Why Levoča? With one of the most beautifully preserved historic town centres in Europe, Levoča is the perfect setting for an international arts festival. At its centre is the 14th-century St. James's Church, containing a magnificent landmark of the Central European Renaissance, the superb carved altar created by Master Pavol (c. 1510). Close by in the Town Square, ringed by town houses dating back to the 13th century, are the romantic Old Town Hall and a beautiful 18th-century theatre. A short distance from the town can be found, among many other places of interest, the Chateau of Markušovce and its Belvedere, now a museum of historic keyboard instruments, the ruins of the mighty Spiš Castle, (also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the historic town of Kežmarok. Nearby natural beauties include the High Tatra mountain range and the Slovensky Raj (`Slovak Paradise') National Park. With the development of Poprad airport, 30 minutes distant by road - and with the establishment of quality accommodation and cuisine - this unique region has at last become easily accessible to the outside world. Its reputation for mild and welcoming Indian summers at the start of October suggest the perfect timing for the festival.

The Third 'Levočske babie leto' Festival maintains our tradition of bringing to audiences great music and music unfairly neglected, played by leading musicians from all over Europe. We welcome both returning artists such as the Stamic Quartet, the Holywell Ensemble, Tomasz Kamieniak and Jonathan Powell, together with those such as Julian Lloyd Webber, the European Union Baroque Orchestra under Ton Koopman and Klára Kolonits who will be appearing at Levoča for the first time. In a year when our programmes reflect the anniversaries of Chopin, Mahler and Schumann - but also reflect the whole range of composition from the time of Bach to the present day - we can be certain that between them they will create an unforgettable musical experience in one of the most beautiful, historic and undiscovered corners of Europe.
You can see videos and details from previous 'Indian Summer in Levoča' Festivals and concerts on this site