Ravello, perched high above the Amalfi Coast, is known for its tranquility and serenity and possesses a distinct laid back atmosphere - but this quiet town is not without its entertainment.The Ravello Festival (also called the Wagner Festival) is an open air festival that has been known to attract many musicians and artists. This is the one event that can make the town of Ravello transform from its usual peaceful atmosphere into one that is vibrant and exciting. Ravello at this time comes to life and is filled with people from all over the world.The festival was originally a way to bolster tourism using the historical visit of Richard Wagner to Ravello. It has developed from its beginnings in 1953 where focus was only on Wagner’s music to today where it has expanded to include many genres of music. The festival now lasts for 2 whole months and includes music from orchestras, chamber groups, dance, art shows and many other exhibitions. There are many renowned visitors to the festival and the festival offers meetings with musicians and other artists - including cinematographers.The festival usually starts in July and ends mid-september. For more information on the Ravello Festival visit the website www.ravellofestival.com.Related link: ...

In one of the most picturesque town of the Amalfi Coast, Positano, is held every year between the months of July and September the "Festival Musica d'Estate" or International Chamber Music Festival. The concerts are held all over Positano in different beautiful churches and in the open-air on picturesque piazzas. Positano Chamber Music Festival has private and public shows and concerts and every year the Festival welcomes famous performers and maestros such as Maestro Aldo Ciccolini or Eileen Huang, Hristo Popov and Joseph Rosen to name a few. You can also participate to various classes for students of Piano, Violin, Viola, cello, wind instruments and Vocal, and art courses. Going to the festival? You can find affordable stays in Amalfi and also have the chance to experience the excellent shopping in Positano.

The Prague Spring Festival is probably the best classical music event in Europe. Set in beautiful places from old castle ballrooms to verdant royal gardens, the festival boast la-crème-de-la-crème in international and Czech classical orchestras. During these two weeks there will be plenty of must-see concerts - check the program at the Rudolfinum (a famous concert venue in Prague), at the National Theater (for opera) and at Villa Bertramka (once Mozart’s home). However if sitting through Beethoven’s Unfinished Symphony is not so much your cup of tea you will find that the whole city is in festival mood, with plenty of free concerts to enjoy during your stroll. The festival is usually from mid May and lasts for 2 weeks (for this year's exact dates and to buy tickets visit the Prague Spring Festival official website).Photo credit: tracyesmith | Find quality apartments in Prague on Holiday Velvet

Barcelona is well known for its music festivals and the Sonar Festival is one of the most popular. Every June, the Sonar Festival - a progressive music event - is held over three days and three nights.The Festival boasts of over 300 activities and includes DJ sets, concerts and film. The Sonar is famous for making use of all the latest multimedia technologies to provide a state of the art festival. This is a meeting point for artists, the public and music professionals from all sectors of music and the modern arts. There are two very distinct and separate parts to the Sonar Festival. The ‘Sonar by day’ which is held in the Museum of Contemporary Art, and features not only great live music and DJs, but also art installations, screenings of low-budget films, and also fairs where you can buy records. The ‘Sonar by night’ part attracts some of the biggest DJ names in avant-garde and techno music.Please note: if you are looking to rent apartments in Barcelona during SONAR make sure to book well in advance! This is one of the busiest times of the year in Barcelona. Photo Credit: activefree | Where to buy tickets: Official ...