Tag: Delma Tomlin

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National Centre for Early Music launches new season on October 1. Who’s playing?

Saxophonist Jean Toussaint: First blast of brass in the NCEM’s autumn season on October 1

THE National Centre for Early Music autumn season will open next Wednesday with Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer and bandleader Jean Toussaint’s 7.20pm concert at St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York.

Born on the Dutch Antilles island of Aruba, Toussaint grew up in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

He moved to London in 1987, since when he has used the capital as his base. For his return to York with his latest project, JT5, he will share the stage with emerging British jazz talent, performing material from his latest album, JT5 Live At The Vortex 10/08/2024, recorded at the London jazz club last summer.

Supported by Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Trust, York Music Forum students will be working with Toussaint earlier in the day to share their work on the NCEM stage from 7.20pm to 7.40pm.

Trumpet player Byron Wallen: Raising the Black Flag at the NCEM on October 24

“Our autumn season welcomes a host of artists from across the world, bringing the highest-quality music-making to the city and continuing to share opportunities for the young, and the not so young, to get involved,” says NCEM director Delma Tomlin.

Pianist Jonny Best will be joined by violinist Susannah Simmons, cellist Liz Hanks and percussionist Trevor Bartlett for Frame Ensemble’s live accompaniment of Northern Silents’ presentation of Julien Duvivier’s 1929 French silent film The Divine Voyage on October 6.

As with Northern Silents’ sold-out performance of South in 2023, Frame Ensemble’s improvised score will capture the atmosphere of Duvivier’s lushly photographed tale of faith and hope about rapacious businessman Claude Ferjac sending his ship, La Cordillere, on a long trading journey, knowing it has been repaired poorly and is likely to sink. An entire village of sailors, desperate to support their families, has no choice but to set sail.

Virtuoso guitarists Gordon Giltrap & John Etheridge team up for 2 Parts Guitar on October 14; Damien O’Kane’s Irish tenor banjo and Ron Block’s five-string bluegrass banjo link up the following night to showcase their third joyously innovative album in seven years, Banjovial, the sequel to the ground-breaking Banjophony and Banjophonics.

Heidi Talbot: Previewing November 21 album Grace Untold at NCEM on October 23

On October 23, Irish singer-songwriter Heidi Talbot returns to the NCEM ahead of the November 21 release of her new album, Grace Untold, a collection of songs based around Irish goddesses and inspirational women, performed in York with Toby Shaer on fiddle and flute and Innes White on guitar.

Byron Wallen, London-born composer, traveller, educator and trumpet and flugelhorn player, heads back to the NCEM on November 24 with a very personal project: an exploration of childhood memories and the emotional strains between a mother and her son, separated by the Atlantic Ocean.

Performed with pianist and keyboard player Nick Ramm, Black Flag is in part a response to the photographic work of Annabel Elgar, whose images will be shared on screen. Emotional, searing, poignant and tough, this will be an evening to reflect and explore the shifting balance of power between the urban and the rural, together with the toxicity of colonialism, but with a glimpse of light before the sun.

“As our 25th year draws to a close, we are particularly pleased to welcome trumpeter and composer Byron Wallen as he shares his very personal exploration of childhood in Black Flag,” says Delma. “Likewise to invite you to enjoy an extraordinarily upbeat show of rhythms in the company of N’Faly Kouyaté and to share the haunting tapestry of sounds from Armenia and Iran with duduk player Arsen Petrosyan.”

N’Faly Kouyaté : Showcasing new album Finishing on November 12

Booked in for November 12, Songlines Music Awards winner N’Faly Kouyaté is a living bridge between ancestral heritage and future sounds, inviting you to a musical odyssey of songs that stir the soul, inspire reflection, elicit smiles and set bodies moving.

Playing balafon, kora, n’gonin, djeli doundoun, djeli tamamba and the toumba (congas), Guinean musician Kouyaté will be showcasing music from his September 12 album Finishing, with Afro Celt Sound System, where Celtic voices and instrumentation meet the vibrant heartbeat of African rhythms.

On November 17, Arsen Petroysan will be joined by Mehdi Rostami, on setar, and Adib Rostami, on kamancheh, to perform haunting melodies and intricate improvisations in a meditative and emotional journey through the ancient Armenian and Iranian cultures.

On November 16, at 6.30pm, wry Kent folk musician Chris Wood – a six-time BBC Folk Award winner and key member of The Imagined Village alongside North Yorkshire’s Martin and Eliza Carthy – offers reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome, learning to swim, Cook-in-Sauce and the Gecko as a  metaphor for contemporary society in celebration of “the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life”.

