Budleigh Music Festival has revealed its 2026 programme, offering a rich celebration of four centuries of music, from early classical masterpieces through to contemporary greats.
Taking place from June 25 to July 4, the Festival has built a strong reputation for bringing high quality artists to the region. And it promises to be a multi-sensory experience with three concerts featuring stunning visuals on screens in the church.
The Festival’s diverse and compelling programme, which has been curated by artistic director Jason Thornton, includes:
- MILOŠ – Guitar
One of the world’s most celebrated classical guitarists, MILOŠ has performed on the greatest stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Royal Albert Hall. His programme will feature music by Handel, Bach, Villa-Lobos and Lennon/McCartney. - Wolf Hall in Concert
This special concert celebrates one of the town’s most cherished residents, the late Hilary Mantel. Staged in partnership with Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, of which Mantel was patron, the concert will feature actor Anton Lesser, who portrayed Thomas More in the BBC series. Composer Debbie Wiseman’s atmospheric score will be performed live by the Locrian Ensemble, featuring soprano Grace Davidson, the voice of the original soundtrack. With projected imagery evoking the Tudor world of Cromwell and Henry VIII, it promises a powerful act of remembrance and artistic celebration. - Ryan Wang: Piano
Canadian pianist Ryan Wang captivated audiences worldwide when he won BBC Young Musician 2024. His performance will feature Mozart, Strauss and Chopin.
- English Musical Theatre Orchestra with West End performers – Simply Sondheim
Featuring songs from Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies and more, this concert guarantees an evening of soaring melodies and thrilling harmonies, expertly performed by leading musical theatre artists. - Will Duerden (double bass) and Svitlana Kosenko (piano)
Will Duerden is highly sought-after as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader, with a growing international career. Ukrainian pianist Svitlana Kosenko studied at Kharkiv Special Music School and is an accompanist at the Royal College of Music.
- Bellot Ensemble – Musicke for the Two Crownes: England and France in Dialogue, 1600–1700
Renowned for their energetic performances and distinctive approach to 17th-century repertoire, the Bellot Ensemble will present a vibrant exploration of court music from England and France. - Crescent Collective – From Deep Within to Deep Space: Elgar & Holst Reimagined
Conducted by Festival Director Jason Thornton, this concert marks the debut of Crescent Collective, a new virtuosic chamber orchestra dedicated to bringing orchestral masterpieces into more intimate spaces. They will be joined by outstanding young Australian cellist James Morley for Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Holst’s iconic Planets Suite will be accompanied by mesmerising NASA imagery. - Carrot Productions – Aardman in Concert
A cinematic and musical celebration of clay, comedy and creativity, this new show for 2026 is presented in partnership with Aardman. The journey through five decades of British animation and music will culminate in a full performance of The Wrong Trousers with live orchestra. - Aaron Azunda Akugbo (trumpet) and Zeynep Özsuca (piano)
One of the country’s finest young trumpeters, Aaron Azunda Akugbo, will be accompanied by festival favourite and acclaimed Turkish pianist Zeynep Özsuca.
Kate Somerby, Chair of Budleigh Music Festival, said: “This is a festival designed to appeal to a wide range of music lovers. We’re proud to present such diversity across the centuries – from orchestral and chamber music to Sondheim – and to introduce a stunning new visual element that will enhance the experience for our audiences.”
Two events have been added to this year’s Festival programme. A benefit concert for the RNLI in recognition of the tragic events which occurred in Budleigh Salterton on Christmas Day will take place on June 25 and Bob Chilcott will conduct Faure’s Requiem on June 26 in memory of trustee Janet Keliher who passed away in January.
The Festival will host a world premiere of a specially commissioned new work, performed by 100 children from schools across Devon. Written by Festival patron Bob Chilcott and delivered in partnership with Devon Music Hub, the project reflects the Festival’s commitment to music education and youth engagement.
Kate added: “Opportunities for young people to perform and engage with classical music are increasingly limited in rural areas. This commission builds on our ongoing work with schools and offers a truly memorable experience that we hope will inspire a lifelong love of music.”
Tickets for Budleigh Music Festival go on sale to Festival Friends on 20th March with general sale opening on 1st April
