The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) invites music enthusiasts to embark on a melodic journey through time with a series of unique events. From the soul-stirring melodies of 'Love and Melancholy' to the festive vigor of Green Matthews' 'Gaudete!', each event promises a distinct musical experience. Whether you're drawn to the evocative notes of Baroque music with Spiritato or the folk-infused harmonies of Sean Shibe & Aidan O’Rourke, NCEM's lineup offers something for every musical palate. Join this celebration of timeless tunes and cultural richness, set in the historic city of York.

Harmonies of Heritage: A Journey Through Time with NCEM's Musical Events

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) is set to host an exciting series of musical events, each promising a unique and immersive experience for audiences. From the globally inspired sing-alongs of 'Cuppa and a Chorus' to the passionate strums of Daniel Martinez's flamenco, and the rich, historical notes of Bach's masterpieces, the lineup is diverse and engaging. Renowned artists and musicians like Martin Simpson and Antonio Forcione join the roster, ensuring every musical taste is catered to. Join NCEM as it embarks on a spirited journey of sound and culture.

A Harmonious Year at NCEM: From Flamenco to Baroque and Beyond

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) in York is orchestrating a series of eclectic musical events that celebrate both tradition and innovation. From the communal joy of 'Cuppa And A Chorus' to the gripping drama of Bach and the vibrant artistry of flamenco and folk, each event promises an exceptional experience. With acclaimed artists like Daniel Martinez, Martin Simpson, and the Jay Phelps Band, NCEM is the place where musical mastery meets cultural exploration. Join us as we delve into the artistry and diverse sounds that these events offer.

Harmonies and Heritage: The Eclectic Sounds of NCEM Events

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) in York is set to host a series of vibrant musical events, ranging from community sing-alongs to jazz tributes and classical renditions. These events invite music lovers to participate and appreciate diverse genres, featuring artists like Chris Bartram, the Jay Phelps Band, FLOOK, and performances of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or a casual listener, NCEM offers an engaging calendar that promises to captivate with its rich tapestry of sounds.

Exploring Musical Diversity: A Season at the National Centre for Early Music

Prepare to be enthralled by a captivating array of events at the National Centre for Early Music in York, United Kingdom. From the harmonious gatherings of 'Cuppa And A Chorus' to the dynamic performances by guitar legends Antonio Forcione and Giorgio Serci, each event promises a unique exploration of musical artistry. Delve into the jazz brilliance with the Jay Phelps Band's tribute to Miles Davis, immerse yourself in the innovative sounds of FLOOK, and experience the grandeur of Rossini's 'Petite Messe Solennelle'. Join us for a journey through diverse musical landscapes, each offering its own distinct charm and cultural significance.

An Immersive Musical Journey at the National Centre for Early Music

The National Centre for Early Music in York is lighting up the cultural calendar with an array of musical events that promise to enchant audiences with their diversity and creativity. From communal singing sessions to international guitar duos, Jazz tributes, and a captivating performance of Rossini's 'Petite Messe Solennelle,' each event invites you to explore a world of music. No matter your taste, there's something for everyone at this historic venue, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Melodies of York: Celebrating Diverse Musical Traditions at the National Centre for Early Music

Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle is neither small nor solemn but instead a fascinating late work from a composer who had stopped composing operas three decades previously. The ‘petite’ of its title does reflect the circumstances of its first performance in a Paris salon with two pianos and a small group of singers. Rossini, then in his late seventies, galvanised himself for one final and powerfully direct musical statement that is both optimistic and filled with faith and sincerity. Beneath its curious title lies a religious setting of the mass that mixes anxiety and seriousness with a sense of joy and musical bravado. As you would expect, the vocal writing is melodic, sometimes playful, and sometimes operatic, creating a work filled with drama and colour.

Ybc: Rossini – Petite Messe Solennelle

National Centre for Early Music

What began in 1995 as a ground-breaking union of musicians and instruments, has continued as a unique musical offering through one live album, four studio albums and countless outstanding performances. A new recording is due for release in early 2025. After 30 years Flook show no sign of letting-up in their brilliance, their dynamism, or their inventive flair.

