.

Aldeburgh Festival – Suffolk, UK (June 7 – 23, 2024)

Founded by composer Benjamin Britten, the Aldeburgh Festival is known for its adventurous programming and beautiful seaside setting.

Special Features

Britten Legacy: A strong focus on the works of Benjamin Britten and his contemporaries.

Innovative Programming: Includes contemporary works and commissions alongside classical repertoire.

Picturesque Location: Performances take place in scenic venues like the Snape Maltings Concert Hall.

Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival – Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (July 6 – August 25, 2024)

One of the largest classical music festivals in Germany, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival features a wide range of performances in various picturesque locations.

Special Features of the Festival

Diverse Venues: Concerts held in unique locations, from historic churches to open-air stages.

Young Talent: The festival places a strong emphasis on nurturing young musicians through its masterclasses and academy.

Varied Programming: A mix of symphonic concerts, chamber music, and solo recitals.

Europe’s classical music festivals in 2024 offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from the grandiose to the intimate, the traditional to the innovative. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Salzburg, the Wagnerian splendor of Bayreuth, or the cutting-edge productions in Aix-en-Provence, this year’s festivals promise unforgettable musical journeys. Plan your visits and immerse yourself in the sublime world of classical music across Europe.

Classical Music Travel Plan for August 2024

Do you want a whole summer of classical music? Here is my suggestion for a month full of concerts, operas and travel experiences.

Classical Music Festival: Glyndebourne Festival Opera — Dr Dulcamara (Renato Girolami), Dulcamara’s Assistant (Maxime Nourissat) and members of the Glyndebourne Chorus

Classical Music Festival: Verbier Festival

So, here’s a travel plan to help you visit as many of these classical music festivals as possible in August 2024. This itinerary considers travel time and proximity to ensure you can enjoy a rich musical experience while exploring Europe.

1. Start with the Classical Music Festival in Lucerne

Dates: August 9 – September 15, 2024

Key Highlights:

Attend the opening concert on August 9.
Enjoy performances by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and other top musicians.
Explore Lucerne’s scenic beauty and historic sites.

2. Stay in Switzerland to visit the Verbier Festival

Dates: July 19 – August 4, 2024

Note: The Verbier Festival ends on August 4, so you can visit it before heading to Lucerne.

Key Highlights:

Catch the closing performances from August 1-4.
Participate in masterclasses and chamber music sessions.

Travel: Travel from Verbier to Lucerne on August 5.

3. Travel to Austria: Salzburg Festival

Dates: July 20 – August 31, 2024

Key Highlights:

Attend opera, drama, and concert performances.
Experience Salzburg’s historic venues and Mozart heritage.

Travel: Travel from Lucerne to Salzburg on August 10.

4. On to Germany: Bayreuth Festival

Dates: July 25 – August 28, 2024

Key Highlights:

Attend performances of Wagner’s operas.
Experience the unique acoustics of the Festspielhaus.

Travel: Travel from Salzburg to Bayreuth on August 14.

5. Up North: Edinburgh International Festival

Dates: August 2 – 26, 2024

Key Highlights:

Attend diverse performances, including symphonic concerts and opera.
Explore Edinburgh’s historic sites and vibrant festival atmosphere.

Travel: Travel from Bayreuth to Edinburgh on August 18.

6. Stay in the UK: Glyndebourne Festival

Dates: May 18 – August 25, 2024

Key Highlights:

Attend high-quality opera performances.
Enjoy picnics in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

Travel: Travel from Edinburgh to Glyndebourne on August 22.

Detailed Itinerary

August 1-4: Verbier Festival, Verbier, Switzerland

Enjoy the final days of the Verbier Festival with masterclasses and chamber music performances.
Travel to Lucerne on August 5.

August 5-9: Travel and Rest Days

Spend a few days relaxing and exploring Lucerne before the festival starts.

August 9-13: Lucerne Festival, Lucerne, Switzerland

Attend the opening concert and enjoy the first few days of performances.
Travel to Salzburg on August 14.

August 14-17: Bayreuth Festival, Bayreuth, Germany

Immerse yourself in Wagner’s operas at the Bayreuth Festival.
Travel to Edinburgh on August 18.

August 18-21: Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland

Attend various classical music performances and explore the cultural offerings of the festival.
Travel to Glyndebourne on August 22.

August 22-25: Glyndebourne Festival, East Sussex, UK

Enjoy world-class opera performances and picnics in the scenic gardens.
Wrap up your musical journey on August 25.

Travel Tips

Flights and Trains: Book flights and high-speed trains in advance to ensure availability and the best prices.
Accommodation: Look for accommodation close to festival venues to minimize travel time.
Local Transport: Utilize local public transport or consider renting a car for flexibility, especially in rural areas like Glyndebourne.
Tickets: Purchase festival tickets early, as these events are very popular and can sell out quickly.

This itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in a variety of classical music experiences across Europe while enjoying the cultural and scenic highlights of each location.