The 42nd Early Music Days festival will take place in Vác from June 27 - July 4 2026. This year, alongside Baroque music, the themes of the masterclasses will also include Classicism and early Romanticism. As always, participants will have the opportunity to learn from outstanding artists of the Hungarian and international early music scene.

Vashegyi György, Artistic Director of the Early Music Days, on the 2026 edition:

In 2026, we are delighted to present the 42nd edition of the Early Music Days. Following the 2025 focus on Baroque repertoire, next year we will continue to explore Baroque music while significantly expanding into Viennese Classicism and Romanticism — broadly covering the musical period between 1750 and 1850. This shift also brings instrument-specific developments: we will introduce a fortepiano course led by Petra Somlai (winner of the Bruges Competition and professor at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague). Thanks to the collaboration with the Hungarian Haydn Early Music Center, we will have access to one of Central Europe’s most remarkable fortepiano collections, showing the fascinating evolution of piano building from early Classicism to late Romanticism.

We are also honoured to welcome Shunske Sato, one of the world’s most acclaimed historical violinists, whose artistry spans from Baroque to Romantic repertoire. Ildikó Kertész returns to lead her highly regarded flute class, and we continue to offer chamber music courses and several returning masterclasses. The festival will feature multiple pitch standards: Baroque repertoire at A=415, and Classical–Romantic works at A=430.

We look forward to a festive and inspiring edition in 2026.

Collaborating partners:

• Haydneum – Hungarian Centre for Early Music Foundation is supported by the Prime Minister's Office and the Bethlen Gábor Fund Management. 
• City of Vác