FLOOK

Prior to the release of Kind of Blue, the best-selling jazz album of all time, Miles was busy in the studio, working with the same line-up of musicians: Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb. In 1958, the year before Kind of Blue, the album called ’58 Miles was released and set the stage for the birth of world’s greatest jazz album of all time the following year. These albums defined the ground-breaking approach to the art of improvisation.

Jay Phelps Band: Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue

Legendary award -winning Italian acoustic guitar virtuoso – composer Antonio Forcione teams up with fellow Italian/Sardinian award-winning guitarist, composer and educator Giorgio Serci. Passionate and melodic, these are world class performers.

With his vibrant and original blend of Latin, African, jazz, and flamenco sounds, Antonio Forcione is a highly inventive performer. He has teamed up with the evocative Giorgio Serci whose natural charisma equals his originality. Both virtuosos in their field, they bring a unique and distinctive flavour to the musical world when they team up together. Be prepared to both laugh and be moved as they celebrate the unexpected elements in life with delicacy, humour and not least, passion. International tours have brought high critical acclaim from as far as Australia and Hong Kong, to Russia, the Caribbean, USA and all over Europe.

Antonio Forcione & Giorgio Serci

Bach’s most extended passion setting is arguably one of the greatest compositions of all time. It contrasts the vivid, harrowing drama of the story with some of the most exquisitely poetic and redemptive music ever written. Bach’s music is known as much for its optimism and uplifting faith in the human spirit as much for its drama and technical mastery. YBC is delighted to be joined once again by James Gilchrist and Matthew Brook who are world-renowned interpreters of Bach’s solo music. The expertise of Yorkshire Baroque Soloists will complete this monumental musical picture, playing one of Bach’s most ambitious and colourful orchestral scores.

Ybc: Bach St Matthew Passion

One of England’s most revered folk performers, widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin’s interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His remarkable solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Always prolific, and never one to rest long without a guitar in his hands and a song in his head, Martin Simpson continues to travel the length and breadth of the UK and beyond giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his remarkable intimate solo performances. Martin has been nominated an astounding 32 times in the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer – and has won numerous awards.

Martin Simpson

“Art of Andalucia” is a captivating celebration of Daniel Martinez’s exceptional artistry in the world of flamenco. This unique concert offers a full immersion into the essence of flamenco, featuring a carefully curated selection of Daniel’s most celebrated works from his discography, including his award-winning production “Art of Believing” and his latest masterpiece, “Andalucia.” Additionally, the concert will provide an exclusive sneak peek into his eagerly awaited third album, offering the audience an exclusive first listen to some of his new music.

Daniel Martinez Flamenco – Art Of Andalucia

Hayden Thorpe is best known as the former frontman and chief songwriter for the much-loved band Wild Beasts. He returns to the stage with his beautifully singular third album Ness, made in collaboration with best-selling nature writer Robert Macfarlane.

Hayden Thorpe & Propellor Ensemble

The York Waits return to the NCEM to play and sing music from the 1400s to the 1600s that evokes and celebrates winter and the festive season. The repertoire ranges from 15th century carols to 17th century ballads, played on instruments that include shawms and sackbuts – heard on the streets of Elizabethan York during the city’s infamous Yuletide processions – plus recorders, curtal, crumhorns, violins, harp, organ and bagpipes.

The York Waits

On Some Things Break, Leftwich’s fifth album, it’s as though you’re hearing his mea culpa in real time. This is the soul-baring of a man who’s been through it all, and lived to tell the tale, now with a brand new perspective on the things that matter. Leftwich is now five years sober, having struggled with substance abuse following the death of his father, before meeting someone who helped him turn things around. “We fell in love, she came on tour with me around America,” he says. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever met.” When that relationship ended, he booked himself in for treatment and got sober himself.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich

In an unmissable collaboration, five of the English folk scene’s most inventive artists bring you Awake Arise – A Christmas Show For Our Times; celebrating the riches of our varied winter traditions and reflecting upon the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring joy to us all in the darkest season.

