'Rich and diverse line-up' for highly-regarded arts festival in Ripon which presents cream of classical music
A highly-regarded arts festival in Ripon which combines the cream of classical music with such celebrities as Sir Derek Jacobi, Geraldine McEwan and Simon Armitage is back soon with a stunning programme for 2026.
Established in 1997 by international pianist/conductor Janusz Piotrowicz and classical music promoter Susan Goldsbrough, Ripon International Festival is primarily centered at the historic 13th-century Ripon Cathedral.
This year’s edition will see a rich and diverse line-up of orchestral, choral, and chamber music concerts, as well as jazz, literary, and theatrical events held at a range of venues in the Ripon area such as mediaeval manor Markenfield Hall and historic village churches all the way until early October.
Ripon International Festival 2026 will begin on Saturday, September 5 at Ripon Cathedral with a programme selected by conductor Janusz Piotrowicz for Orchestra of Opera North.
The concert will feature Verdi's overture to La forza del destino, Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Borodin's Polovstian Dances, and Brahms' Symphony No. 1.
Piotrowicz is known for his approach to conducting from memory, a discipline he began while still at school, which allows for a deeper connection with the orchestra.
"Janusz’s profound understanding of the music and highly developed conducting technique create the richest sounds from the orchestra and all the inner melodies are revealed so audiences say it is like hearing the music anew," said a spokesperson for Ripon International Festival.
Other highlights of this year’s Ripon International Festival will include:
On September 10, flautist Yu-Wei Hu and guitarist Johan Lofving will perform at the 14th-century Markenfield Hall.
The Intesa Duo, an ensemble of viols and voice, will appear on September 17 and 18.
Audiences can also look forward to Kosmos Ensemble, Triptic world folk music, the Carlton Main Frickley Band, and The Carnival Band.
Ripon International Festival also tends to extend its reach to the Royal Hall in Harrogate where, among other performances, Piotrowicz conducted a monumental Rachmaninov 2nd Symphony with the Hallé in 2014, and a magnificent performance of the First Symphony of Sibelius with the with Royal Northern Sinfonia in 2018.
For information and tickets, visit: https://riponinternationalfestival.org/events