York Early Music Christmas Festival Event 9
NOCTURNALIA ENSEMBLE
Wit and Mirth
Friday 11 December 12.30pm – c.1.30pm
Unreserved seating: £15 | Under 35s £10
Nocturnalia Ensemble present 17th century folk tunes preserved by Playford, a rarely heard trio sonata by Gottfried Finger, and the modern premiere of a violin sonata by William Viner, unheard since the early 18th century alongside works by Henry Purcell, Matthew Locke, and Nicola Matteis.
Taking as its title Wit and Mirth, or Pills to Purge Melancholy (1698), from the celebrated song collection by Thomas D’Urfey, the pieces reveal a lively dialogue between art music and dance traditions. In the same spirit, may this concert serve as a small pill against melancholy.
Promoted by Nocturnalia with funding from the Continuo Foundation, and presented by the NCEM in association with the Continuo Foundation
www.continuoconnect.com

For any access requirements please email the Box Office on boxoffice@ncem.co.uk or leave a note on your booking.
Please note there is a £1.50 administration fee per transaction
Event Date: 11/12/2026 12:30pm
The NCEM is available to hire for anniversaries, birthday parties, wedding receptions, conferences, dinners and musical events.









