What’s On
Harrogate Music Festival at a glance:
Sat 6 June Abel Selaocoe & Bantu Ensemble
Ashville College
Fri 12 June Davóne Tines
Wesley Centre
Sat 20 June Alexandra Dariescu
Wesley Centre
Wed 24 June Aurora Orchestra
Royal Hall
Tues 30 June & Wed 1 July Oddsocks
RHS Harlow Carr
Sun 5 July BBC Philharmonic
Royal Hall
With Young Musicians, Taproom Sessions, Children’s Festival, and much more to come…
Title sponsor:
Welcome to
THE HARROGATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
PREVIEW
GUIDE
We are delighted to welcome you to the 2026 HACS Harrogate Music Festival.
This is our 60th anniversary year and to celebrate, we’ve gone big and we’ve gone bold - bringing the very best of today’s artists, alongside the stars of tomorrow, to Harrogate.
We open in electrifying style with the genre-defying South African cellist Abel Selaocoe & Bantu Ensemble who has taken the classical world by storm and we are proud to be hosting his only performance in the North of England this summer.
You told us you wanted more orchestras, and we’ve delivered. We are thrilled to welcome the boundary-pushing Aurora Orchestra, renowned for their bold, memorised performances, alongside the much-loved BBC Philharmonic, who join us at the magnificent Royal Hall for a special recording for BBC Radio 3.
When it comes to star power, it doesn’t get much bigger than Davóne Tines. The Grammy-nominated bass-baritone has redefined modern opera, and we are delighted to present his only North of England performance this season. We are also thrilled to welcome Alexandra Dariescu, who takes us on a dazzling journey through piano music from across the ages and around the world.
And of course, no Festival would be complete without Oddsocks. Firm favourites return with their signature mix of playful storytelling, larger-than-life characters and joyful anarchy – perfect for all the family.
So whether you’re discovering something new or returning to an old favourite, join us as we celebrate 60 years of unforgettable music.
This Preview Guide is just a small glimpse of our 60th anniversary classical programming. With more artists to be announced, there is so much more to look forward to this summer.
Cover photo by Josep Molina Secall unsplash.com
This photo is Nicholas Collon, Aurora Orchestra
“Is Abel Selaocoe the most exciting musician in the world right now?” – Songlines
ABELSELAOCOE & BANTUENSEMBLE
6 June
7.30pm
Ashville College
£28 – £30
South African cellist Abel Selaocoe brings his boundary breaking artistry to Harrogate this June, for our opening event of the Festival and his only North of England concert this summer. He’ll be joined on stage by his vibrant Bantu Ensemble – Alan Keary on bass, pianist Fred Thomas, and Dudù Kouaté on percussion.
Renowned for reimagining classical music and redefining the parameters of the cello, Selaocoe moves effortlessly between genres, drawing on classical, traditional and jazz influences to create performances that feel both deeply rooted and thrillingly new.
With no fixed repertoire, every performance is unique, blurring boundaries between African heritage and Western classical music and creating something entirely their own.
12 June
8.00pm
Wesley Centre
£25 – £28
Programme to include:
Caroline Shaw Credo
Bach ‘Mache Dich Mein Herze Rein’ from St Matthew Passion, BWV 244 Hogan Give Me Jesus
Heralded as an artist “changing what it means to be a classical singer” The New Yorker, Davóne Tines brings his powerful, genre-defying voice to Harrogate.
A Grammy-nominated creator and performer, Tines works at the intersection of opera, spirituals, gospel, contemporary classical and protest music. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2024 and is currently the Barbican’s Artist in Residence.
The programme interweaves music from the Western European classical tradition, including pieces by Handel and Bach, alongside African American spirituals and contemporary compositions in a broad mix of styles and genres.
20 June
7.30pm
Wesley Centre
£25
DAVÓNE TINES ALEXANDRA DARIESCU
Programme to include:
Missy Mazzoli A Map of Laughter
Boulanger 3 Morceaux
Price The Goblin and the Mosquito Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite Selection
Romanian British pianist Alexandra Dariescu is a pianist for the 21st century; her effortless musicality and captivating stage presence dazzle audiences and critics alike.
In demand as a soloist worldwide, Dariescu has performed to critical acclaim with orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and she is the first ever female Romanian pianist to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.