Awake Arise

Explore the theme of seeking light in the midst of dark and wintry weather with this exceptional young duo of viols and voices. Formed just last year, Intesa are already making their presence felt on the concert platform and we are pleased to be welcoming them to York for a short residency. Join us here for a concert of Dowland, Hume, Caccini, alongside a selection of Armenian folk songs.

Intesa

D/deaf children, their siblings and Children of D/deaf Adults (CODAs) are welcome.
Parents of children aged 0-4yrs must stay for the session. Parents of children aged 5+ are welcome (but not obliged) to stay for the session.

I Can Play! Christmas Showcase

Join us for a musical Christmas celebration as we present an unmissable trio of festive works! With its exuberant choruses, colourful orchestration and beautiful solo writing, Bach’s Magnificat captures perfectly the divine joy of a pregnant Mary. Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, which was first performed on Christmas Day in 1725, features the stunning Overture from Bach’s Orchestral Suite BWV 1069 while the Gloria in excelsis Deo is adapted from three movements of the Gloria from B minor Mass. All use Bach’s festival orchestra comprising trumpets, timpani, flutes, oboes, strings and continuo alongside soloists and chorus.

Ybc: Bach At Christmas

Woman has inspired thinkers, poets and creators for thousands of years with tenderness and charm, beauty and dedication, fragility and sensuality. This talented young vocal quartet turn their kaleidoscope on the Middle Ages, where Mary is enthroned in glory as the virgin, mother and love incarnate. Works by Guillaume Du Fay – the man who heralded the Renaissance – and Hildegard von Bingen, herself one of the most acclaimed women in music history, complete this dazzling tableau.

Contre Le Temps

On the 23rd December 1784, a letter by York-based astronomer Edward Pigott recounting his discovery of a new variable star made York the centre of the astronomical world. In this programme Ensemble Augelletti celebrate some extraordinary stories of 17th- and 18th-century astronomers with music named after stars, angels, and 17th-century Christmas sonatas. Programme to include music by Corelli, Schmelzer, Uccellini and settings of ‘How beautifully shines the morning star’.

Ensemble Augelletti

Stile Antico recounts the journey to the manger in a glorious sequence of music from mediaeval and Renaissance Europe. Our programme follows each scene of the Christmas story, beginning in Advent and moving through to the Nativity, the visits of the Shepherds and the Wise Men, and finally to the Feast of Candlemas. Nearly every major composer of the period is represented in a feast of festive music: highlights include Victoria’s intimate O magnum mysterium, thrilling motets by Byrd, Lassus and Sheppard, mediaeval carols, and irresistible dances from Spain and Germany.

Stile Antico

Following on from GreenMatthews ‘ 10 years of successful touring Christmas shows, Gaudete! is an expanded lineup playing new and exciting arrangements of Chris and Sophie’s popular festive fare. Featuring Emily Baines on early woodwinds and Richard Heacock on violin, their music is lush, rich and heartwarming – perfectly evoking the Spirit of Christmas Past.

Their repertoire spans 600 years from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, Gaudete! brings the festive season to life in a riot of sound and colour!

Green Matthews

This new project brings together two extraordinarily talented Scottish musicians who are both embedded in tradition – let’s call them tradition bearers of their kind!

Sean Shibe, a former BBC New Generation Artist, carries a torch for classical music and Aidan O’Rourke (Lau) is deep-rooted in Scottish folk culture. Both gravitate to the edges of their traditions and thrive on roaming the hinterlands.

Sean Shibe & Aidan O’rourke

Elements of JS Bach’s motet style can be traced back to the previous generation of his family, when his father’s cousins Johann Christoph and Johann Michael Bach experimented with soprano chorale cantus firmus and audacious harmonic language at the service of the text. Alongside Johann Sebastian’s well-known masterpieces, Solomon’s Knot perform a number of works by the ‘profund’ and ‘expressive’ Johann Christoph, as JSB himself did in Leipzig in the final years of his life.

