The Hatfield House Music Festival 2026 marks a year of celebration at Hatfield House. The Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, alongside Lord Salisbury’s 80th birthday and the 400th anniversary of composer John Dowland.
Celebration lies at the heart of music. It marks time, honours lives, and brings people together in shared experience. This year’s Festival reflects that spirit, with programmes that move across centuries, from Renaissance consort music to contemporary composition.
John Dowland, a musician in the service of the first Earl of Salisbury, is central to this year’s programme. His music is heard alongside that of Byrd, Lawes and their contemporaries, placing audiences in direct conversation with the rich musical life of the House.
The Festival welcomes back distinguished artists and long-standing friends, including The Sixteen, Magnus Johnston and colleagues, Iestyn Davies, Julian Bliss and his quintet, and Sir András Schiff. It also welcomes for the first time Fretwork, Seth Schultheis, Oliver Wass, and The Academy of St Martin in the Fields String Ensemble with Timothy Ridout.
The programme includes the world première of a new work by Sir James MacMillan, composed especially for Lord Salisbury as part of this year’s celebrations.
The Learning and Participation programme remains central to the Festival. Students from The Purcell School return this year, and young musicians, families and local communities are invited to take part in workshops and performances.
This year’s Schools Project is shaped by the 400th anniversary of John Dowland, with local children creating new songs inspired by his music, bringing his legacy into the present day.
Thursday 8th October to Sunday 11th October
Hatfield House
The Hatfield House Music Festival brings together world-class artists, emerging talent and the local community in a shared celebration of music within one of England’s most historic settings.
For full programme details, please visit the Festival website.
