The long-running celebration of classical, baroque, and medieval music, often featuring authentic and restored church organs played in churches and chapels across the district, will launch with a sold-out show at St Patrick's Cathedral.

While previous years have seen blockbuster classical performances, to keep things COVID-safe, crowds will be treated to 'From Lubeck to Leipzig: The Baroque Cantata from Buxtehude to Bach', featuring four soloists directed by Gary Ekkel, and David Macfarlane on the organ with the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra.

The festival continues across the weekend, with performances of baroque harp in Clunes and Latitude 37's celebration of the musette, or French bagpipe, at the Neil Street Uniting Church.

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The special final performance will be Spanish music on solo cello at St Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday evening, following The Paris Quartets by Georg Philipp Telemann performed at the Neil Street Uniting Church.

Unfortunately, due to capped numbers for COVID-safety, tickets will not be on sale on the door, however organisers have reported early ticket sales exceeded expectations - the festival regularly draws music lovers from across the country to Ballarat, as well as international musicians, all organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers.

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