Festival Programme
Cantilena Festival on Islay
5 - 10 July 2026
The Cantilena Festival offers the only opportunity for Islay residents to hear music which ranges from Renaissance to the present day. Cantilena has become a near sell-out event, attracting audiences from as far afield as Germany and Italy, thanks to the intimate and informal atmosphere of the venues which include some of the island’s famous malt whisky distilleries. This year will see the festival celebrate its season with performances running from Sunday 5 July – Friday 10 July.
Programme Information coming soon!
Please review our 2025 Festival Programme below for a taster of what's to come.
Cantelina Festival Programme
- Sunday 5 July Islay Gaelic Centre - 7:30pm
- Monday 6 July Laphroaig Distillery - 7:30pm
- Tuesday 7 July Caol Ila Distillery - 7:30pm
- Wednesday 8 July Islay Gaelic Centre - 7:30pm
- Thursday 9 July Ardbeg Distillery - 7:30pm
- Friday 10 July Bruichladdich Village Hall - 7:30pm
Celebrate our 26th anniversary opening night in the Gaelic Centre where we will feature the following:
Bach
Trio Sonata in G
Guitar Duo
Mozart
Piano Concerto in C K415
Join us for an inspiring evening curated by the Cantilena Scholars, featuring solo items and small chamber work groups. Not to be missed!
Don’t miss this event in the stunning setting of Caol Ila Distillery:
Haydn
Seven Last Words
Bach
Triple Concerto in D
Boccherini
Guitar Quintet in C
Vivaldi
Cello Concerto
An evening featuring Allan Neave, our Artistic Director and Tim Beattie on guitar and our Piano Scholar:
Piano Recital
Guitar Duo
Beethoven
Piano Trio in B flat [Archduke]
An evening including Baroque masterpieces set in the wonderful Ardbeg Distillery:
Mozart
Divertimento
Vivaldi
Guitar Concerto
Vivaldi
Double Cello Concerto
Guitar Duo
Rossini
String Sonata
A celebratory finale concert in Bruichladdich Village Hall:
Mendelssohn
Octet in E flat [movement 1]
Vivaldi
Double Guitar Concerto
Classical Ceilidh
(featuring fun and eclectic performances from our musicians and scholars)
Become a Cantilena Patron
Cantilena depends on help, whether it's in the form of financial assistance or volunteers distributing posters and providing accommodation during the Festival.
Buy Tickets for the 2025 Cantilena Festival
This year will see the festival celebrate its 22nd season with performances running from Sunday 7 July – Friday 12 July.
Cantilena Festival on Islay is a registered charity SCO 033071
