Founded in 2002 by local wine merchant Charlie Bennett and a group of like-minded friends, Chipping Campden Music Festival has grown from a community-led initiative into one of the UK’s established classical music festivals. Based in the Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden, the Festival brings internationally acclaimed artists together with emerging musicians, presenting concerts in the town’s historic St James’ Church, renowned for its exceptional acoustics.
In 2027, the Festival marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter of a century of bringing world-class music and musicians to Chipping Campden. With programming that encompasses orchestral, chamber, choral and solo repertoire, the Festival has cultivated an ideal blend of international artistic ambition and local engagement. Around two thirds of its audience comes from Chipping Campden and the surrounding villages, and the support of this local community has been central to the Festival’s development. Its annual fortnight of concerts is complemented by a growing programme of education and outreach work, extending the Festival’s impact throughout the year. The anniversary year also coincides with the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, providing an opportunity for the Festival to honour the composer and his extraordinary contribution to classical music.
A particular jewel in this project is the Chipping Campden Festival Academy Orchestra, founded in 2008. Its distinctive side-by-side mentoring scheme places outstanding young musicians alongside professional players from leading UK orchestras, providing a high-level training ground for the next generation of performers. The Festival also supports music-making in local schools through youth orchestra projects, instrumental tuition and specialist brass, string and woodwind programmes.
From 10 - 22 May 2027, the Cotswolds town will host a magnificent fortnight of concerts including performances by Sir András Schiff, Steven Waarts, Steven Osborne, Steven Isserlis, Julian Bliss, Mary Bevan, Nicky Spence, Ex Cathedra, BBC Singers and Leonkoro String Quartet.
