With Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino, this year's Rheingau Music Festival has found an outstanding artist in residence who will present his entire musical repertoire, ranging from classical music to jazz and his own compositions, in seven concerts. In addition, three other artistic personalities – trumpeter Lucienne Renaudin Vary, violinist María Dueñas, and jazz trombonist Nils Landgren – will shape the entire summer with high-quality and, in some cases, exclusive concert projects. Two British ensembles that have been accompanying the Rheingau Music Festival musically for a long time will also be performing several times: the renowned vocal ensemble VOCES8 and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, which this year – as only the second ensemble in the history of the festival – bears the title Orchestra in Residence.

As part of this year's country focus on the United Kingdom, the Rheingau Music Festival presents outstanding ensembles such as this year's Orchestra in Residence, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Aurora Orchestra, as well as vocal ensembles such as the focus ensemble VOCES8, the Tenebrae Choir, and The King's Singers – all of whom embody the musical excellence and cultural pride of their country as ambassadors. In addition, soloists such as Ian Bostridge, Jess Gillam, and Kit Armstrong shape the image of the current British classical music scene.

Ensembles such as the Maxwell Quartet, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and London Brass demonstrate the diversity of the musical languages of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, while programs such as "The Alehouse Session," "Beatles go Baroque," and "Queen Swings!" explore and expand the music of the United Kingdom in new and surprising ways. Classical music in particular has played a central role in history: composers such as William Byrd, Henry Purcell, and George Frideric Handel shaped England's musical identity, as did later composers such as Edward Elgar, Benjamin Britten, and contemporary voices such as John Tavener and Thomas Adès. Over the centuries, it has become clear that music in the United Kingdom is not only an expression of aesthetic ambition, but also, and above all, a reflection of social and cultural identity. 

Launched in 2024, the "Ausgezeichnet!" series will give selected competition winners special recognition and the opportunity to introduce themselves to a wide audience in a fresh and passionate way. The Rheingau Music Festival sees its role not only in bringing the greatest international artists to the region, but also in taking responsibility for the next generation of artists. 

The main venues are Johannisberg Castle, Eberbach Monastery, Vollrads Castle, and the Kurhaus Wiesbaden. In addition, there are numerous churches and wineries in the Rheingau, Taunus, and Wiesbaden. For the first time after a long break, a concert will also take place at the Theater Rüsselsheim. The Rheingau Music Festival 2026 will be held for the first time at the Erlöserkirche in Bad Homburg and the Tattersall in Wiesbaden.