// Date: 20th - 23rd April 2026 //
// Stratford-upon-Avon //
SHAKESPEARE IN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Echoes of the Bard: Music from Shakespeare's England
"If Music be the food of love, play on!" Come and celebrate the soul of Shakespeare’s England with a line-up of the UK’s finest musicians, masters of interpretation from Elizabethan to contemporary music, from Renaissance to Rap.
The Shakespeare in Music Festival ranges ranges from early music of the age of the Bard through the rich legacy he inspired in the work of many later composers.
In each festival, over a dozen concerts reflect his impact on the traditions of instrumental, choral, art song and opera. They are supplemented with four wide-ranging talks explaining the phenomenon of Shakespeare in Music over past centuries.
This is the Festival for all who love Shakespeare and who love Music.
Join us for a timeless celebration of music, poetry and the Bard’s heritage.
What the critics said
“Set to become an annual event, The Shakespeare in Music Festival offers a rich programme of music and scholarship celebrating Shakespeare’s musical influence.”
“No fewer than fifteen events celebrating the Bard’s connection to music, in one way or another, throughout the centuries.”
“This Shakespeare in Music Festival is the best thing that has happened for classical music in Stratford in the 15 years I have lived here.”
“It is a remarkable undertaking with great variety of performances, from talks, programmes presented by internationally known artists, up and coming professional singers, rather niche and more well known and popular music such as a programme of madrigals and settings of Shakespeare’s sonnets.”
“I have to admit I was bowled over by the quality of the performances.”
“I don’t think I have ever been to a singing recital where I have been able to hear every word, Mark Padmore’s diction was so good. There were all kinds of treasures in this recital…..This was a stunning concert performed by world class artists.”
“The quality of their singing was superb, with one of the highlights being Katherine Gregory’s rendition of the Willow Song from Othello.”
“An excellent detailed free programme which very much enhanced the listener experience.”
The Stratford Herald, May 2025.
Shakespeare in Music is a charity established in 2024 (number 1208674) by musicians and Shakespeare enthusiasts to celebrate his musical legacy through an annual festival. Drawing on expertise in composition, performance, conducting, music criticism, and arts management, the next festival will take place in April 2026. It will feature a diverse range of performers, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, all inspired by the rich musical possibilities of Shakespeare’s works.
ARTISTS IN THE 2026 FESTIVAL
