Laura García Alfaya , Consul General in Manchester, left; José María Robles Fraga, Minister-Counsellor for Cultural and Scientific Affairs, Embassy of Spain in London; Dr Delma Tomlin, director York Early Music Festival; Eva Ortega Paíno, Ministerio de Ciencia innovacíon y unversidades; baroque guitarist Pablo Zapico and Pedro Jesus Eusebio Cuesta, director of Instituto Cervantes Manchester and Leeds at the National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate, York, on July 4
YORK Early Music Festival 2025 has welcomed dignitaries and delegates from Spain with a celebration of Spanish music and culture.
On July 4, more than 70 representatives from the Society of Spanish Researchers in the UK headed to the festival’s administrative base, the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), for a concert presented by the acclaimed Spanish guitarist Pablo Zapico.
In attendance were the Spanish dignitaries Jose Maria Robles Fraga, Minister-Counsellor for Cultural and Scientific Affairs at the Embassy of Spain in London; Laura Garcia Alfaya, Consul General of Spain in Manchester; Pedro Jesus Eusebio Cuesta, director of Instituto Cervantes Manchester & Leeds, and Eva Ortega Paíno, General Secretary for Research at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities in Spain.
Earlier this year, the NCEM and the Instituto Cervantes signed an agreement marking their ongoing commitment to the promotion of Hispanic culture in the UK and to continue their successful relationship.
Highlights of the summer festival included the 18-strong Spanish vocal/instrumental ensemble Cantoria at St Lawrence Church on July 8, supported by the Embassy of Spain in London and Acción Cultural Española.
This sold-out concert, directed by Jorge Losana under the title of A La Fiesta!, was recorded for broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and will be shared on the Early Music Show on Sunday, July 20.
Spanish delegates and family with festival director Delma Tomlin, front left, and Spanish guitarist Pablo Zapico at the National Centre for Early Music, York