Solomon’s Knot

On the exact day of the Marian feast of the Immaculate Conception, we invite you to join us in a celebration of Marian motets from the 16th century and settings from the Song of Songs used in her praise. Join I Fagiolini director Robert Hollingworth to explore a soprano canon by Guerrero, daker-hued Gombert, music by Vivanco, Aleotti and of course Palestrina. As a bonus, a Christmas motet with the second bass part emphasizing the rustic shepherds!

Choral Workshop

Inspired by the haunting melodies of Henry Purcell and the French court tunes of the 17th century, this evocative programme immerses us in an exploration of love in all its forms, from joyful ecstasy to poignant melancholy.

A delicate conversation between England and France, which connects us with our own emotions, inviting us to let our hearts resonate not only with the beauty of music, but with the richness and depth of experience of the human soul.

Love And Melancholy

Imagine that we have arrived at your relatives’ London house at some point in the mid-17th century. They had twelve days of revelry lined up with feasting, but more importantly lots of wonderful music – carols, raucous ballads, beautiful folk songs, and lively dances.

Siglo De Oro

Between 1640 and 1720 the immigrant German Düben family produced three generations of Capellmeisters at Sweden’s wealthy and fashionable Royal Court, where they amassed a huge collection of printed music and manuscripts. Baroque pioneers Spiritato explore this unique treasure trove, setting the Düben’s rare jewels alongside those of Northern Europe’s best known master musicians. Uncovered by Director Kinga Ujszászi during research for the group’s last album, this is a showcase of daring virtuosity and wonderful invention at the outset of the Baroque period, featuring works by Kirchoff, Thieme, Pachelbel and Bach.

Spiritato

Since their first get together, to record the eponymous St Agnes Fountain album in 2001, the quartet; David Hughes, Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie and multi award winning duo Chris While and Julie Matthews, have brought musical invention and laughter to the star-dust atmosphere of the season.
In 2020, David decided to leave the band to concentrate on solo pursuits and whilst his presence will be missed, Chris, Chris and Julie will be keeping the Christmas Aggie spirit alive and touring as a trio celebrating 23 years together with a tour of new material and those old Aggie classics.

St Agnes Fountain

Join us for a fun, family-friendly magical adventure where fate and love triumph all! Led by a cast of professional opera singers and musicians we invite you to an interactive and relaxed concert where singing and movement is encouraged. Experience the magic of opera, storytelling and music, whatever your age!

Little Listeners – Cinderella

Refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired boutique orchestra. Budapest Café Orchestra bring you folk-flavoured music in their own fresh and surprising way. From Balkan and Russian traditional pieces to artful distillations of the masterpieces by the great Romantic composers to Gaelic folk anthems their infectious music will get into your veins and stay there forever.

Budapest Cafe Orchestra

Erland Cooper is a Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Stromness, Orkney. As a solo artist, he has released five acclaimed studio albums, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home, as well as themes of nature, people, place and time. His work combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements. Through music, words and cinematography he explores landscape, memory and identity. He develops these themes further by partnering with other artists, writers and poets. Cooper also works across mixed media projects including installation art, theatre and film. He’s widely known for burying the only existing copy of the master tape of his first classical album in Scotland, deleting all digital files and leaving only a treasure hunt of clues for anyone to seek it. The tape was found in 2023 and the album will be released, exactly as it sounds from the earth, this year along with its world premiere of the completed score.

Erland Cooper

Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as “a tradition in himself.” Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 50-year career. From Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, his duo with Paul Brady in the later 70s and then from Patrick Street to Mozaik, LAPD and Usher’s Island, Andy has been a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians.

Andy Irvine

I Can Play!

Internationally acclaimed CALAN emerge with a new, captivating narrative. Ancient tales of Welsh mythology are meticulously brought to life, transcending the pages of folklore to resonate through the enchanting melodies of harp, guitar, fiddle, accordion, and song. ‘Nefydd’ tells stories of murderous princes, thieving highwaymen and the triumphant resurgence of the heart of Welsh folklore.

