Cantilena Music Festival 2019

5th June 2019

Cantilena, an Islay Music Festival

Every July, the Cantilena Festival celebrates chamber music with the people of Islay, here in the Hebrides of Scotland. Cantilena began life in 1970 as a musical ensemble, formed by cellist and conductor Adrian Shepherd. The ensemble is made up of professional musicians and students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. And since 2001, they have brought their unique sound to the island with a magical programme of summer concerts and events.

  • Bokeh musical notes and lights
  • View from back of violinist in orchestra

The Cantilena Ensemble

The name Cantilena comes from an old word meaning familiar song or lullaby. The Cantilena ensemble specialises in chamber music, a form of classical music composed for a small group of instruments. They perform many beautiful pieces from the likes of Mozart, Bach, Handel, Beethoven and Schubert. And also some more modern compositions. Their concert venues on Islay include village halls, community buildings and whisky distilleries.

  • Sheet music, keyboard and flute

What’s on at Cantilena Islay Music Festival 2019?

The 19th Cantilena Festival will take place from the 7th to the 12th July 2019. There is a different music concert on every night, beginning at 7.30 pm. Also, there are some extra events, including a whisky tasting on 10th July, where you can sample Islay malt whiskies with a musical accompaniment. See the 2019 Programme for a full list of concerts and events.

  • Hands of a musical conductor during a concert
  • Cellist close up

Pre-Concert Pizza

If you’re looking for a little refreshment before visiting the Cantilena Islay music festival, we’d love to welcome you to Peatzeria, our friendly Islay restaurant. Choose from delicious antipasti, stone-baked pizzas, salads, pastas, sides and desserts. We are open from 12 noon to 10 pm, 7 days a week, in Bowmore on Islay. The perfect location for a pre-concert meal. So, please contact us if you’d like to book a table.