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acclaimed professional musicians

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outstanding classical music performances by acclaimed artists from around the world 

Each August Staunton proudly hosts "Virginia's world-class music festival" (Travel + Leisure), which brings more than 90 world-class musicians from around the world to the Blue Ridge Mountains to perform for ten consecutive days and nights of eclectic chamber, vocal, and symphonic music. All performances are held entirely in historic downtown Staunton.​

Staunton Music Festival also presents an annual BaroqueFest in April, recitals throughout the year, and a few limited-capacity special events.

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The Summer Festival

August 16-25, 2024

The signature event of SMF's season.  Ten days of eclectic vocal, orchestral, and chamber music featuring 80+ artists from around the world.

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BaroqueFest: Bach's Passion

April 25-27, 2025

April 2024 offers a three-day celebration of period-instrument Baroque music, culminating with Handel's Italian oratorio La Resurrezione. 

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Other Recitals

Spring & Fall

Staunton Music Festival presents recitals of specific repertoires in spring and fall, from solo harpsichord to 19th-century chamber music.

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Special Events

Throughout the year

From fundaisers to Nightcaps and lectures over lunch, the Festival offers many ways to celebrate the richness of music in our world.

Upcoming Concerts

Staunton Music Festival Box Office    |    (540) 800-6012   Mon-Fri  9:00-3:00    |    boxoffice@stauntonmusicfestival.org

Staunton, Virginia

"Staunton [is] an arts-and-culture magnet." - Washingtonian
One of the "best small towns in America" - Smithsonian Magazine 

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The spirit behind our tagline, Rethink Classical, touches on two basic convictions about what classical music can be in the 21st century. First, by taking a deep interest in historically-informed performance practice, we can rediscover the subtlety and color that emerges from period instrument concerts. Second, by merging past masterworks with world premieres, we remind ourselves that music from all eras is vital and expressive - that all music was once "modern."  We believe programming the old and the new, together, deepens the appreciation of both.

Together, these commitments to historically-informed performance of older music and to the creative, mixed programming of contemporary works define Staunton Music Festival.  For us, therefore, the call to "Rethink Classical" is more than just a tagline - it's a key element of our mission statement.

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