Conwy Classical Music Festival 2026

 A Message from the Festival Director

” 2026 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the building of Thomas Telford’s iconic suspension bridge over the Conwy. I am delighted that the festival is taking its part in celebrating this milestone in the town’s history in a number of ways. Firstly music by two composers who visited Conwy and most certainly crossed Telford’s bridge will feature during the week. They are Mendelssohn, who visited in 1829 shortly after the bridge was completed, and Edward Elgar, who was a guest at Bodlondeb in the 1920s. Secondly three compositions have been commissioned to celebrate the anniversary from local composers Hazel Sturt, Mared Emlyn, and Paul Mealor. Paul Mealor’s anthem ‘Y Gadwyn yn y Graig’ is a setting of a poem by Grahame Davies, which was inspired by the way the chains of the bridge are anchored in the rock on which the castle was built. Thirdly Dr Rhian Davies, in the festival lecture, will explore the central place that harpers had in entertaining visitors to Wales at the time the bridge was built. Her talk will be illustrated with musical examples played by leading exponent of the triple harp, Maximilian Ehrhardt, and reference will be made to the superior standard of performance of the Conwy harpers.

 As usual the festival will once again feature a full and varied programme of concerts designed to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. From the early music of Palestrina and Tallis to contemporary instrumental and vocal works, music spanning five centuries will be on offer. Come and enjoy magical performances by a host of internationally acclaimed vocal and instrumental soloists and ensembles , as well as by musicians starting out on their professional careers. We guarantee that you will not be disappointed. “

Chris Roberts, Director

Please note the varying times of the Tuesday lunchtime concert and of the two concerts on the Friday evening.