This will explore such topics as how the modern practice of concert-going relates to the experience of music in the past, a theme that will be articulated in a practical way by several events including some 30 “living room concerts” in houses sited all over the old town (24 August). Under the same banner comes a spatial performance by Cantar Lontano of a Vespers service by Diego Ortiz (30 August).

Perhaps not surprisingly, the featured composer this year is Buxtehude, the subject of two concerts given by Ton Koopman, 2007’s artist in residence, and his Amsterdam Baroque forces (29 August & 2 Sept., a concert that includes cantatas by Bach as well as Buxtehude). The Buxtehude anniversary is also celebrated in concerts given by the Netherlands Bach Society (25 August) and Capella Ducale and Musica Fiata (28 August), while no fewer than five keyboard recitals feature his works.

In addition to Buxtehude, both the locally born Jacob van Eyck (15 & 26 August) and Domenico Scarlatti (Sept. 1 & 2) are the subject of mini “festivals within the festival”, the latter offering the intriguing prospect of hearing sonatas played on everything from carillon to modern grand (Alexandre Tharaud), although the harpsichord rightly dominates. Two semi-staged opera productions are scheduled: Vivaldi’s serenata La Senna festiggiante with the young Belgian orchestra B’Rock (1 Sept.), and Handel’s Acis and Galatea (2 Sept.), with Concerto Copenhagen.

Another major Handel work on the programme is his oratorio Jephtha, to be performed by the Holland Baroque Society and Cappella Amsterdam (26 August). In what promises to be a highlight even among so many riches, the Freiburger Barockorchester, soprano Caroline Sampson and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout give a Mozart concert on 31 August. As anyone who has been to Utrecht will know, the above represents only the tip of the iceberg offered by a festival that for ten days turns the city into the venue for one huge musical banquet. Further details from: www.oudemuziek.nl