Melody makers ... an ensemble plays an open-air event at the Grafenegg festival in Austria.
Michael White nominates Europe's most affordable and laid-back classical music festivals in the northern summer.
For anyone whose tastes are more Brahms than Bieber, chasing music around the world doesn't come cheaply. This sorely tests the claim that classical festivals can make on the middle-income earners who are their core audience.
However, with sense and planning the international festival circuit can be affordable. Glamorous big-ticket events at places such as Salzburg and Bayreuth sound wonderful and sometimes are. But consider smaller, fresher, edgier - or at least more welcoming - alternatives that offer quality without the cost. And look for ones in destinations that provide possibilities beyond the music.
Aix-en-Provence, France
With leanings to the grand and chic, Aix might not qualify for this list except that it's a fascinating place to stay, has good ticket deals for the under-30s and it's staging one of the most significant premieres on this year's circuit: George Benjamin's new opera Written on Skin, which promises to be quite an event. On July 5-27, see festival-aix.com.
Kuhmo, Finland
Kuhmo could only be a Nordic enterprise: a hyperactive fixture for which chamber-music junkies crowd into a small Finnish town, overdose on as many concerts as the day allows, then pile into post-show sauna parties. It's chummy, no-frills and dress-down but alive with the collective joy of devotees. For those who like to fraternise with musical celebrities in nothing but a bath towel, it's addictive. On July 15-28, see www.kuhmofestival.fi.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier's glitzy reputation is endorsed by Rolex-wearing superstars, but it's also a magnet for young musicians. Stay in a flat without a view and take sandwiches to concerts to help you keep within budget. On July 20-August 5, see verbierfestival.com.
Musique Cordiale, France
Part-festival, part-reunion for friends, Musique Cordiale attracts a small army of singers and musicians to idyllic hilltop towns across the Var in southern France. The concerts are of surprising quality, thanks to uber-tenor Andrew Staples and the stunning young professionals he ropes in to help. This year it's Poulenc, Britten, Mozart. Seriously sociable. On August 8-18, see musique-cordiale.com.
Grafenegg, Austria
An open-air auditorium in the grounds of the Metternich family schloss, an hour from Vienna, is the focus for this smart but family-friendly festival set amid vineyards. Grand orchestral concerts sit alongside more intimate events in the Metternich's converted riding school. Take warm clothes and an umbrella. On August 23-September 9, see grafenegg.com.
Beethovenfest Bonn, Germany
Big but civilised, this annual celebration fits comfortably into the modest grandeur of the composer's home town. This year's program includes a complete symphony cycle from London's Philharmonia Orchestra. On September 7-October 7, see beethovenfest.de.
Dresden Musikfest, Germany
Once the cultural showcase of old East Germany, Dresden is a city rebuilt from the ruins of war and now has a largely restored baroque-style magnificence. Concerts and events are spread across the city - from the spectacular, all-glass Volkswagen factory to the Frauenkirche - all without attitude. This year's musikfest started on May 15 (until June 3), so plan for next year and take a river cruise along the Elbe, too. See musikfestspiele.com.
- The Telegraph, London
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