The folk focus next falls on The Jeremiahs, the Irish band of Joe Gibney, vocals, Matt Mancuso, fiddle and vocals, Conor Crimmins, flute, and James Ryan, guitar, in their NCEM debut on December 3.

Chris Wood: Celebrating “the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life” on November 16

The NCEM teams up with Explore York library service and Mayfield Valley Arts Trust for Baroque Around The Books on December 8 and 9, when Dowland’s Foundry, with tenor Daniel Thompson and lutenist Sam Brown, presents  Facets Of Time in various York libraries to explore the meaning of time through music and poetry. Full details can be found at ncem.co.uk/baroque-around–the-books.

York Early Music Christmas Festival 2025 will run from December 5 to 14, featuring Fieri Consort& Camerta Oresund, Consone & Chiaroscuo Quartets, Marian Consort & ECSE, Apollo’s Cabinet, Helen Charlston, Joglaresa and Apollo5. A full preview will follow in The York Press soon.

Festive folk fixtures Green Matthews – modern-day balladeers Chris Green and Sophie Green – will see out the old year at the NCEM with their Midwinter Revels concert of Christmas carols and winter folk songs on ancient and modern instruments on December 16.

“Our autumn season is creative, engaging and will be hugely rewarding,” says Delma. “We look forward to welcoming you.”

Concerts start at 7.30pm unless stated otherwise. Box office: 01904 658338 or ncem.co.uk.

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Catherine Bott to receive York Early Music Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and perform readings at Le Consort concert

Catherine Bott: Soprano, broadcaster, presenter, festival artistic advisor and now recipient of the York Early Musical Festival Lifetime Achievement Award

SOPRANO singer, broadcaster and presenter Catherine Bott will be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 York Early Music Festival.

The award will be presented by broadcaster, writer and artistic advisor Lindsay Kemp at the National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, on Sunday immediately before the 4.45pm live edition of BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show.

Catherine, 72, will then return as a guest to the Early Music Show alongside mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston and instrumentalists Ensemble Hesperi. Free tickets to attend the show’s recording have sold out.

Throughout her career, Catherine has been involved with the annual festival, as a performer, jury member, presenter and artistic advisor. “I’m honoured to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the pioneering York Early Music Festival, following in the footsteps of so many distinguished friends and colleagues from whom I’ve learnt so much,” she says. “And I’m looking forward to returning to York for a lively weekend of music and conversation.”

She joins the esteemed list of past recipients of an award that honours major figures who have made a significant difference to the world of early music: Belgian flautist Barthold Kuijken; soprano Dame Emma Kirkby; countertenor James Bowman; Spanish conductor and composer Jordi Savall; conductor Andrew Parrott; lutenist Anthony Rooley; harpsichordist and conductor Trevor Pinnock; violinist Catherine Mackintosh and trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins.

This year Catherine  will be appearing at the festival with the French instrumental ensemble Le Consort, reading poems that accompany Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, on Sunday at 7.30pm.

In this celebration of the 300th anniversary of the first publication of Vivaldi’s concertos,  directed by  baroque violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte, the four vividly pictorial and virtuosic violin concertos will be interlaid with other works by Vivaldi, and preceded by Catherine’s readings of the sonnets (perhaps written by the composer himself) that set out the scenes he evoked in music with flair, brilliance and humour.

Catherine recalls first singing in North Yorkshire at Beningbrough Hall in 1981. “Don’t ask me exactly what I did, but I can remember signing some medieval songs,” she says. “I think it was outdoors and I don’t think it was raining!”

Through the years, she has performed with the Yorkshire Baroque Soloists under conductor Peter Seymour and the Royal Northern Sinfonia at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall.

She is full of praise for York Early Music Festival,  the National Centre of Early Music and, in particular, director Delma Tomlin. “Delma is a force of nature and a force for good. She and the festival have always championed early music and repertoire that’s lesser known than it should be,” says Catherine. “Thanks to Delma, the York Early Music Festival continues to go from strength to strength.”

From 2003, her role as presenter of BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show brought her to the festival each year for a live show. “So I’m really tickled to be a guest on the show I used to present straight after receiving the award on Sunday, when I’ll be meeting presenter Hannah French for the first time,” says Catherine.

Le Consort: French ensemble’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on Sunday will be accompanied by Catherine Bott’s readings

“It’s a lovely award to receive. I do remember in my broadcasting past presenting the award to Jamie Bowman, who said, ‘I’m not sure I want to receive this as it’s suggests it’s all over!’, but I’m happy that I’ve been able to sing with just about every musician I wanted to work with or talk to the musicians I wanted to interview.

