The 44th Radovljica Festival 2026 is just around the corner; the first two concerts are announced

The 44th edition of the Radovljica Festival, one of Slovenia's most prestigious classical music events, is set to begin in just a few days. The festival will open on Saturday, August 8, with a concert featuring the Godal Quartet Altemps, marking the start of a ten-concert series that spans nearly eight centuries of European musical history. The event will run through August 25, showcasing performances by 48 musicians from over two dozen countries, many of whom will play on historical instruments. The festival’s opening concert will take place at the Radovljica Manor at 8:00 PM on August 8. It features the Godal Quartet Altemps, composed of Stefano Barneschi, Angelo Calvo, Ernest Braucher, and Marco Testori. The group will perform works by three giants of classicism and early romanticism, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. This performance aims to highlight the evolution of the string quartet into one of the most refined forms of chamber music. The ensemble consists of four renowned Italian musicians who are members of leading European baroque orchestras. A second major concert is scheduled for Monday, August 10, at 8:00 PM in St. Peter’s Church in Radovljica. This event will feature the premiere of Giovanni Bononcini’s oratorio Magdalenino Spreobrnjenje (Mary Magdalene’s Conversion). The performance includes four vocal soloists, soprano Kathrin Hottiger as Mary Magdalene, alto Francesca Ascioti as Marta, soprano Johanna Rosa Falkinger as “Love,” and bass Lisandro Abadie as “Earthly Love”, alongside the Baroque Orchestra of the Radovljica Festival under the direction of Domen Marinčič. Bononcini was one of Europe’s leading composers during his time and later became Handel’s fiercest competitor in London. Their rivalry was intense enough to divide audiences into two camps, according to contemporary accounts. During Bononcini’s peak popularity, Handel reportedly abandoned composing new operas for a period. This performance continues a tradition of large-scale festival projects, including past premieres of oratorios such as Judith by Alessandro Scarlatti, Saint John the Baptist by Alessandro Stradella, and Saint Agnes by Bernardino Pasquini. The festival has long been recognized for its commitment to historical performance practices, with many concerts taking place on period instruments. This year’s lineup reflects a deep exploration of European musical heritage, ranging from medieval troubadour songs to the works of Johannes Brahms. Performers include musicians from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the festival’s reputation as a global gathering of classical music excellence. The festival’s program is structured to provide a comprehensive journey through different eras of Western classical music. Each concert is carefully curated to represent distinct periods and styles, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of musical expression over centuries. The choice of venues, including historic manors and churches, enhances the immersive quality of each performance. Participants in the festival have expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, highlighting the significance of performing on historical instruments and the challenge of interpreting complex compositions. Musicians emphasized the importance of preserving traditional techniques while engaging with modern audiences. Organizers noted the continued support from local communities and international patrons, which has enabled the festival to maintain its high standards. The festival is expected to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by the prestige of the event and the caliber of performers. Local authorities have pledged their support, ensuring that infrastructure and services are prepared to accommodate the influx of attendees. Cultural institutions and educational organizations have also partnered with the festival to promote public engagement with classical music.