CALAN

The ‘Golden Age’ of the Spanish Renaissance with its gorgeous sonorities and sumptuous polyphony is one of the great glories of the choral repertoire. The works of Francisco Guerrero continue to be a revelation for their exquisite sound worlds, and his wonderful Missa de la Batalla Escoutez is a particularly expressive example. This music flourished throughout Spain and even reached the Papal Court in Rome so we present the Guerrero alongside motets by Cristóbal de Morales, Juan Esquivel, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Tomás Luis de Victoria.

Ybc: Splendours Of Spain

York RI Golden Rail Band celebrate their 40th anniversary with this special concert showcasing their versatility and creativity. The popular York-based brass band are situated next to York Station, and the programme pays tribute to their railway connections, as well as telling an environmental themed original story through narration and music.

GOLDEN RAIL BAND 40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

In this thrilling 40-minute family concert, five playful musicians set off on an unforgettable journey through music and make-believe, with a little help from a magical dressing-up box!

Hike through enchanted forests, explore mysterious caves, and soar to the moon in a homemade rocket!

TOOT!

Renowned Westcountry songwriter Steve Knightley, former Show of Hands frontman, announces a groundbreaking nationwide solo tour—the first since the iconic band disbanded. Focused on promoting his latest album, ‘The Winter Yards,’ this tour signifies a profound shift in Knightley’s musical journey.

Steve Knightley

The NCEM is delighted to be able to welcome back participants for Cuppa and a Chorus! Led by experienced community musician Chris Bartram, sessions will give you the chance to sing some of the songs you know and love and explore new ones from around the world. You don’t need to have sung before or consider yourself musical, just enjoy taking part and singing with other like-minded people.

Cuppa And A Chorus

Lollipop and I Can Play! come together for an exciting musical morning of Samba Drumming!

You will learn about the different percussion instruments, play some very funky rhythms, and create amazing drumming masterpieces all together, whilst having fun and making friends! No experience necessary!

I CAN PLAY! SAMBA with LOLLIPOP

Alicia Svigals is the world’s leading klezmer violinist and a founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics, and pianist Donald Sosin is one of the world’s foremost silent film accompanists. Together, they have been bringing audiences to their feet across Europe and America with their Klezmer-infused silent film scores.

The Ancient Law

Leveret is a unique collaboration between three of England’s finest folk musicians, each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply timeless.

Leveret

The NCEM is proud to work with young jazz players across the city and our developing relationship with York Music Forum.

Renowned UK jazz vocalist and multi-award winner, Claire Martin OBE, reunites with her accomplished Swedish trio, led by the exceptional pianist and arranger Martin Sjöstedt, for their latest collaborative endeavor – ‘Almost in Your Arms’ (Stunt Records). This marks their second collaboration, promising an extraordinary musical journey.

Claire Martin

YBC presents a fascinating choral journey through German polyphony exploring what came before and what came after J.S. Bach’s choral style. The roots of this music lie with Schütz, here represented by Jauchzet dem Herrn SWV 36, Wie lieblich SWV 29 and Selig sind die Toten SWV 391. Johann Bach, great-uncle of J.S, was another forerunner whose imaginative Unser Leben ist ein Schatten always comes alive in performance. J.S. Bach’s motets for double chorus are a celebrated pinnacle of the choral repertoire and we will sing the striking funeral motet Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf BWV 226. In the 19th century, Mendelssohn re-established Bach’s reputation. Bach’s influence can be heard in his setting of the Ave Maria, the chorale setting Mitten wir im Leben sind from op.23, the all-female Laudate pueri from op. 39 and the eight-voice chorus Denn er hat seinen Engeln which he later integrated into in his great oratorio Elijah. The tradition continues with Brahms and his Warum ist das Licht gegeben (op.74) and the irresistible choral textures of Rheinberger’s Abendlied.

National Centre for Early Music

Jun 7, 2025

Ybc: Rossini – Petite Messe Solennelle

May 4, 2025

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