Who we are
For 20 years, the beautiful fishing community of Ajijic has been host to one of the most important and prestigious festivals in Mexico: the Northern Lights Festival de Febrero, with artists from around the world coming together for musical inspiration, camaraderie and for course the natural beauty of the town. The success of the February Festival has been our inspiration to start an international music academy in this same impressive place.
With its first season being held in 2018, Festival del Lago has quickly risen in international reputation and is now recognized as the most important summer music academy in Mexico with the highest level of performance in all Latin America.
We have put together a truly first-rate faculty coming from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe. With a very low student-to-teacher ratio of about 6/1, we can offer a more immersive and personalized experience for each participant. While you are given four private lessons on your instrument plus two studio classes over the two weeks, there is also a very strong emphasis on chamber music. We also offer a wide range of performance opportunities for participants, ranging from masterclasses to intimate in-home public performances to larger concert halls.
One of the more exciting aspects of the academy is not only its geographical location but also its venues. Rehearsals, coaching, lessons, and concerts all take place in beautiful chambers within luxurious and opulent villas. Historically, chamber music was always performed in the palaces and mansions of the aristocracy. Here in Ajijic, the Festival follows the tradition started by the 20-year-old Northern Lights Festival de Febrero by holding chamber concerts in some truly amazing venues – private homes in the area resembling virtual palaces.
The location is indeed extraordinary. Home to many thousands of Canadians, Americans, and Europeans, Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area is blessed with one of the world’s best climates, equaled only by the highlands of Kenya. Its main town, directly on the shores of Mexico’s largest lake – Lake Chapala – is ringed by mountains. It is a village of cobblestone streets, charming residences, over 100 amazing restaurants, and lots of arts activities and authentic Mexican culture. With Mexico's second largest city and founding location of mariachi music, Guadalajara, only an hour away, and the famous town of Tequila only an hour and a half away, there is plenty to see and experience!
With its first season being held in 2018, Festival del Lago has quickly risen in international reputation and is now recognized as the most important summer music academy in Mexico with the highest level of performance in all Latin America.
We have put together a truly first-rate faculty coming from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe. With a very low student-to-teacher ratio of about 6/1, we can offer a more immersive and personalized experience for each participant. While you are given four private lessons on your instrument plus two studio classes over the two weeks, there is also a very strong emphasis on chamber music. We also offer a wide range of performance opportunities for participants, ranging from masterclasses to intimate in-home public performances to larger concert halls.
One of the more exciting aspects of the academy is not only its geographical location but also its venues. Rehearsals, coaching, lessons, and concerts all take place in beautiful chambers within luxurious and opulent villas. Historically, chamber music was always performed in the palaces and mansions of the aristocracy. Here in Ajijic, the Festival follows the tradition started by the 20-year-old Northern Lights Festival de Febrero by holding chamber concerts in some truly amazing venues – private homes in the area resembling virtual palaces.
The location is indeed extraordinary. Home to many thousands of Canadians, Americans, and Europeans, Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area is blessed with one of the world’s best climates, equaled only by the highlands of Kenya. Its main town, directly on the shores of Mexico’s largest lake – Lake Chapala – is ringed by mountains. It is a village of cobblestone streets, charming residences, over 100 amazing restaurants, and lots of arts activities and authentic Mexican culture. With Mexico's second largest city and founding location of mariachi music, Guadalajara, only an hour away, and the famous town of Tequila only an hour and a half away, there is plenty to see and experience!
Christopher Wilshere
Artistic Director
Juan Miguel Hernandez
Associate Artistic Director