“Now I’m joining some very esteemed company, all of whom I’ve performed with except Jordi Savall, who I interviewed!”

Catherine continues: “This award is a wonderful excuse to go back and spend time in this beautiful city crammed with characterful, beautiful concert venues. York is the natural home for this kind of festival because it’s such an historic place.

“I’ve always tried to maximise any visit to York, walking the City Walls, going to the National Railway Museum, making sure I go to Evensong at the Minster. Thi time I shall be arriving Saturday lunchtime and then going to see the evening concert by the Tallis at York Minster.”

Catherine studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, then spent two years from the age of 22 singing everything from Bach to Berio with Swingle II, successors to the baroque-jazz crossover group The Swingle Singers, before beginning a distinguished solo career specialising in baroque music.

Among her many recordings are Bach’s St John Passion and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and she has premiered and recorded works by contemporary composers Craig Armstrong, Jonathan Dove and Michael Nyman.

She is a Fellow of the Guildhall School and an Honorary Fellow of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. For ten years from 2003, she combined singing with regular presenting for BBC Radio, scripting and introducing more than 300 editions of The Early Music Show on BBC Radio 3, as well as hosting live evening concerts and the BBC Proms.

She has worked with BBC Radio 4 and has made documentaries on subjects ranging from Auto-Tune to Mantovani and has presented numerous editions of Pick Of The Week.

In 2013, Classic FM invited Catherine to make the move to a more informal style of music broadcasting. She stayed for a decade, with her series Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Classical Music running for seven years. She also co-hosted The Full Works Concert and presented a live Sunday lunchtime show.

New ways of sharing her love of music continue to evolve and since 2020 Catherine has introduced live-streamed recitals from London’s Wigmore Hall and digital concerts with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, viewed by many thousands worldwide.

York Early Music Festival runs from today (4/7/2025) to July 11. For full details and tickets, head to: ncem.co.uk/whats-on/yemf/.

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Kit McCarthy & Avram Harris win National Centre for Early Music Young Composers Awards on day with The Brook Street Band

National Centre for Early Music Young Composers Award winners Avram Harris, left and Kit McCarthy at the NCEM on the awards day. Picture: Charlie Kirkpatrick

First published on May 17 2025

KIT McCarthy and Avram Harris have won the 2025 National Centre for Early Music Young Composers Awards.

Kit received the prize for the 19 to 25 age group with his composition Molten Kaleidoscope; Avram triumphed in the 18 years and under category with Transient Variations.

The final of the 18th Young Composers Award was held at the NCEM, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York, presented in partnership with BBC Radio 3, on May 15.

This year, the organisers invited aspiring young composers to compose a new trio sonata movement for two violins, cello, and harpsichord. Composers were asked to explore a particular musical world and character in their piece lasting three to  four minutes, focusing  especially on the interplay between the instruments, and could take a movement from Handel’s Opus 5 Trio Sonatas as a reference point.

Compositions by the eight young finalists were workshopped during the day by composer Professor Christopher Fox and The Brook Street Band, led by cellist Tatty Theo. In the evening, the pieces were performed by The Brook Street Band in a public performance at the NCEM, from where the performance was live streamed to ensure that friends and families were able to join in.

The streamed performance is available on the NCEM Young Composers Award website at youngcomposersaward.co.uk.

Kit McCarthy: Winner of the 19 to 25 age category. Picture: Charlie Kirkpatrick

The shortlisted composers and pieces:

19 to 25 category:

Kit McCarthy, Molten Kaleidoscope

Parmida Eslaminazari, Celestial Reverie

Brandon Craig, Petit Matin

18 and under category:

Avram Harris,  Transient Variations

Pol Macip Porter, Fugue (Tristesa)

Laura Kesiak, A Vintage Television

Ben Greenwood, Drowsiness Changes

Edward Harris-Brown, Sir Trip-a-lot’s Merriment

The 2025 panel of judges comprised BBC Radio 3 producer Les Pratt, NCEM director Delma Tomlin and The Brook Street Band cellist Tatty Theo.

Molten Kaleidoscope and Transient Variations will be premiered on October 3 at the love:Handel festival, run by The Brook Street Band in and around Norwich. The performance will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show.

Avram Harris: winner of the 18 and under category. Picture: Charlie Kirkpatrick

Delma Tomlin said: “The Young Composers Award is one of the highlights on the NCEM’s calendar and it’s always a joy to discover these young people’s extraordinary wealth of talent, and, of course, enjoy their fabulous new compositions.

