Miercurea Ciuc Early Music Festival

The year 2026 holds special significance in the history of European, Hungarian, and Transylvanian early music, marking the anniversaries of several outstanding Renaissance composers and performers. The festival pays tribute to the legacy of Tinódi Sebestyén, Bálint Bakfark, and John Dowland on the 470th, 450th, and 400th anniversaries of their deaths, bringing the enduring message of their music closer to today’s audiences.

This year’s festival places the lute at the center of its program, as it was a defining instrument in the oeuvre of all three artists. The motto of the edition – Fantasia – refers both to a characteristic genre of lute music and to the creative crossing of musical boundaries. The event is further highlighted by the anniversaries of two renowned ensembles: the 50th anniversary of the festival-founding Barozda Ensemble and the 30th anniversary of the Codex Early Music Ensemble. The 18th Early Music Summer University will also take place alongside the festival between 6 and 11 July 2026.

The festival is organised by the Cultural Center of Harghita County, the Harghita County Council, Cultura Nostra Association, and co-organised by the Municipality of Miercurea Ciuc.