York Early Music Festival

The York Early Music Festival was established in 1977 and is designed to celebrate York’s myriad medieval churches, guild halls and historic houses through historically informed music making of the highest international standard. The Festival is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the NCEM’s annual programme and is enjoyed by visitors from across the world.

In 2023, the Festival will run from Friday 7th – Friday 14th of July. Taking the theme of ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ we will, in part, reflect on the religious uncertainty of life in Tudor times as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of one of England’s greatest composers William Byrd.

Guest artists will include Ensemble Jupiter directed by Thomas Dunford with countertenor Iestyn Davies; The Dunedin Consort directed by John Butt with singers including Carolyn Sampson; The Sixteen in York Minster and the Marian Consort in partnership with the Rose Consort of Viols.

Highlights include a commemoration of the late, great David Munrow led by Bill Lyons of the Dufay Collective and concerts by Helen Charlston, Ensemble Fantasticus, Francesco Corti and winners of the 2022 International Young Artists Competition Apotropaik and the Protean Quartet.