“This year we’ve been working with the all-female group The Brook Street Band in an exciting new partnership. Our composers spent an inspiring day working on their compositions with the band and our esteemed colleague, composer, musician and teacher Dr Christopher Fox.

“The Young Composers Award continues to be recognised as an important landmark in the careers of young musicians and it was a privilege to welcome these talented young people to York for an inspiring day sharing music and ideas at the NCEM’s home, St Margaret’s Church. 

“I’d like to say a special thank-you to Dr Christopher Fox, BBC Radio 3 and, of course, my fellow judges.”

Les Pratt, lead producer of The Early Music Show, said: “BBC Radio 3 has been partnering with the colleagues at NCEM for 18 years, supporting this award and nurturing young talent – which is one of our core missions, as the home of classical music and a place where audiences can discover the latest trends and creations. 

Tatty Theo, left, and fellow members of The Brook Street Band at the National Centre for Early Music. Picture: Charlie Kirkpatrick

“Providing a platform for young composers is key in order for classical music to always keep fresh, reflect the present and look to the future. That’s why we can’t wait to share these wonderful new compositions with listeners at home on the Early Music Show and on BBC Sounds.”

Tatty Theo said: “It’s been a real privilege for The Brook Street Band to get to know these eight shortlisted compositions, and we’ve enjoyed exploring the wonderfully engaging and creative sound worlds these young composers have conjured up for our period instruments.

“The repertoire has been thought-provoking and technically demanding in very different ways to the music that inspired it, Handel’s opus 5 trio sonatas, and we’ve loved finding the links between the Handel of the 1730s and these fresh pieces of 2025.

“There’s been humour, surprise, some crazy counting and lots of questions, but we’ve relished the challenge of doing this music justice and look forward to performing the two winning compositions in October at our love: Handel festival, and hopefully incorporating them into Handel programmes in the years to come.”

The Young Composers Award is open to young composers resident in the UK up to and including the age of 25 for the aforementioned age categories.  The 2026 edition of the award will be announced in late autumn.

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Welcome to Heaven & Hell as York Early Music Festival announces 2025 theme and international artists for July 4 to 11 event

Festival commission: BBC New Generation artist and mezzo soprano Helen Charlston will perform a new Anna Disley-Simpson work with theorbo player Toby Carr in In Heaven & Hell…Yours To Choose on July 9 at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York, at 6.30pm. Picture: Julien Gazeau

HEAVEN & Hell will be the theme of the 2025 York Early Music Festival, a summer fiesta of 19 concerts in eight days featuring international artists from July 4 to 11.

The Sixteen, the Tallis Scholars and Academy of Ancient Music will be taking part, as will French orchestral ensemble Le Consort, led by rising-star violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte, in their York debut with an “exceptional rendition of exceptional of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – but not quite as you know it”.

The festival will intertwine three very different themes: firstly, the music of Renaissance composer Orlando Gibbons, opening with viol consort Fretwork (Friday, July 4); secondly, the genius of the Baroque, focusing on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Sunday, July 6).

Thirdly, the strand that lends itself to the 2025 title: a reflection on Man’s fall from grace – from Heaven to Hell – in biblical times with YEMF artistic advisor and BBC New Generation artist Helen Charlston and her fellow Gramophone Award-winner, lutenist and theorbo player Toby Carr (Wednesday, July 9) in the medieval Guildhall of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

Fretwork: Viol consort will open York Early Music Festival with Renaissance music of Orlando Gibbons in My Days: Songs and Fantasias with mezzo soprano Helen Charlston on July 4 at 7.30pm at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York

The Tallis Scholars (Saturday, July 5) and The Sixteen (Monday, July 7) will share their programmes in the glorious surroundings of York Minster; the Spanish ensemble Cantoria (Tuesday, July 8) will present a sizzling array of ensaladas and villancicos in their A La Fiesta programme and Swiss- based medievalists Sollazzo (Thursday, July 10) will return to York for the first time since winning a prestigious Diapason d’Or award.

The festival will finish with a flourish in the company of the Academy of Ancient Music and their leader, violinist Bojan Čičić (Friday, July 11) in a celebration of Bach’s violin concertos.

York Early Music Festival continues to support emerging musicians with invitations to two 2024 York Early Music Festival Young Artists Competition winners, Ayres Extemporae and Ensemble Bastion.

Once again, the festival will showcase a variety of York’s beautiful historic buildings, such as the Minster, the medieval Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and the intriguing hidden architectural gem Bedern Hall.

