Ripon International Festival was founded in 1997 by international pianist and conductor Janusz Piotrowicz and classical music promoter Susan Goldsbrough, who, with the encouragement of local and national sponsors and a team of dedicated volunteers, brought to fruition plans they had nurtured for some time to create an annual arts festival of the highest standard in the City of Ripon.
The inaugural festival took place in September 1998. The programme included a Symphony Concert by Manchester Camerata, the world-famous Lindsay Quartet, the Yorkshire Building Society Band - reigning European Champions, a piano recital by Janusz, recitals, poetry and puppetry. The Festival made an immediate impact on the city and the surrounding area and drew unanimous appreciation for its quality and variety, generating eager expectation of further festivals.
Ripon Cathedral is its focal point, providing the magnificent setting, warm ambience and kind acoustic loved by musicians and audiences. Its cornerstones are the symphony concerts conducted by Janusz Piotrowicz, whose profound musical insight and energy produces revelatory performances. These concerts attract sell-out attendances with demand for tickets growing each year.