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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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August 15-24, 2025

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

Staunton Music Festival artists are acclaimed professionals based all around the world. They are known for their historical knowledge and commitment to engaging with diverse, familiar and unfamiliar music.
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Bach's Passion
April 25-27, 2025

Come to Staunton in April 2025 for a three-day celebration of music by Bach and the composers who influenced him. All performances on period instruments.

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In April & August

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Enjoy music in significant, unique spaces. Attend an in-depth lecture complete with catered meal. Catch a pop-up or Nightcap performance. Tickets for limited-capacity Special Events are always a hot commodity! 

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Spring & Fall

Apart from the two festivals, SMF also presents several solo and chamber music recitals in spring and fall devoted to specific composers or eras in music history.

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Upcoming Concerts

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

Staunton, Virginia

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

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Interested to purchase stunning images by Staunton photographer Leslie Kipp, and support SMF at the same time?  

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