Musicfest’s aim is to bring performances of international quality to Aberystwyth and the surrounding area, to represent a uniquely Welsh identity in its programming, to commission new works, to offer career development and performance opportunities to Welsh artists, and to enrich the lives of the diverse communities of Ceredigion, through music of all kinds.

Alongside this activity runs a summer school, from which the festival originally evolved, where each year young people from across the world study a wide range of disciplines, including strings, composition, conducting and singing, with a variety of internationally-renowned tutors, and perform in showcase concerts which are free to the public.