The Sixteen: Returning to York Minster to present Angel Of Peace on July 7 at 7.30pm

In an open call for the York Early Music Festival Special Commission, NCEM Young Composers Award alumni were invited to respond to the Heaven & Hell theme by writing a piece to be performed by Charlston and Carr as part of their In Heaven & Hell…Yours To Choose programme featuring Purcell, Strozzi, Monteverdi, Charpentier and Humfrey works on July 9.

Anna Disley-Simpson has been awarded the commission from a competitive field of 24 applications for her piece Heaven Or Hell, for which she will collaborate with librettist Olivia Bell, drawing inspiration from Kurt Weill. Expect her composition to be “deliberately subversive and unexpected in several ways,” Anna promises.

Supported by the Hinrichsen Foundation and an anonymous donor, Anna will receive a commission fee of £2,000, plus travel and accommodation expenses within the United Kingdom to attend a workshop with the musicians in London and the York premiere.

Looking forward to the July event, festival director Dr Delma Tomlin says: “We are thrilled to welcome friends old and new to what promises to be a fantastic celebration of music from an outstanding array of artists.

Le Consort: French orchestral ensemble will make York Early Music Festival debut on July 6, performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, at 7.30pm

“Celebrating over 500 years of music from across Europe, we are particularly delighted to be able to welcome ensembles from France, Switzerland, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands to our wonderful city. We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to eight wonderful days of music-making.”

The full programme and booking details can be found at ncem.co.uk/whats-on/yemf/. Bookings also can be made on 01904 658338, via boxoffice@ncem.co.uk and in person at the NCEM, Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York.  

York Early Music Festival: the back story

ESTABLISHED in 1977, the festival is designed to celebrate York’s myriad of medieval churches, guildhalls and historic houses through historically informed music-making of the highest international standard.

The annual event is the “jewel in the crown” of the National Centre for Early Music’s annual programme, enjoyed by York residents and visitors from all over the UK and across the world.

The Tallis Scholars: Performing Glorious Creatures programme at York Minster on July 5 at 7.30pm. Picture: Hugo Glendinning

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What’s in store in National Centre for Early Music’s 25th anniversary spring season?

Cellist Matthew Barley: Telling his Light Stories at the NCEM on May 18

THE National Centre for Early Music’s 25th anniversary spring season at St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York, is as close to opening as the new chorus of daffodils.

First up on March 4 will be multi-award-winning Portuguese fado singer LINA, who was recommended to NCEM director Delma Tomlin by colleagues at the University of Nottingham.  “It will be a lively and entertaining night, promoting her extraordinary 2024 album, Fado Camões,” says Delma.

The 7.30pm concert will feature the poetry of Portuguese poet Luiz Vaz de Camões, adapted to traditional fado, in a multi-media performance with Ianina Khmelik on piano and synths and Pedro Viana on Portuguese guitar, complemented by videos on the big screen by Collective Of Two, lighting design by Tela Negra and live sound by Marco Silva. “Bring your best dancing feet,” advises Delma.

The University of York Baroque + Day will be held on March 8, presenting Ensemble Hesperi and rising star soprano Claire Ward at 12 noon, Consort Of Viols and SVES’s 2.30pm programme of reflective pavans and sorrowful songs and the University of York Baroque Ensemble & Ensemble Hesperi celebrating the musical tastes and talents of Queen Charlotte, Consort to George III, on International Women’s Day at 7.30pm.

Acoustic and slide folk guitarist Martin Simpson will return to the NCEM on March 22 for a typically intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving solo concert of interpretations of traditional songs, full of passion, sorrow, love, beauty tragedy and majesty. In the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, he has chalked up an unsurpassed 32 nominations, winning numerous awards.

Legendary Italian acoustic guitarist, composer and NCEM favourite Antonio Forcione will team up for the first time with Italian/Sardinian guitarist, composer and educator Giorgio Serci for a melodic 7.30pm programme on March 28.

Guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson: Returning to NCEM on March 22. Picture: Geoff Trinder

“Antonio performing with Giorgio will bring a different flavour,” says Delma. “Be prepared to both laugh and be moved as they celebrate the unexpected elements in life with delicacy, humour and, not least, passion.”

Triptic is the post-Moishe’s Bagel band formed by former members Phil Alexander, Greg Lawson and Mario Caribe, who explore a shared love of folk music in their new project that will head to the NCEM on April 6 at 6.30pm.

Dramatic tango meets joyful klezmer and folk-infused originals, wrapped up in irresistible jazz and Latin grooves, played on violin, piano, bass, mandolin, accordion and guitar, as they seek uncharted musical pathways. Unleashing their energy and passion on a new set of compositions, they also set their sights on music from Armenia to Sao Paolo with many melodic stops along the way.