Her programme is a kaleidoscopic journey through the wealth of music for piano written across the ages and around the world.
24 June
7.30pm
Royal Hall
£18 - £39.50
Jessie Montgomery Strum
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K. 414
Mozart Symphony No. 41 ‘Jupiter’ (from memory)
Piano Tom Poster
Conductor Nicholas Collon
“Aurora Orchestra has been pushing boundaries for 20 years” – BBC Music Magazine
AURORA ORCHESTRA
Renowned for their innovative approach to orchestral performance, Aurora Orchestra bring their trademark innovation to Harrogate this summer, joined by celebrated pianist Tom Poster. Under Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon, Aurora has grown since 2005 into one of the UK’s most distinctive ensembles, pioneering memorised performances of major orchestral works.
Driven by their belief that orchestral music is for everyone, Aurora Orchestra has established itself as an innovative and boundary-breaking ensemble, creating musical experiences beyond the ordinary.
The evening will conclude with something special as Aurora weave their own unique magic throughout the Royal Hall.
30 June & 1 July
7.30pm
RHS Harlow Carr
Adults £25
U18s
£15
U7s £7
Students/JSA £17
Family Ticket* £74
*2 adults and 2 U18s
A family feud divides the community. Violence stalks the streets. Who will dare to look beyond the hate and follow their heart? Enter Shakespeare’s most famous star-crossed lovers in true Oddsocks style.
Returning with a brand-new take on this well-loved tragedy, Oddsocks find irresistible humour and heartfelt pathos in the unlikeliest of places.
Expect larger-than-life characters, playful storytelling and joyful anarchy as the company transforms despair into uplifting comedy in a wildly entertaining performance.
ODDSOCKS: ROMEO AND JULIET
One of the world’s most celebrated broadcast ensembles, the BBC Philharmonic brings its distinctive energy and iconic musical character to Harrogate’s Royal Hall this summer, joined by rising star violinist Hana Chang and conductor Ben Glassberg.
From its home at MediaCityUK, the Philharmonic presents major concerts at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, appears regularly at the BBC Proms, and tours across the UK and beyond, and has moved and inspired audiences for over 100 years.
Hearing and seeing the BBC Philharmonic in the flesh is really something incredible; the sheer scale of the orchestra, the breadth of the sound, and the brilliance of seeing musicians at the top of their game in such an impressive ensemble.
This concert will be recorded for BBC Radio 3.
*Book for both Aurora Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic in the same transaction to receive 10% off full price tickets. Terms and conditions apply.
BBCPHILHARMONIC
‘The BBC Philharmonic makes an extravagant masterpiece blaze’ – The Telegraph
Online: harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
By Phone: 01423 562 303
In Person: 32 Cheltenham Parade Harrogate, HG1 1DB
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm Booking Fees: All bookings are subject to a £2.50 booking fee
HOW TO BOOK
5 July
3pm Royal Hall
£18 – £39.50
Farrenc Overture No. 1
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
Brahms Symphony No. 1
Violin Hana Chang
Conductor Ben Glassberg
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVALS
Enjoy the very best of Harrogate International Festivals by becoming a Friend of the Festival – from star-studded events to intimate concerts and hidden gems.
Support our arts charity and make the most of exclusive benefits across the year by joining today from just £30. Membership benefits include:
• Advance programme announcements for our Festivals
• Priority booking up to a week ahead of tickets going on general sale*
• Priority entrance with membership card to events with unreserved seating
• Friends Lounge access at relevant events**
• Additional offers and discounts from Festival partners
For more information, or to become a Friend, please contact the Festival office on 01423 562 303 or join online, www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
Spiegeltent
What’s On
Spiegeltent at a glance:
Thurs 25 June Hope & Social
Fri 26 June House of Burlesque and Silent Disco
Sun 28 June Jess Gillam Trio
Wed 1 July Grīṣhma: Indian Summer Soirée
Sat 4 July Jimmy’s Night
Still to be announced…
Children’s Festival
Spiegeltent Daytime Sessions
Guest Curator and much more...
Welcome to
SPIEGELTENT 2026 PREVIEW GUIDE
It’s back, and it’s bigger than ever. The Spiegeltent returns to Harrogate for 10 days of non-stop entertainment, and we’ve packed it to the brim with unforgettable nights.
