Our 2025 event featuring Handel’s oratorio, Alexander’s Feast, was a great success. Thanks to the participants, all those who helped out, and the audience.

Our 2026 event runs from May 10 to May 17, culminating in a production of Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo on the afternoon of Saturday, May 16. This will be the 8 th edition of the workshop and festival. The program will once again be under the expert musical direction of the world-renowned baroque harpsichordist and composer Marco Vitale. In rehearsals, he will be assisted by instructors Paul Luchkow (strings), and Marta Semkiw (continuo) and Romeo Ciuffa (winds).

The great Italian baritone Furio Zanasi will be singing the title role in L’Orfeo, as well as tutoring our singers! The instructors will be showcasing their talents during the week in a concert of baroque chamber music.
L’Orfeo, composed in 1607, is considered the first masterpiece of operatic history. It is the earliest opera regularly performed today. It is a retelling of a Greek tragedy, the myth of the demi-god Orpheus as described in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. L’Orfeo is a brilliant advertisement for the power of music to complement and enhance the fine words of the libretto (by Alessandro Striggio).
We are particularly keen to attract past and new workshop participants. The workshop provides a unique opportunity for accomplished instrumentalists and singers to meet and sing or play with other musicians in the baroque style as well as receive instruction from world-class professional tutors. This year, we will perform in modern pitch baroque pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). String players may use modern instruments if fitted with gut strings. Baroque bows are preferred.
Applications for workshop participation will be accepted in the late fall. Check this website for updates. The application form and further information will be available on this website and on Denman Island at Abraxas Books under B. Tickets will be available online in spring 2026.
This event is organized by Denman Early Music, a committee of Arts Denman. Any donations to help in funding of Denman Baroque festival are most welcome. Canadian residents may make donations by cheque (payable to Arts Denman (with note ‘Baroque Festival donation’), through this website at denmanbaroque.ca/support-us, or by e-transfer to (with a note ‘Denman Baroque donation’).