Seven-piece band Hejira will be celebrating Joni Mitchell’s late-1970s “jazz period” in a return visit to the NCEM on April 10 at 7.30pm. Hattie Whitehead, Ollie Weston, Chris Eldred, Pete Oxley, Dave Jones, Rick Finlay, Marc Cecil and Rob Harbron will focus on the Canadian singer-songwriter’s albums The Hissing Of Summer Lawns, Hejira, Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter and Mingus.

Mitchell toured with jazz luminaries Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Michael Brecker, Jaco Pastorius and Don Alias in a brief collaboration that elicited the live album Shadows And Light, the primary source of inspiration for Hejira’s repertoire.

Trumpet player Jay Phelps and his band of supreme British talent will bring together the best of Miles Davis from 1958 and 1959 on April 24 (7.30pm), drawing on material from ’58 Miles and the iconic Kind Of Blue, the ground-breaking, improvisational “world’s greatest jazz album of all time”.

“We’re delighted that Jay also will be working with young jazz players from the York Music Forum Jazz Ensemble, run by Ian Chance,” says Delma.”Ian is building up the ensemble again after the exit of A-level students, and as we continue to develop our relationship with them, we hope they’ll be able to work with jazz guitarist Martin Taylor later in the season. We know the jazz stars so enjoy sharing the stage with these young talents.”

Hejira: Honouring Joni Mitchell’s late-1970s “jazz period” on April 10

Anglo-Irish band Flook are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, touring the NCEM on May 4 at 6.30pm with a line-up of Brian Finnegan, whistles and flutes, Sarah Allen, flutes and accordion, Ed Boyd, guitar, and John Joe Kelly, bodhran.

Silent film pianist Jonny Best will bring Rupert Julian’s 1925 horror movie  Phantom Of The Opera newly alive with a new improvised score as Northern Silents mark the 100th anniversary of one of the silent screen’s most beautiful creations, a dark love story starring Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin, on May 6 from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Chaney experimented for two years with metal hooks, wax, putty and paint to create the skull-like appearance that terrified audiences a century ago.

The NCEM Young Composers Award 2025, presented by the NCEM in tandem with BBC Radio 3 and The Brook Street Band , will climax with the live final on May 15 at 7pm.

On May 18, Light Stories will tell the story of classical cellist Matthew Barley’s life through music and projected imagery – by video designers Yeast Culture – as he narrates his search for meaning in music-making and how, in time, he came to heal past wounds.

His 6.30pm performance will incorporate pieces by Joby Talbot, Anna Meredith, John Metcalfe and Bach, together with new woks by Barley, connected by moments of improvisation and electronics.

Lon Chaney in Phantom Of The Opera, presented by Northern Silents on May 6. Picture: from Northern Silents

“Matthew has branched out into multi-media, focusing on health and wellbeing and how you can use music to help your recovery,” says Delma. “It’s a performance about his personal issues and how he came out the other side, and a show like this is part of our wider brief.”

The NCEM will present three York Festival of Ideas events: Sam Kelly &The Lost Boys on June 7 at 7.30pm; OAE Tots’ enchanting story of magic spells and much mischief, Spin, Spin A Story on June 8 at 4pm and the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment’s version of The Fairy Queen: Three Wishes, a huge party in a magical forest, on June 11 at 6pm (at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, please note).

Guitarist Martin Taylor and rising British jazz singer Alison Burns will perform songs from their duo album Songs For Nature, mixing the Great American Songbook with contemporary material, on June 18 at 7.30pm.

The spring season will close with the NCEM debut of husband-and-wife duo Kamaljeet Ahluwalia, on santoor, and Jas Ahluwalia, on tabla, in their Absolute Focus concert on June 22 at 6.30pm, staged in partnership with SAA/UK.

“We have worked with these partners for many years, and this concert makes a very nice conclusion to the season,” says Delma. “It will work very well at the NCEM, where we can accommodate the obligatory large carpet!”

Reflecting on the season as a whole, Delma says: “The diversity of our programme is important to us, in part because we’re always committed to presenting artists from other parts of the world – and our audiences seem to be keen to give music from all over the world a go.”

Tickets are on sale on 01904 658338 and at ncem.co.uk.

Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, to be found at NCEM on June 7

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NCEM Platform Artists Intesa to undertake Baroque Around The Books informal tour of Explore York libraries with free admission

Intesa’s Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti: Baroque Around The Books mini-tour

MUSICAL duo Intesa will embark on a Baroque Around The Books mini-tour of four community libraries after their appearance at this month’s York Early Music Christmas Festival.