We open in style with Hope & Social, bringing their all-out, ballsy, joyous energy to the tent. Expect big tunes, big atmosphere, and a night to remember. The sensational House of Burlesque return with their signature mix of risqué glamour and raucous fun, followed by their legendary Silent Disco to keep the party going late into the night.
Shake off the Sunday scaries with the vibrant sounds of Jess Gillam and her trio, as they blend hidden gems with bold new takes on much-loved favourites. Looking for a moment of calm? Grīṣhma: Indian Summer Soirée, in association with South Asian Arts UK, offers a rich and immersive evening of traditional Indian culture, designed to leave you feeling restored, recharged, and inspired.
We’re going out with a bang. Jimmy’s Night returns for the ultimate nostalgia trip, so grab your friends, hit the dancefloor, and relive the glory days in style.
Want to upgrade your Spiegeltent experience?
Booking a VIP booth grants entry to the event for six people, guarantees your space for the evening, and includes a bottle of fizz on entry. You know you want to…!
“A highly skilled piece of theatrical cabaret…rip-roaring fun”
– The Stage
HOUSE OF BURLESQUE AND SILENT DISCO
25 June
7.30pm
£22
VIP booth: £150
Standing gig
Welcome to Hope & Social: eight hoodlums who play all-out, ballsy, joyous and uplifting music. Over their ten-year tenure on the gig circuit they’ve won the hearts of many a gig-goer with their mix of jubilant bonhomie and superlative musicianship, built on some of the finest songs you’ll ever hear, and garnished with generous portion of Northern, self deprecating humour.
With a three piece horn section and five part harmonies, Hope & Social make a massive sound that draws influence from soul, indie, folk and disco. You’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll smile so much your face will hurt.
26 June
7.00pm
House of Burlesque & Silent Disco: £36
Silent Disco: £15
VIP booth: £300 / £250
Unreserved theatre style
Oh yes, they’re back… We are delighted to welcome the one and only House of Burlesque for a night of risqué, raucous, and rhinestoned revelry. An immersive party with the UK’s top Burlesque Showgirls, prepare to enter a world of the fierce and fabulous where all are welcome.
After the curtain falls, the night is far from over – grab your headphones and hit the dance floor for our legendary Silent Disco, where DJs spin everything from retro bangers to dancefloor anthems.
HOPE& SOCIAL
“Brilliant, uplifting and inclusive. That was amazing, here’s your cheque” – Michael Eavis, Glastonbury Festival
JESS GILLAM TRIO
1 July 7.30pm
£22
VIP Booth: £160 / £140
Unreserved seating
Travel to India with us this July for a summer’s evening filled with soul-stirring Indian classical music by sitar duo Ayan Sengupta and Srijanee Banerjee accompanied by Ustad Shahbaz Hussain on tabla. Immerse yourself in the meditative power of Indian classical music, and let yourself unwind to this serene and evocative artform.
The performance will be preceded by a talk on ‘Insights to Indian Classical Music’, at 6.30pm.
Presented in association with South Asian Arts-UK.
£27
VIP booth: £190 / £175
Unreserved seating
With her electrifying performances, vibrant stage presence and magnetic personality, Jess Gillam has been invited to play on the world’s major stages since becoming the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
We’re delighted to welcome the Jess Gillam Trio for a programme interspersing jazz influences with baroque energy and shades of folk. Join us for an unforgettable evening with one of the UK’s foremost musicians.
SPONSORS
Harrogate International Festivals would like to thank the following organisations for their support.
GRĪṢHMA: INDIAN SUMMER SOIRÉE
£18
VIP booth: £150
Standing gig
JIMMY’S NIGHT
Now it’s time to relive the glory days with our tribute: Jimmy’s Night. Expect dancing round your handbag. Expect screams of ‘Oh my God I LOVE this song!’. They don’t make clubs like this anymore… except we do… 4 July 5 – 11pm
Party like it’s 1999! Gone but not forgotten, Jimmy’s nightclub was Harrogate’s busiest club in the mid-1990s to late noughties. Described as ‘a class night out’, it was a venue that ushered in a golden age of clubs that dared to be different. Jimmy’s was the go-to hang out.
