York Early Music Festival 2 - 9 July 2027
‘Tis Nature’s Voice
Created in a wave of excitement in 1977, the festival is now established as the premier early music festival in the UK – in turn inspiring the restoration of St Margaret’s Church, York in 2000 and the creation of the National Centre for Early Music. Drawing in visitors locally, regionally and internationally, the festival is firmly ‘part of the festival world’ - presented by internationally acclaimed artists across the myriad historic venues of the city – and shared with a world-wide audience.
The 2027 Festival (2 – 9 July) takes us back to nature - to the wood which we use to create our instruments - to programmes that explore the creativity of composers past -and present - looking at how we humans respond to the natural world.
Opening with violinist Rachel Podger directing The English Concert (Friday 2nd); guest artists include the Gabrieli Consort & Players directed by Paul McCreesch (Thursday 8th), the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with recorder soloist Tabea Debus (Sunday 4th); Cinquecento (Saturday 3rd Chapter House, York Minster); The Sixteen (Monday 5th York Minster); soprano Nardus Williams and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny (Tuesday 6th) and Ensemble Les Melanges celebrating MILLENIUM 2027, the European Year of the Normans.
Full details of all the concerts and associated lectures, walks and opportunities to take part in the festivities will be available in January with booking opening to NCEM Patrons on Wednesday 17th February - to Friends of York Early Music Festival from Friday 19th February and to the wider public, Monday 22nd February from 13.00 GMT.
To join the Friends of the Festival and get advance information please click here
If you would like to know more about the NCEM’s broader work - including the annual Christmas and Beverley Festivals - you can find information here ….. or contact the Executive Director Cherry Fricker on cherry.fricker@ncem.co.uk for an informal chat. NCEM Patrons are offered reserved seating, free programmes and are invited to informal concerts throughout the year. NCEM Patronage supports a range of creative activities and opportunities that we offer locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
We look forward to welcoming you.
The NCEM is available to hire for anniversaries, birthday parties, wedding receptions, conferences, dinners and musical events.