This National Centre for Early Music cultural wellbeing initiative on December 16 and 17 is a partnership between the NCEM and Explore York Libraries and Archives.

Suitable for all, the initiative began early this year and now returns with the involvement of NCEM Platform Artists Intesa, the young European viol and voice duo of Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti, who will be staying on in York for a short residency and library musical tour after their December 15 festival performance at Bedern Hall, Bedern.

At 11am that day, Intesa will present A Merry Conceit, exploring the theme of seeking light in the midst of dark and wintry weather in a programme of Dowland, Hume and Cuccini works alongside a selection of Armenian folk songs.

Musaelian and Giorgetti, who met at the Royal Academy of Music, formed their musical partnership in 2023, Intesa being the Italian word for ‘understanding’ or ‘a meeting of minds’. They share a passion for the sound of the viol and its combination with the voice.

Intesa’s Lucine Musaelian

The workshops will provide the communities of York with an opportunity to celebrate and discover Early Music with these two talented young performers. In turn, Baroque Around The Books reinforces the NCEM’s  ongoing commitment to support, encourage and nurture the skills of emerging artists in the UK and beyond.

On December 16,  Intesa will tour Tang Hall Explore at 12 noon and York Explore at 2.30pm (both free entry, no booking required); on December 17, Acomb Explore, 11am (booking required; acquire free ticket at Acomb Explore or online at tickettailor.com/events/exploreyorklibrariesandarchives/1145052), and Clifton Explore, 1.30pm (free entry, no booking required).

Tickets are free for these informal concerts thanks to an initiative by the NCEM, working in association with Explore York, supported by the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust. 

NCEM director Delma Tomlin says: “Intesa are one of three ensembles from Europe performing at this year’s York Early Music Christmas Festival, and it’s a pleasure to welcome them to York for this brilliant tour.

“Baroque Around The Books concerts are free of charge and it’s wonderful to be working with our partner Explore York once again. We look forward to sharing the wonderful world of Early Music with new audiences from York communities.”

Explore York chief executive Jenny Layfield says: “This partnership with the NCEM is truly inspiring. There’s something wonderful about bringing such talented musicians into library spaces, offering our communities the chance to stumble upon a high-quality experience.

“I had the pleasure of attending one of the sessions organised by NCEM earlier this year and I absolutely loved it. If you have the opportunity to attend a performance at one of our Explore centres this December, I wholeheartedly recommend it!”

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National Centre for Early Music launches Young Composers Award 2025 with BBC Radio 3 and The Brook Street Band

The Brook Street Band: Working with young composers at the 2025 award day

THE National Centre for Early Music Young Composers Award 2025 has been launched on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show and BBC Sounds.

Each year, the award is presented by the NCEM in association with BBC Radio 3. For the 2025 award, young composers will be working with the baroque instrumental group The Brook Street Band.

Composers are invited to create a short work for two violins, cello and harpsichord – one of the most popular chamber music groupings of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, reflecting the extraordinarily inventive musical heritage of Purcell, Corelli and Handel – wrapped in a 21st century response.

The Award Day will take place in York on Thursday, May 15 2025 when Dr Christopher Fox will lead a daytime workshop for shortlisted candidates. In the evening, the compositions will be performed by The Brook Street Band at the NCEM, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate.

The winning works will be premiered by The Brook Street Band in October 2025 as part of the love:Handel festival and will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show and BBC Sounds.

This major national annual award is open to young composers up to the age of 25 resident in the United Kingdom and is divided into two categories: 18 years and under and 19 to 25 years.

NCEM director Delma Tomlin says: “We’re very excited to welcome The Brook Street Band as our partner for the Young Composers Award 2025. This ensemble is not only one of the leading exponents of Handel’s music, but also has set up its very own festival, love: Handel, where the winning 2025 compositions will be performed.

“The Young Composers Award is one of the most important dates on the NCEM’s calendar and continues to grow from strength to strength, attracting more and more entries from aspiring young composers from all over the UK.

“Taking part in the award has been an important step in the careers of many successful composers and we are looking forward to hearing this year’s new compositions.”

Les Pratt, producer of The Early Music Show, says: “BBC Radio 3 is delighted to continue to support this award, now looking ahead to its 18th edition. It’s hugely important to challenge and nurture young talent, and what’s most gratifying is seeing past winners and entrants who are now making their way in the professional world.

“We are really looking forward to sharing next year’s compositions for The Brook Street Band with our audiences at home on The Early Music Show.”

