Summer Festival 10-26 July 2026
There’s nothing quite like live music, shared in places that hold their own atmosphere and history. Our summer Festival brings together performers we’re excited about, ideas we want to explore, and the pleasure of listening together in beautiful Yorkshire places.
At the heart of the programme are five artistic residencies. John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London begin a three-year partnership with an unmissable celebration of English music. Trumpeter Imogen Whitehead shares her passion for the flugelhorn, including a brand-new concerto. The Gesualdo Six set out on a Choral Journey across the county. The Van Baerle Trio bring Brahms and Shostakovich into vivid conversation. And cellist Laura van der Heijden leads a wonderfully varied series of musical encounters.
Recitalists include Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, Benjamin Grosvenor and Junyan Chen. Song runs through the Festival, from Mark Padmore’s Winterreise to an anniversary celebration of John Dowland. Eliza Carthy brings the living force of folk tradition to Selby Abbey, while Sinatra and the swing era arrive in Malton with one of today’s finest jazz voices. And there’s a whole day devoted to Schubert, whose music lingers where modern life rarely allows us to pause.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic returns with the excitement of a world premiere. Tenebrae celebrate 25 years of singing together in Ripon Cathedral. The Dunedin Consort step into Purcell’s world, we walk the ancient Salt Road with Bach as a companion, and Royal Northern Sinfonia brings its vibrant spirit to one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful villages.
We’re proud to partner with BBC Radio 3 who broadcast recitals by their own New Generation Artists; and equally proud of our Waverley Young Artists, because a festival should not only present talent, but help it grow. Family events and relaxed concerts make space for first encounters and different ways of listening, and there’s a chance for every voice to join the chorus in Mozart’s Requiem.
All of this takes place in remarkable settings with stories of their own. Read on to make your own paths through the programme and please consider making a donation to support our work.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Christopher Glynn
Artistic Director
‘the innovative and ever-expanding Ryedale festival…As a display of daring artistic imagination, it could hardly be bettered’
‘visionary…with bucketfuls of energy, teamwork and ideas’
‘dynamic and distinctive…and packed with superstars’
‘one of the best places in Europe to enjoy classical music …a model of creative collaboration’
‘real flair in the programming, which artfully mixes the familiar with the more challenging’
‘quality artistic direction and an inclusive rather than exclusive approach to audiences’
‘an international gathering where genres, formats and traditions mingle’
‘inspirational: the kind of life-illuminating venture audiences chase but rarely find…with some of the best ideas of any festival I know’
‘an embarrassment of riches’
‘With an extraordinary breadth of programming…Yorkshire’s Ryedale Festival always wraps its arms around its community. Local people don’t just watch the star visitors; they come in droves to get equally involved.’
‘the global reach of this prestige festival … there are few events in the country with the stunning reputation of the Ryedale Festival’
‘A festival immersed in its local community but of international quality’
Joining our community of Friends, Members, Patrons and Benefactors is a deeply rewarding way to champion and support the arts. Your generosity helps create unforgettable experiences while connecting you with a community that shares your passion.
There are countless ways to make a difference. Whatever your skills or interests, we’d love to hear from you. Talk to us today!
Support the Ryedale Festival to boost your brand, reach a wide audience, and show your commitment to culture and community.
Excellence and opportunity are at the heart of the Ryedale Festival which, since its earliest days, has helped launch and develop the careers of countless young performers.
As a charity, the Ryedale Festival Trust relies on the support of many generous people and organisations. If you enjoy our work, please consider making a donation.
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices.
