Matching music & place
This festival combines music and architecture in a singularly beguiling way. The nine private concerts take place in palaces, churches, theatres and other historic buildings which are among the most beautiful along the Danube.
But the value of the juxtaposition goes deeper than visual attraction. The buildings are generally of the same period as the music performed in them, and in some cases there are specific historical associations between the two. Matching music and place – that is the governing principle of this festival.

Musicians of the highest calibre
Now in its nineteenth year, it is established as a prestigious annual event in the musical calendar, attracting musicians of the highest calibre.
The festival explores the music of the Austro-Hungarian Empire – Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner, Dvořák and a number of less familiar composers. There is also music by composers from elsewhere in Europe.

Wigmore abroad
There is a new feature this year, which is that the artists have been selected by John Gilhooly, Director of the Wigmore Hall in London, the world’s leading centre for chamber music and song. Almost all the musicians are Wigmore Hall favourites, or are due to make their debut in 2012.

John worked closely with Martin Randall and his team to ensure a good fit between artists, music and place.

A rare intensity of musical communication
The concerts are private, being accessible exclusively to the 140 participants who take a package which includes accommodation, all meals, lectures and much else besides.

The size of the audience in combination with the relatively small capacity of the venues leads to an informality and intimacy, which engenders a rare intensity of musical communication.

Musicians love playing for this festival. Not only are the venues an inspiring change from modern concert halls, but the audiences are among the best in the world – attentive, knowledgeable, appreciative.

The spoken word
Talks and lecturers are another important ingredient. Roderick Swanston, music lecturer and broadcaster, and Tim Blanning, Emeritus Professor of Modern European History at the University of Cambridge, give daily talks on the music and the history of the region.

Details on the speakers

Travelling in comfort
To this exceptional artistic and intellectual experience is added a further pleasure: the comfort and convenience of a first-class river cruiser which is both hotel and principal means of travel.

The MS Amadeus Elegant is one of the more comfortable cruisers on the waterways of Europe, and we have chartered it exclusively for this festival. This enables you to attend all the concerts and see some of the finest scenery and townscape in the region without having to change hotels or drive long distances.
In many ways, however, this venture is far removed from the usual cruising routine: there is little regimentation, no obligatory seating plan, no on-board entertainment – and no piped music. More time is spent ashore than is conventional but there is also plenty of time to relax on board the ship.

The Ship

Walking alternative
For up to twenty-two of the audience there is the option of guided walks through some of the most ravishing scenery of the Danube valley. The walking party stays in hotels rather than on the ship, attends six of the nine concerts and is provided with its own lecturer, Richard Wigmore (no relation).

• Concert details and programme

• Ship details

• Prices

• How Strenuous?

• The Festival Directors

• The Speakers

• More information