Inaugurated in 1948, Bath International Music Festival has an illustrious artistic history and has long been a well-established event of international reputation. It takes place annually over twelve days in late May/early June, presenting a range of high quality events including orchestral, chamber and contemporary classical music, contemporary jazz, world and folk music. The programme takes place mainly in city venues and also includes free-to-the-public outdoor events.
History of the Festival
As far back as the sixteenth century, well before Bath became a fashionable destination, the city was attracting audiences for its music, with Queen Elizabeth I visiting to hear the choristers from Wells perform at Bath Abbey. With a rich musical background that was firmly cemented by Beau Nash’s introduction of an Orchestra in Orange Grove in the early 1700’s, it seemed only natural that Bath should organise its own music festival, yet it was not until 1948 that a proposal to do so was made.
After initial success both culturally and financially, the city took it upon itself to organise an annual event and since 1949 (with an exception of a few years) the Bath International Music Festival has been in existence. Over the last 60 years the Festival has been host to many internationally acclaimed artists and has showcased many spectacular events including the now famous collaboration between Yehudi Menuhin and Ravi Shankar.
New Directions
For twelve days in May the city’s many venues come alive with the sounds of classical music, international jazz, world and contemporary music, and free events. 2006 saw the latest major development with the appointment of pianist Joanna MacGregor as Artistic Director. Her vibrancy and enthusiasm is re-shaping the festival and bringing new audiences to this long-standing institution.
The introduction in 2006 of a new format to the Festival saw electronica in the programme for the first time and a return to cross-genre collaborations which included Brian Eno performing in Bath Abbey alongside Bath Camerata; 2007's highlights included the Paco Peña Company, violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov and the legendary Charles Mingus Big Band from New York. 2008 celebrated Bath International Music Festival's 60th Anniversary.
2009 featured Jazz greats Branford Marsalis and Maceo Parker; classical music from BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood; South African vocal music from Sibongile Khumalo; Appalachian folk from country legend Ralph Stanley; plus our usual panoply of internationally renowned musicians.
2010's programme was the biggest and boldest yet with a focus on dance which brought English National Ballet to Bath Abbey. We celebrated the work of two remarkable women, Kathleen Ferrier and Judith Weir; embarked on a number of special commissions including a performance of Handel's Israel in Egypt in the Roman Baths; and brought popular and diverse artists such as The Unthanks, The Wilders and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas to Bath.