As reported on 4BR, this July, the York Early Music Festival celebrates its 50th edition with a programme of music entitled 'Beyond Borders'.
It will see over 30 concerts over nine days (3rd-11th July) presented in some of York's extraordinary medieval churches and historic buildings, as well as its famous Minster.
Created in 1977 it is now firmly established as the UK's premier early music festival, attracting global artists and visitors.
Attractions
The festival opens with Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers presented by I Fagiolini with the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble and closes with Solomon's Knot to provide a spectacular finale with their extraordinary rendition of Bruhns's St Mark Passion.
Also appearing are The Sixteen; B'Rock Orchestra & Vocal Consort; Imago Mundi; Paul Agnew, Helen Charlston with Sergio Bucheli and Steven Devine.
The festival will also be marking the 400th anniversary of one of England's most celebrated composers by dedicating a whole day to his works Dowland Day (Monday 6th July).
York Fanfare
The opening of the 50th festival will be heralded by the 'York Fanfare', a specially commissioned work by composer Sam Meredith for the 2026 Ensemble in Residence, the historical wind band Pfeyfferery.
This year the festival also includes the prestigious York International Young Artists Competition, which takes place every two years. Nine ensembles will be competing for a series of prizes in a day of thrilling concerts.
World class ensembles
Dr Delma Tomlin, MBE, Festival Director, told 4BR: "We're very excited to be staging our 50th festival which is brimming with musical delights. It features world-class ensembles and emerging artists; celebrates the genius of John Dowland; hosts the prestigious York International Young Artists Competition; and has commissioned the York Fanfare to open the proceedings making sure the festival gets off to a flying start.
We hope you can join us in York for this very special celebration."
More information:
Full programme: https://www.ncem.co.uk/whats-on/yemf/
