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Considering the depth and wealth of classical music, how it transformed an often war-ravaged Europe into a leading light of art and culture, and understanding how it maintains an important place within the music world, it is perhaps surprising that there are only a handful of large scale dedicated classical music festivals within the countries that consistently redefined styles of music. Many of these take part at similar times of year, so timing is everything.

For those that would like to travel around Europe, and indulge in festivals that are rich in music, a calendar of major events might provide useful so, therefore, the list I have compiled should give the music lover a handy guide to work with.

The first festival to start the year off is in the early spring. From mid-March until the end of the month, whilst snow still dusts the ground, Hungary kicks off the major events with the Budapest Spring Music Festival. The homeland of composers such as Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok, it offers up two weeks of music, art and dance. Hungary is also renowned for gypsy style violin groups playing traditional folk and classical music.

Moving to April and into Italy, Florence holds its' nations oldest music festival, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. This event spreads itself over several weeks and incorporates classical and opera music, along with ballet and theatre. You can expect to hear music from Vivaldi, Puccini, Paganini and Verdi, amongst others.

If you can spare the time during this event, Austria has a music event that clashes awkwardly, so the traveller would have to work out their itinerary very carefully. From the start of May to the end of June the Vienna Festival offers up a rich variety of music and art, surrounded by some truly amazing architecture. The composers to emerge from Austria are some of the most famous names in classical music, so listen out for Mozart, Schubert, Haydn and waltz many a night away to the Strausses.

If you would like a rest at any point, May is definitely not the time to do it. As well as Italy and Austria, the Czech Republic adds to an already packed itinerary. Stunning buildings and historic venues are used throughout the month to showcase the artistic history of this country with the Prague Spring International Music Festival. Not overly endowed with household names, but the music is vibrant and encapsulates a colourful history of a country that rose above several invasions and maintained a strong national identity. Their most famous

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