
Who we are
With its first season being held in 2018, Festival del Lago has quickly risen in International reputation and has become recognized as the most important summer music academy in Mexico with the highest level of performance in all of Latin America.
We've 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 are able to offer a more immersive and personalized experience for each participant. While you are given 4 private lessons on your instrument plus 2 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 it's geographical location, but also it's venues. Rehearsals, coaching's, 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 will continue with the tradition started with the 22 year old Northern Lights Festival de Febrero, by holding chamber concerts in some truly amazing venues – virtual palaces, but yet, private homes in the area.
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 in front of Mexico’s largest lake – Lake Chapala – is ringed by mountains. It is a town of cobblestone streets, charming residences, over 100 amazing restaurants, and lots of arts activities and plenty of truly Mexican culture. With Mexico's second largest city and founder of Mariachi, 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!
We've 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 are able to offer a more immersive and personalized experience for each participant. While you are given 4 private lessons on your instrument plus 2 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 it's geographical location, but also it's venues. Rehearsals, coaching's, 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 will continue with the tradition started with the 22 year old Northern Lights Festival de Febrero, by holding chamber concerts in some truly amazing venues – virtual palaces, but yet, private homes in the area.
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 in front of Mexico’s largest lake – Lake Chapala – is ringed by mountains. It is a town of cobblestone streets, charming residences, over 100 amazing restaurants, and lots of arts activities and plenty of truly Mexican culture. With Mexico's second largest city and founder of Mariachi, 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