OPENING CEREMONY – WOWFEST 2026

Join us for the Opening Ceremony of WOWFest: Wells Orchestral Weekend 2026, with glittering performances by the Irish Chamber Orchestra Youth and pianists from the Leon Fleisher Academy, New York (USA).

Free entrance with retiring collection

The Irish Chamber Orchestra Youth brings together exceptional young string players, offering high-level orchestral training and performance experience within Ireland's leading youth orchestral environment.

The Leon Fleisher Academy (New York, USA) is an international piano institution rooted in a distinguished artistic lineage from Beethoven through to Leon Fleisher, focused on musical depth, interpretation, and artistic development for young pianists.

Cedars Hall, The Liberty, Wells BA5 2ST

Friday 10 July 2026

3.00pm

WOWFest: Wells Orchestral Weekend 2026

From 10-13th July WOWFest will celebrate its 4th edition, with another stellar line-up of young musicians from around the world giving free performances in Wells' most iconic venues. This year's festival will welcome 300 musicians from the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, USA and Brazil! There will be a series of concerts in Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral, St Thomas & St Cuthbert's churches, Wookey Hole and the Bishop's Palace. The highlight of the Festival will be a performance of Carmina Burana in Wells Cathedral on Saturday 11th July (tickets £0-15 must be reserved in advance from Cathedral Box Office). This huge production will welcome the Bristol Classical Players symphony orchestra alongside young pianists from New York, three professional soloists, the Wells Cathedral Youth Choir and Song Squad, and the WOWFest Community Chorus. Entrance to most concerts is free, with a retiring collection. Please see www.wellsyouthmusicfest.co.uk for the full schedule.