Running Aug. 21–29, 2026, the festival’s sixth season brings world-class masterpieces of the classical music repertoire to Prince Edward County.

WELLINGTON, Ont. — April 1, 2026 — BIGLAKE Festival today unveiled the lineup for its upcoming season, CLASSICS, which once again welcomes internationally acclaimed classical musicians from around the world to Prince Edward County.

Audiences are invited to experience masterpieces of the classical repertoire that have stood the test of time, performed by some of the world’s leading musicians. The festival runs from Aug. 21–29 and features 10 exciting concerts and events during its annual week-long festival.

Elissa Lee and Johannes Debus, co-founders and directors of BIGLAKE, are set to bring the festival’s sixth season to life across a range of venues throughout Prince Edward County, featuring playful, dynamic performances by renowned artists. Known for its intimate and uniquely approachable environment, BIGLAKE offers audiences a rare sense of proximity to both the music and the performers.

The main stage is set at Wellington Music Hall, a historical building dating back to 1885. Additional venues include Maison Millefleurs, with its lavender garden located on the shores of Lake Ontario, as well as The Eddie Hotel & Farm, The Andrew, and the Wellington United Church.

“We created BIGLAKE to be different. Our vision is to bring world-class music into unique spaces where audiences can experience and connect with performers in an approachable way,” says co-founder and director Elissa Lee. “CLASSICS will bring some of the world’s most beloved musical works to the intimate stages of Prince Edward County.”

2026 Festival Programming

• Kerson Leong | Opening Night Renowned violinist Kerson Leong explores darkness and light, passion and ethereality in an intimate setting.

• Philip Chiu | Up Close JUNO Award-winning pianist Philip Chiu performs beloved masterworks, including Chopin nocturnes and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

• The Goldberg Variations | Bach Then and Now Pianist Ilya Poletaev offers a rare perspective on Bach’s variations on both period and modern instruments.

• Philharmonisches Streichquartett Berlin | Canadian Debut Members of the Berlin Philharmonic make their Canadian debut performing famous string quartets.

• A Musical Friendship | Schumann and Brahms Ensemble Made In Canada celebrates the special friendship between these two iconic composers.

• KaffeeKuchen | Haydn and the Viennese Court Afternoon chamber music paired with coffee and cakes inspired by Haydn’s court.

• Candlelight Concert | Beethoven Then and Now A candlelit salon experience featuring Beethoven’s piano music performed on a fortepiano.

• Kerson Leong & Philip Chiu | Dorman and Chausson Two riveting concertos in a chamber music format. Feel the energy of a large orchestra!

• Medieval Songs | Impact Concert Ensemble Comtessa performs medieval songs supporting the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory.

• Festival Finale | Vivaldi and Bach The BIGLAKE Festival Ensemble performs beloved Baroque concertos in a lively closing celebration.

Tickets and Information

Kicking off the summer season, BIGLAKE hosts its annual fundraising event, the Summer Solstice Garden Party and Gala, on June 25 at The Eddie Hotel & Farm. Tickets for BIGLAKE Festival 2026 are available now. For more information, ticket purchasing details, and a full schedule of events, visit www.biglakearts.com. Bundle pricing is available.

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About BIGLAKE A dynamic cultural institution co-founded and co-directed by Juno Award-winning violinist Elissa Lee and Johannes Debus, Music Director for the Canadian Opera Company. BIGLAKE fuses tradition and innovation by weaving a variety of musical genres, cultural influences and modern elements to curate unique musical experiences in Wellington, Prince Edward County, Canada.

Media Contacts Jessica Barcelos, Touchwood PR – jessica@touchwoodpr.com Chelsea Cabello, Touchwood PR – chelsea@touchwoodpr.com