Tallinn is set to resonate with the timeless sounds of the Baroque era as bachFest 2026 returns to the Estonian capital from 1–6 January 2026, offering a rich programme of concerts dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach and his musical contemporaries. This international festival, one of the city’s most revered early-year music events, brings together world-class performers and a carefully curated selection of works that span the breadth and depth of Baroque repertoire.
Organised by Eesti Kammermuusika Ühing MTÜ, bachFest transforms iconic venues around Tallinn, including Tallinna Piiskoplik Toomkirik and the Tallinn Philharmonia House of the Blackheads, into resonant spaces filled with evocative organ, chamber, and ensemble music. The festival kicks off with its New Year’s Concert on 1 January at 16:00, featuring works by Bach alongside selections from the French Baroque, performed by distinguished vocal and instrumental soloists with the Estonian Sinfonietta.
Over the following days, the programme showcases a variety of thematic concerts that highlight both Bach’s genius and the broader Baroque tradition. On 3 January, the concert titled “In Bach’s Footsteps” presents music by Bach as well as Ferrandini, Vivaldi, Porpora, Scarlatti, and Liszt — offering a tapestry of styles that reflect the wide influence of Bach and his era. On 4 January, “Through Glass” features the rare and haunting tones of glass harmonica alongside flute, oboe, violin, and cello in works by Handel and Weber. Meanwhile, 6 January’s “Magnificent!” concert brings a larger ensemble to the stage with musette, baroque flute, and string voices in a programme that balances familiar Baroque favourites with lesser-heard gems.
Throughout its week-long run, bachFest 2026 promises immersive encounters with Baroque sound, from the intimate warmth of vocal cantatas and organ pieces to the expressive richness of chamber ensemble works. Beyond Bach’s own compositions, audiences will hear music by his contemporaries, illuminating the creative exchanges that shaped one of classical music’s most vibrant eras.
For Tallinn audiences, the festival is more than a series of concerts — it’s a cultural milestone that spotlights historical continuity and artistic discovery at the very start of the year. Whether you’re a devoted Baroque aficionado or a newcomer curious about the expressive power of early music, bachFest offers a compelling musical journey in the heart of Estonia’s historic capital.
See the full program on Bachfest website.
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