EARLY Music Day will go ahead at the National Centre for Early Music, York, tomorrow but behind closed doors.
“Our doors may be temporarily closed, in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, but we’ll still be celebrating Early Music Day and streaming our concerts all around Europe, so join us for two wonderful concerts this Saturday (March 21),” says director Delma Tomlin. “There will also be a selection of concerts available to enjoy online over the coming weeks.”
Tomorrow’s programme at the NCEM, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, begins with a 1pm concert by harpsichordist Steven Devine, performing the first in a series of Bach Preludes and Fugues, and ends with The Brabant Ensemble’s 6pm programme of A Monk’s Life: Music From The Cloisters, 1550-1620.
“Sublime choral music from the Renaissance performed by this Oxford ensemble offers the perfect end to a fabulous day of music,” says Delma.
“I am so grateful to our talented array of musicians who are determined that Early Music Day will still happen somehow and have agreed to perform behind closed doors.
“Even if you can’t be with us in person, we hope that you will join us for this day of music, a joyful celebration which normally takes place with our European partners and friends in beautiful venues.”
Looking ahead, Delma says: “We are pausing our operations until the end of April and will be in contact with everyone who has booked to attend concerts that are due to take place within this period.
“We ask that you are patient with us during this difficult time and wait for us to contact you. Regular updates about future concerts and more concert footage will be posted on our website, ncem.co.uk, and via social media, so please keep checking.”
To watch Saturday’s concerts follow: https://www.facebook.com/yorkearlymusic/
“Music has the power to uplift and inspire us all and although our building may be closed, we will be sharing a selection of concerts from our archives online for us all to enjoy,” says Delma, on an upbeat final note.