Spanning seven concerts in some of the city’s most historic chapels and concert halls, and tracing more than five centuries of music, the Cambridge Music Festival Spring Series 2026 takes place from 13 February to 27 March
Top image by sim photography
Opening the series at Trinity College Chapel is vocal ensemble Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short. Their programme, Byrd to Barber, ranges from Renaissance to contemporary works, including the choral version of Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Poulenc’s penitential motets and Frank Martin’s ethereal Mass for Double Choir.
On 20 February, also at Trinity, celebrated pianist Boris Giltburg launches his project to perform and record all of JS Bach’s Well-tempered Clavier, beginning with the famous 48 Preludes and Fugues (Book 1).
Then on 24 February, Tarek Elazhary (oud) and Tamsin Elliott (microtonal accordion and harp) explore connections between Egyptian Maqam and English folk traditions in a concert held in Pembroke College Auditorium.
Highlights in March include Ute Lemper, evoking the spirit of 1930s Berlin cabaret with glamour, satire and political edge, and pianist Danny Driver who presents a complete performance of György Ligeti’s Musica ricercata alongside selected études.
For full programme details and tickets, visit cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk