Guide to York Early Music Festival 2025

The York Early Music Festival 2025 will be held from July 4 to 11. The subject of Heaven and Hell will celebrate almost 500 years of European music. This world-famous festival takes place in the heart of ancient York. It features a great lineup of music by Orlando Gibbons, Vivaldi, Bach, and many other famous groups, such as The Sixteen, The Tallis Scholars, and Le Consort.

This guide has everything you need, from program highlights to a complete packing list and travel recommendations, to ensure your musically rich and logistically smooth experience, whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or a first-time visitor.

Basics of York Early Music Festival 2025

Three very different themes are interwoven in this festival: the music of Renaissance composer Orlando Gibbons, which opens with Fretwork on Friday; the Baroque genius of Vivaldi's Four Seasons on Sunday, which is skilfully presented by the French-based Le Consort and up-and-coming violinist Theotime Langlois de Swarte; and the strand that gives us this year's title, a reflection on man's fall from grace - from Heaven to Hell, which is performed by YEMF Artistic Adviser Helen Charlston and lute.

Additionally, the Tallis Scholars (Sat 5) and The Sixteen (Mon 7) will perform in the magnificent York Minster setting; the Spanish group Cantoria (Tuesday) and the Swiss medievalists Sollazzo (Thursday) will also perform; and on Friday, the festival will conclude with a spectacular performance by The Academy of Ancient Music and their lead violinist Bojan Cicic.

Date: July 4 25, 7:30 pm - July 11 25, 9:00 pm

Location: National Centre for Early Music, York, England, United Kingdom

Email: boxoffice@ncem.co.uk

Telephone: 01904 658338

National Centre for Early Music Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

What Is the York Early Music Festival?

David Munrow and his London Early Music Consort made early music popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their concerts and recordings introduced a large audience to European mediaeval, Renaissance, and early baroque music, with a particular emphasis on the numerous diverse instruments Munrow played and popularised through his BBC broadcasts.

What is Early Music?

For many people, 'early music' refers to music from the 12th to 17th centuries. Previously, musical notation was too imprecise to be accurately translated nowadays. Music after 1650 (including Purcell, Bach, and Handel) had not entirely fallen out of vogue in the manner that older repertory had, and hence did not appear to require the sort of restoration that 'early musicians' had achieved in less familiar music.

However, since the late 1970s, artists have recognised that baroque, classical, and romantic music can benefit from an 'early music' approach, which employs instruments and performance approaches from the time the music was created rather than later'modern' traditions. There have been numerous revelatory performances, such as Beethoven symphonies performed on gut-strung violins and cellos, timpani with calf-skin heads and wooden sticks, and trumpets without valves, all of which recreate a vanished bright and colourful sound world.

What is the York Early Music Festival?

The York Early Music Festival, founded in 1977, celebrates music from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. Performances take place in various historic buildings throughout the city of York. The National Centre for Early Music administers the festival, which is supported by the Arts Council of England and the City of York.

The festival combines three unique themes: the music of Renaissance composer Orlando Gibbons, the brilliance of the Baroque, and the idea that inspired this year's title—a contemplation on humanity's fall from grace, from Heaven to Hell.

The Sixteen, The Tallis Scholars, the Academy of Ancient Music, Helen Charlston and Toby Carr, Sollazzo, and, from France, Le Consort, led by Théotime Langlois de Swarte, will present Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. This yearly celebration takes place in York's spectacular historic locations, such as York Minster and the Mediaeval Merchant Adventurers' Hall, as well as the city's several stunning churches.

The 19 Events of York Early Music Festival 2025

The National Centre for Early Music's York Early Music Festival has released details of its 2025 programming, which will revolve around the theme of 'Heaven and Hell'. The festival will take place in York from July 4 to 11, and will feature international musicians, including the York debut of French orchestral ensemble Le Consort.

In addition to reflecting on "the story of Man's fall from grace from Heaven to Hell," the festival will commemorate the centenary of Renaissance composer Orlando Gibbons and showcase Baroque music by Vivaldi and Bach. The festival begins on July 4, with viol consort Fretwork and mezzo-soprano and BBC New Generation Artist Helen Charlston singing at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall.

This year's festival features a total of 19 events, all of which take place over the course of one week. The following is a comprehensive guide to each of these events:

Fretwork

Time: Friday, July 4 7.30 pm-9.00 pm

Venue: Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall

The festival begins with the first of our tributes to Orlando Gibbons, one of the most original, creative, and confident composers our country has ever produced. Gibbons' excellent career at the Jacobean court (discussed in John Bryan's lecture on Monday, July 7) was cut short by his untimely death 400 years ago, in 1625. Fretwork presents a selection of his beautifully crafted Madrigals and Mottets, sung by YEMF Artistic Adviser Helen Charlstib, as well as some of his most captivating viola compositions. These range from playful banter for two treble violas to the exciting grandeur of dances and fantasias for six instruments. Nico Muhly's My Days is a poignant tribute to Gibbons, based on a piece of his autopsy report and celebrating a great English genius.

The Four Seasons

Time: Saturday, July 5 10.30 am-11.30 am

Venue: NCEM (Please note the change of venue from Bedern Hall)

Vivaldi's four tremendously evocative violin concertos are among the most popular pieces of music in the world, beloved in record collections, continuously reinterpreted, and an evergreen on-hold soundtrack. But how well do we actually know them? Who was he writing them for, where, and when? Was he a poet, priest, or spy? Bring your questions to an open discussion with Dr Hannah French, author of the upcoming book The Rolling Year: A Companion to Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

Pablo Zapico

Time: Saturday, July 5 5.15 pm-6.15 pm

Venue: NCEM

Pablo returns to York for this performance of music by composers and musicians who helped shape the repertoire for Spanish guitar in the 17th and 18th centuries, elevating it to a position of fame and importance. The presentation features pieces by Spanish masters such as Sanz, Murcia, and Guerau, as well as distinguished Italians Corbetta, Bartolotti, and Roncalli, and takes listeners on an engaging journey from popular song tunes and dances to compositions of high academic elegance.

The Tallis Scholars

Time: Saturday, July 5 7.30 pm-9.30 pm

Venue: York Minster

Title: Glorious Creatures

Tonight's show, which takes its title from a significant new word setting by Thomas Traherne that the Tallis Scholars from Nico Muhly commissioned, examines how nature enhances our lives, from the sun in the sky to the flowers that bloom in our gardens (and consequently, the grapes that we use to make wine!). The magnificent canonical writing of Sebastián de Vivanco's "Magnificat" and de Rore's "Descendi in hortum meum" also represents the human craft of gardening.

Minster Minstrels

Time: Sunday, July 6 11.00 am – 12.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

The NCEM's young ensemble for school-aged players performs chamber music by two baroque instrumental music giants: Purcell and Telemann. It promises to entertain and delight with its light-hearted dances and soothing, slower motions, making it the ideal accompaniment to a relaxing cup of tea or coffee. The evening will also include new pieces for the group that draw inspiration from baroque chamber music.

The Early Music Show

Time: Sunday, July 6 4.45 pm

Venue: NCEM

At 4.45 pm, Catherine Bott, the 2025 York Early Music Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, vocalist and broadcaster, will be introduced by Artistic Adviser Lindsay Kemp on the NCEM stage.

The York Early Music Festival's Lifetime Achievement Award recognises notable figures who have had a substantial impact on the world of early music.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be followed by a live hour-long broadcast of the iconic Early Music Show, which will feature chosen festival attendees. Hannah French delivered the presentation.

Le Consort

Time: Sunday, July 6 7.30 pm-9.30 pm

Venue: Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall

Title: The Four Seasons

A celebration of the 300th anniversary of the first publication of Vivaldi's now-famous Four Seasons, performed by a rising talent from the younger school of baroque violinists. The four brilliantly graphic and virtuosic violin concertos are interspersed with other Vivaldi pieces, and preceded by readings of the sonnets (perhaps penned by the composer himself) that set forth the images he portrayed in music with such flair, brilliance, and humour.

Orlando Gibbons

Time: Monday, July 7 10.30 am-11.30 am

Venue: Bedern Hall

Title: And Musical Life In Jacobean England

Orlando Gibbons' music continues to captivate us 400 years after his death. His anthems are sung in churches and cathedrals, his madrigals, such as The Silver Swan, are beloved by amateur singers, and his fantasias are popular among viol players. John Bryan, Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Huddersfield, analyses Gibbons' critical role in providing music not only for the Chapel Royal and King James's Private Musick, but also for his friends and patrons through songs, consort, and keyboard.

University Of York Baroque Ensemble

Time: Monday, July 7 1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

Title: Concertos on the Edge

Join us as we go to Leipzig to hear Bach's stormy Harpsichord Concerto in D minor BWV1052*, which was most likely performed by his own students at the Collegium Musicum's legendary coffee house concerts. Telemann's virtuoso concerto for two recorders, written during a prolific era of composition in Frankfurt, demonstrates an unrivalled command of the instrument. A vibrant string concerto by John Hebden returns us to York, while Johann Stamitz's early clarinet concerto draws the increasingly trendy galant form from the heart of Mannheim's musical court.

The Sixteen

Time: Monday, July 7 7.30 pm-9.30 pm

Venue: York Minster

Title: Angel of Peace

In an era of escalating conflict and intense demands on our attention, brilliant, purifying music from six centuries offers a respite in many forms. From the entranced songs of the mediaeval abbess Hildegard of Bingen to the enchanted domain of Anna Clyne's latest work, music from across the centuries speaks of serenity and acceptance, as well as the exuberant joy that its reassurance can bring. The concert's title comes from Cardinal Newman's statements about the difficulty of living, which suggest that life's lowest valleys only make its highest mountains feel more lovely.

Summer Nights

Time: Monday, July 7 10.00 pm-11.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

Join three emerging baroque performers on a thrilling journey through the music of Vivaldi and Vitali.

Yorkshire Baroque Soloists

Time: Tuesday, July 8 1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

Title: Bach Sacred And Secular

JS Bach's Cantata 'Ich habe genug', BWV82a JS Bach Cantata 'Non sa che sia dolore', BWV 209. Bach's famous cantata Ich habe genug is based on the 'Song of Simeon', a biblical story in which an elderly Israelite sees the child Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and declares himself ready to exit this world. The end product is one of Bach's most profoundly emotional pieces, imbued with 'nostalgia for death'. The secular cantata Non sa che sia dolore wishes a happier farewell, this time to one of Bach's acquaintances who is leaving town.

Cantoria

Time: Tuesday, July 8 7.00 pm-8.30 pm

Venue: St Lawrence Church

The excitement and optimism of popular culture combine with the spirituality and devotion of Spanish Baroque music. Cantoria, an acclaimed vocal quartet, returns to York with an expanded ensemble to perform fascinating 17th-century compositions that are descendants of the ensaladas and Renaissance that originally brought the group to prominence. They present a concert full of colour, syncopation, comedy, and biblical stories through these amazing compositions, which bishops used to entice the people to Mass and guarantee they left the churches smiling.

Rose Consort Of Viols

Time: Wednesday, July 9 1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

The Silver Swan Orlando Gibbons' Music 'Apt For Viols And Voyces' Gibbons promoted his First Set of Madrigals and Mottets as 'fit' for both viols and voices, and it definitely works brilliantly when played by a combination of the two ensembles, which he also employed in verse anthems such as 'See, see, the Word is incarnate'. His 'Cries', based on the cries of London Street vendors, powerfully captures the city's outdoors. At the same time, his In Nomines demonstrates his exceptional ability to breathe fresh life into the age-old concept of plainsong-based composition.

Heaven & Hell

Time: Wednesday, July 9 6.30 pm – 9.45 pm

Venue: Merchant Adventurers Hall

Inspired by the colourful music of Purcell, Charpentier, Stozzi, and Monteverdi, this programming is expressly crafted for the spectacular surroundings of the Merchant Adventurers Hall and features the debut of a 2025 NCEM commission from composer Anna Disley-Simpson.

Helen Charston and Toby Carr, winners of the Gramophone Award, take us to the underworld to discover what lies beyond. What will your choice be on a voyage that teeters on the edge of doubt and faith, encounters the darkest torment in the warmest embrace, and faces free will?

Ensemble Bastion

Time: Thursday, July 10 1.00 pm-2.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

Title: Phantasma: Visions of Heaven and Hell

Famine, plague, and conflict wreaked havoc on Europe during the seventeenth century. However, the stylus phantasticus emerged from the stormy era, a bold musical form characterised by the weird and unpredictable, representing the conflict between celestial tranquillity and infernal pandemonium. The EUBO Development Trist's'most promising ensemble' from the 2024 YEMF Young Artists Competition investigates these contrasts in Biber's ethereal Passacaglia, Froberger's poignant Tombeau. It works by Castello, Monteverdi, and Cazzati, revealing the remarkable interplay between divine light and earthly tumult.

Sollazzo

Time: Thursday, July 10 7.00 pm-8.00 pm

Venue: NCEM

Title: The Angels are Singing

While late-medieval poets delved into a dizzying variety of emotions, from heavenly bliss to the infernal torments of unrequited love, their musical colleagues were content to adapt sacred subjects to well-known secular songs. A song about 'elegant women and attractive girls' could be transformed into a vision of angelic choirs, or a suave love ballad into a graceful hymn to the Virgin. Sollazzo, performing music from French and Italian manuscripts, paints a picture of this vibrant mingling of the mundane and sacred in songs and virtuoso instrumental works by Tapissier, Landini, Ciconia, and others.

Ayres Extemporae

Time: Friday, July 11 1.00 pm-2.15 pm

Venue: NCEM

We are pleased to welcome the 2024 York Early Music Young Artists Competition overall winners back to the NCEM. Chair of Judges Phillip Hobbs will accompany them as they prepare to record their winning CD with Linn Records.

A musical journey that depicts the human condition, including the acceptance of imperfection and self-forgiveness, as well as the suffering and misery caused by mistakes made. Combining arias from Bach's cantatas that explore themes of sin, mercy, and redemption with works by Locke and Biber that capture the spirit of each stage of the spiritual journey illuminates the path to personal absolution.

Academy Of Ancient Music

Time: Friday, July 11 7.00 pm-9.00 pm

Venue: Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall

An evening of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, who learnt the technique and flair of writing violin concertos by studying Vivaldi's examples. Along with the well-known concertos in A minor and E major, Britain's renowned baroque orchestra and its leader stage a daring reconstruction of a harpsichord concerto, restoring it to its original violin version. The program begins with the renowned "Air on a G string" from the third Orchestral Suite and ascends to heaven.

Packing List for Your York Early Music Festival Experience

If you're attending the York Early Music Festival 2025, be sure to pack carefully so you can enjoy the music, venues, and environment without any issues.

Essential Items to Bring

You should have your festival tickets and a paper or digital schedule with you, especially for events scheduled to take place at a specific time, including Fretwork at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall on July 4 and The Sixteen at York Minster on July 7.

If you have questions at the box office or need to pick up your tickets, it's best to have a valid photo ID. It is strongly recommended that you bring a reusable water bottle, especially since performances will be held in various locations, including NCEM, Merchant Adventurers' Hall, and St. Lawrence Church. This helps the city become more sustainable and keeps you hydrated on long days.

If you bring a notebook or journal, you can take notes during lectures and artist conversations, such as Dr. Hannah French's talk about Vivaldi on July 5 or John Bryan's talk about Orlando Gibbons on July 7.

Clothing for Weather and Venues

You should bring smart-casual clothes appropriate for historical and religious places. The Tallis Scholars perform at York Minster, a formal venue. There is no specific dress code, but it is advisable to dress respectfully.

Because the festival is in July, you should pack a light rain jacket and a small umbrella, as the weather in Yorkshire can change quickly. You will also need comfortable shoes to move between locations at several events in York's medieval streets.

Extra Comfort Items

If you're going to sit in an older place like the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, you might want to bring a small cushion or portable seat pad to enhance the experience. If you're sitting far from the stage at a big place like York Minster, it can be helpful to bring opera glasses or binoculars.

Bring your phone and a power bank with you because the festival supports digital ticketing. Phones help find your way around and get updates on venue changes. If you plan to spend a lot of time at different places or stay off the grid, a Jackery Explorer 300 Plus or Jackery Explorer 240 v2 portable power station can be helpful.

During major summer performances, such as Sollazzo on July 10 or Helen Charlston's "Heaven & Hell" on July 9, a modest handheld fan or cooling device can make a significant difference in warm, crowded places.

For International Attendees

If you're coming from another country, remember to bring a UK plug adaptor. You may also want to bring a debit or credit card that works in other countries, as most cafes and venues in York accept contactless payments. Just in case, keep a copy of your travel insurance information with you at all times.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Music Festivals

While primarily held in historic venues, the York Early Music Festival often features outdoor elements, pop-up performances, and associated events where grid power might be scarce. For any festival, like the York Early Music Festival, a Jackery Portable Power Station offers invaluable benefits.

While main stages will have professional power, Jackery can be useful for charging instrument tuners, metronomes, and small electronic accessories, as well as powering small monitors or effect pedals, if any early music ensembles incorporate subtle electronic elements (though this is less common in pure early music). Lighting for music stands or intimate performance spaces.

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2, with its 256Wh capacity and 300W (600W surge) AC output, is a fantastic choice for specific, lower-power needs at a music festival. While it won't power a main stage or a full food truck, its strengths lie in personal use, small-scale vendor support, and enhancing the overall festival experience in a quiet and eco-friendly way.

Festival-goers can keep their vital devices charged throughout the weekend. These devices are crucial for staying connected with friends, checking festival schedules and maps via apps, and taking photos and videos. The 240 v2 can charge a typical smartphone many times over (e.g., 20+ charges for a 10W smartphone).

Unlike noisy, polluting gasoline generators, the Jackery 240 v2 runs silently. This is crucial for preserving the atmosphere of a music festival, especially near performance areas or quiet camping zones. Being battery-powered, it produces no fumes, making it safe for enclosed spaces like tents and more environmentally friendly.

At just 7.94 lbs (3.6 kg), it's incredibly easy to carry around the festival grounds, from your car to your campsite or from one vendor spot to another. It offers peace of mind, knowing you have a guaranteed power source for your essential devices, even if public charging stations are overcrowded or fail.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is an excellent choice for the York Early Music Festival and similar music festivals. It offers a compelling blend of portability, capacity, and modern features that elevate it above smaller models, such as the 240 v2, while still being more manageable than larger units.

While only slightly more than the 240 v2 (256Wh), that 288Wh capacity translates to longer runtimes for your devices. This is crucial for multi-day festivals where recharging opportunities might be limited, or for powering devices that run continuously for several hours.

The 300W AC output and 600W surge power allow it to power a broader range of small appliances and electronics compared to lesser units. It is ideal for announcements, busking, or a small, intimate outdoor performance stage (e.g., for a single vocalist and an acoustic instrument, or spoken word performances).

While early music is often acoustic, some modern interpretations or related workshops might use subtle amplification for clarity in larger outdoor spaces. This could power small monitors or a low-wattage instrument amp.

LiFePO4 batteries offer significantly more charge cycles (e.g., 3000 cycles to 80%+ capacity for the 300 Plus) compared to NMC batteries (often 500-800 cycles). This means the 300 Plus will last much longer, providing excellent long-term value for event organisers or frequent festival-goers.

How to Prepare For the York Early Music Festival 2025?

The York Early Music Festival is more than just a music festival; it's a chance to learn about other cultures. Planning ahead is important if you want to get the most out of this eight-day event from July 4 to 11, 2025.

Tip 1: Book Tickets and Accommodations Early

You should buy your concert tickets as soon as you can, especially for big shows like The Tallis Scholars (July 5), Le Consort's "Four Seasons" (July 6), and the Academy of Ancient Music (July 11), which are likely to sell out quickly.

Since the festival falls in the middle of York's busiest summer tourist season, it's essential to secure a place to stay within walking distance of the NCEM or York Minster, so you don't miss any important acts.

Tip 2: Build a Flexible but Detailed Schedule

It's crucial to plan your schedule so you don't become burned out with 19 performances in one week. You should review the schedule in advance and plan for breaks between events to ensure you stay on schedule. Allow yourself time to explore the area between concerts. For example, you may visit The Shambles or Clifford's Tower to learn about York's history.

You may create a printed or digital calendar that highlights your top events, such as the concerts of Young Artists Competition winners or Helen Charlston's premiere of a new commission at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall.

Tip 3: Familiarise Yourself with the Music

In the weeks before the festival, you should listen to music by composers whose works will be performed this year. Orlando Gibbons, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Bach, and Purcell are some of them. You can find recordings of several groups, including Sollazzo or Cantoria, online or on platforms like Continuo Connect that have streamed them before.

This enhances your experience and provides a historical context, especially when attending academic events or discussions before concerts.

Tip 4: Respect Historic Venue Protocols

Some of York's most prominent historic landmarks host the festival. You should plan to arrive early, turn off your phone or put it on mute, and only take flash photos if instructed to do so. Some places, like York Minster, may not be visible from certain angles, so it's best to arrive early to secure the best seats.

Tip 5: Support New Artists

Make sure to see Ensemble Bastion and Ayres Extemporae, the winners of the 2024 York Early Music Festival Young Artists Competition, in concert. These shows are typically some of the most personal and moving experiences, and by going, you directly help musicians who are just starting out.

Tip 6: Enjoy York as a Festival City

You should enjoy more than just music in York's robust cultural scene. During breaks between shows, museums, heritage walking tours, and local tearooms like Bettys Café Tea Rooms are great places to go. The festival spills out into the old city itself, which is the perfect place to appreciate music.

FAQs

The following are frequently asked questions about the York Early Music Festival:

1. What are the top 5 music festivals in the UK?

Cross the Tracks, London

Lost Village, Lincolnshire

End of the Road, Dorset

All Points East, London

Maiden Voyage, London

2. What was the first music festival in the UK?

The Isle of Wight Festival, which started in 1968, was the first music event in the UK. Several festivals took place between 1968 and 1970. The first event, which took place at Ford Farm near Godshill, featured a mix of rock and blues bands, including Tyrannosaurus Rex (later known as T-Rex). The success of the festival led to larger, more renowned festivals that followed. People often refer to it as the "Woodstock of Europe."

3. What was the very first music festival?

The Pythian Games, held at the shrine of Apollo at Delphi from the late sixth century BC, are the oldest documented music festival. They were the initial games that led to the Olympics.

4. What legendary 1969 Upstate New York music festival was attended by over 500,000 fans?

The 1969 Woodstock Music Festival was a pivotal moment in music history and a significant step forward for the counterculture movement of the 1960s. It took place on a farm in Bethel, New York, and more than 400,000 people came for a weekend of music, love, and peace.

Final Thoughts

The York Early Music Festival 2025 features a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and early sacred music. It not only features amazing performances, but it also allows you to truly get to know one of England's most ancient cities. The festival will feature something for everyone, from renowned ensembles like the Academy of Ancient Music to exciting new artists who have won the Young Artists Competition. Packing and getting ready thoughtfully allows you to enjoy the trip, both musically and practically. Not only will you hear the past as you wander through York's mediaeval alleys between concerts, you'll also live it. Let the city and its music take you away this summer.