TIME FOR FESTIVAL!

Dear friends, 

Back again in the bloggy world :) I´m pleased to present once more the Nordic countries' largest festival for historical music, for the 13th year running. The highlight of the season for the lover of early music. It's time to enjoy those longed-for, bright summer days, filled with live music, in the historical setting of Stockholm's Old Town.

 
As for the music and the artists - international is the word. SEMF 2014 presents 25 concerts with more than 70 artists from 10 countries!! A brilliant festival opening is anticipated with L'Arpeggiata, currently one of the most sought-after ensembles in Europe. In an exclusive world premiere, SEMF and Sweden will play host to the viola organista of Leonardo da Vinci, reconstructed by the Polish musician Slawomir Zubrzycki after a 500-year wait as a blueprint. A unique opportunity not to be missed! 

Experience the beautiful sound of French vocal ensemble Gilles Binchois, and join Joshua Rifkin in his poetic interpretations of J. S. Bach's cantatas. May we tempt you with dazzling Corsican polyphony or a medieval French classic, the Roman de la Rose? The grand final of SEMF 2014 will take us to renaissance Venice and the Gabrieli brothers under the direction of well-renowned wind ensemble Concerto Palatino, surrounded by excellent singers.

A special thank you this year to the Swedish Arts Council for bringing out Stockholm Early Music Festival as an "event of national interest". It's never too late for... well, you know. Slogan or self-fulfilling prophecy? The sounds of the old masters are there for all ears. And that does good. Welcome! 

Peter Pontvik

Artistic director, Stockholm Early Music Festival