The 89th season of the renowned Carmel Bach Festival is set to take place from July 11 to July 25, 2026, featuring a diverse array of performances across the scenic Monterey Peninsula. This year’s theme, “the nature of sound,” aims to deepen audiences’ appreciation not only for music but for the world around them. Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Grete Pedersen emphasizes that the festival encourages attendees to listen to the sounds of the environment, from the Pacific Ocean waves to the bustling life of Carmel.
A Celebration of Music and Nature
According to Nathan Lutz, the Executive Director of the festival, this year’s programming highlights the festival’s historical roots and the artistic freedom that characterized its inception in 1935. Lutz notes that the founders, Hazel Watrous and Dene Denny, embraced both classical and contemporary music, creating an artistic haven where various forms of creativity could flourish. Audiences can expect a rich dialogue between early works and modern compositions, reflecting the festival’s mission to honor its legacy.
This season’s lineup includes timeless pieces such as Bach’s cantatas, Haydn’s oratorio “The Seasons,” Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. Additionally, the festival will showcase contemporary works by Kaija Saariaho, Nils Henrik Asheim, Einojuhani Rautavaara, and Puerto Rican composer Angélica Negrón, who has been named the featured composer for the summer. Her innovative approach combines classical and electronic music, often incorporating sounds from nature, aligning perfectly with this year’s theme.
“I’m beyond thrilled to explore how nature, science, technology, acoustics, field recordings and music intersect with human connection, curiosity and perception through shared listening,” said Negrón.
Exceptional Performances and Events
Alongside the main concerts, attendees can enjoy a variety of chamber performances, master classes, lectures, and special events. This year introduces a new venue, the historic Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, expanding the festival’s reach and accessibility. Tickets for the festival will be available soon, with further details accessible via the festival’s website at www.BachFestival.org.
In addition to the Carmel Bach Festival, young musicians will take the stage at the Hidden Depths concert, hosted by Youth Music Monterey County on March 1 at 3 p.m.. This concert will feature local talent, including Katherine Lin, a 12-year-old violinist celebrated for her technical skill and emotional depth. The program will include notable works such as Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Mendelssohn’s “The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave).”
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable season filled with musical exploration and community engagement. For further information on tickets and events, interested parties can visit www.youthmusicmonterey.org.
The Carmel Bach Festival continues to be a vital cultural event, celebrating both the timeless music of the past and the innovative sounds of the present, drawing audiences from near and far to revel in the beauty of sound in nature.
