Looking for unforgettable live music experiences in 2025? Finding the best festival highlights can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone.
As a passionate music lover, you’re the hero ready to explore Brighton Festival 2025 Music Highlights and discover performances that resonate.
With expert insights and insider knowledge, we’ll guide you through must-see acts like:
- Anoushka Shankar’s ‘Chapter III: We Return to Light’
- Arooj Aftab’s ‘Night Reign’
- Max Cooper’s ‘On Being’
- Aruna Sairam & Ganavya’s Cross-Cultural Performance
- Seckou Keita’s ‘Homeland: Chapter 1’
Keep reading to explore these incredible artists and make the most of your festival experience!
Brighton Festival 2025 Music Highlights
This year’s festival brings an exciting mix of global sounds, bold collaborations, and unforgettable live shows. From classical icons to fresh new voices, the music lineup has something for everyone. Let’s see what Brighton Festival 2025 Music Highlights are about.
1. What to Expect from This Year’s Music Lineup
Brighton Festival 2025 offers a bold and diverse music lineup. The festival blends classical, contemporary, and global styles, drawing award-winning artists from around the world.
One standout is Guest Director Anoushka Shankar. She’ll perform works by her father, Ravi Shankar, alongside pieces by Philip Glass. This set bridges Indian classical and Western modern music.
Types of Music Featured:
- Classical concerts spanning centuries
- Contemporary acts with big names and fresh talent
- Powerful performances by female artists
- Global sounds from international musicians
The program highlights cross-cultural and cross-generational collaborations. It features rising stars shaping the future of music. Audiences can enjoy everything from intimate solo sets to large ensemble performances.
Organizers and fans alike are excited for what’s ahead. The Brighton Festival promise something for everyone, from longtime classical lovers to fans of experimental sound.
Sample Concert Lineup:
| Genre | Featured Artists or Events |
|---|---|
| Classical | Anoushka Shankar, Philip Glass – Ravi Shankar |
| Contemporary | Epic female artists, UK premieres |
| International | Global talent from multiple countries |
The festival also includes family-friendly shows and interactive events for all ages.
See Also Brighton Festival in Pop Culture
2. Spotlight on Brighton Festival 2025
This year’s Brighton Festival celebrates music from around the world. Guest Director Anoushka Shankar has curated a bold, cross-cultural program featuring artists from many backgrounds.
Ganavya brings Indian classical music into a new space. She blends it with spiritual jazz and modern genres, creating a fresh and emotional sound.
Anoushka Shankar will also take the stage. She performs her new album Chapter III: We Return to Light on May 25 at Brighton Dome. The show marks the album’s UK debut. Her music blends Indian roots with global influences, offering something unique to every listener.
Some events also mix Baroque with modern sounds. This adds an experimental edge to the festival. Details can be found in the official lineup.
Arooj Aftab is another standout name. She blends jazz, folk, and South Asian classical music. Her style is deeply spiritual and boundary-pushing. Other featured acts include Aakash Odedra’s Songs of the Bulbul and How are you feeling. Their work explores identity and celebrates cultural diversity.
Together, these performances are key parts of the Brighton Festival 2025 music highlights, showing how music can connect people across cultures and generations.
3. Must-See Performances This May
Brighton Festival 2025 features music for every taste. This year’s lineup blends classic favorites with bold new music. It brings together different generations and styles.
Classical music fans can look forward to concerts spanning centuries. Highlights include Leila Josefowicz playing Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto and the Castalian String Quartet performing with guest artists.
British composer Natalie Klouda presents a modern take on Bach’s Solo Cello Suites. Two world premieres add even more excitement to the classical programme.
The lineup also features celebrated British composers, including Oscar-winner Rachel Portman. Debuts and anniversary performances make this year’s classical events even more special. More details are available in the festival’s classical highlights.
On the contemporary side, the festival hosts global and experimental acts. Seckou Keita will perform Homeland, and Nadine Shah shares music from her album Filthy Underneath.
Anoushka Shankar debuts her new album Chapter III: We Return to Light on May 25 at Brighton Dome—her first UK performance of the album.
The lineup also includes Jamie XX and late-night sets from leading electronic and dance DJs. British-Pakistani DJ Ahadadream brings his high-energy percussion to the stage. Some performances blend beats, visuals, and light to create immersive, ambient experiences.
The lineup includes new works like A New Dawn and Chapter II. Featured artists include New York’s Ganavya and early music group Les Arts Florissants. Collaborations with Philip Glass and fresh takes on traditional sounds show the festival’s bold, global vision.
See Also Music in UK
Brighton Festival 2025 Music Highlights: A Recap
Brighton Festival 2025 continues to lead the way in cultural innovation, with a music program that spans centuries, styles, and continents. From Indian classical and Baroque reinterpretations to electronic beats and multimedia performances, the festival celebrates artistic excellence and cross-cultural connection.
With Guest Director Anoushka Shankar at the helm, the 2025 lineup is a bold and inclusive musical journey, making Brighton a global stage for creativity and collaboration.