Tatty Theo, cellist and director of The Brook Street Band, says: “We’re thrilled to have the privilege of working with young composers, giving life to brand new music that will showcase the varied colours and rich character of our old baroque instruments.

“Handel’s music is at the heart of our music-making, and we cherish this opportunity to explore the creativity it inspires and unleashes in a new young generation of composers.”

Registration closes at 12 noon on Friday, February 7 2025, with the deadline for submission of scores on Friday, March 7. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by Friday, April 4 and will be invited to attend the Award Day May 15. The NCEM will meet reasonable travel and accommodation costs from within the UK.

For more information on how to take part, go to: http://www.ncem.co.uk/composersaward2024 or email: info.composers@ncem.co.uk.

The Brook Street Band: back story

The Brook Street Band cellist and director Tatty Theo

NAMED after the London Street where George Frideric Handel lived from 1723 to 1759. Formed by baroque cellist Tatty Theo, rapidly establishing itself among the UK’s leading Handel specialists, winning grants, awards and broadcasting opportunities from organisations including BBC Radio 3 and the Handel Institute.

Enjoyed an unusually stable core membership, its players working together for more than 20 years in the form of violinists Rachel Harris and Kathryn Parry, cellist Tatty Theo, harpsichord player Carolyn Gibley and flautist Lisete da Silva Bull. This longevity has enabled it to develop a style of performing and music-making that is precise and spontaneous, the musicians able to react instinctively to each other and play as one.

18th century chamber repertoire has always been The Brook Street Band’s driving passion, focusing particularly on Handel’s music, building up a reputation for its fresh, innovative performances, zingy communication style and sense of fun.

Alongside its chamber music schedule, The Brook Street Band works regularly with soloists, conductors, choirs and venues for larger-scaled orchestral and vocal projects.

Passionate about exploring new repertoire written especially for period instruments. Composers including Errollyn Wallen and Nitin Sawhney have written for the band with repertoire ranging from songs to trio sonatas, with commissions for UK festivals, including London International Festival of Early Music.

As part of a large-scale education project, the band commissioned Matthew King’s Il Pastorale, L’Urbino e Il Suburbano, a community-based oratorio for chamber group, electronics, vocal soloists and choir, composed in response to Handel’s L’Allegro, Il Penseroso ed Il Moderato.

The band performs and teaches throughout the UK and Europe. Established love: Handel music festival, held biennially in Norwich, incorporating wide-ranging educational work supported through its charitable trust.

Regularly broadcasts for BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. World premiere recording of Dragon Of Wantley, an English opera by Handel’s bassoonist J F Lampe, won the Opera Award in the 2023 BBC Music Magazine Awards.

The band featured in “Handeliades”, immersive four-day events of concerts, masterclasses and talks given by Handel experts in 2021 and 2023. More information: www.brookstreetband.co.uk.

Shepherd Brass Band and NCEM win National Award for Band Project of the Year for I Can Play with Brass Roots

SHEPHERD Brass Band and the National Centre for Early Music have scooped the National Award for Band Project of the Year at the Brass Bands England Conference for I Can Play with Brass Roots.

The annual conference, held at the City of London School, London, was attended by more than 150 delegates representing brass bands from all over the United Kingdom.

Based in York, I Can Play with Brass Roots began in September 2023, inspired by the National Centre for Early Music’s long-running I Can Play, an innovative project that creates music-making opportunities for D/deaf young people. 

Led by Sean Chandler, Deaf musician, professional trumpeter and qualified teacher of the Deaf, these sessions take place each month at York Music Centre. 

Sean, who is principal cornet in Shepherd Brass Band, had the idea for I Can Play with Brass Rootsand works closely with Brass Roots leader Audrey Brown to deliver the project.

Together they ensure that the young D/deaf musicians receive additional support before and throughout rehearsals to help them become fully integrated into the band. 

Audrey has been teaching families to play brass instruments for many years in the York area, most of whom continue to play today. At the age of 80, she took on the challenge of learning BSL in preparation for welcoming D/deaf musicians to Brass Roots and the Shepherd band family. 

During the past year, the flourishing project has enabled several young D/deaf musicians to become members of the junior group Brass Roots, where they have the exciting opportunity to develop their musical skills as a vital part of mainstream music-making.

Five different bands, who all operate under the umbrella of Shepherd Bands and rehearse on Mondays, are extremely proud of gaining this award. Brass Roots leader Audrey Brown says: “We are very excited to receive this prestigious award recognising the importance of the work of I Can Play with Brass Roots.

“This important initiative enables D/deaf young musicians to develop their musical talent and gives them the valuable opportunity to perform with fellow brass musicians.

“I would like to say a special thank you to the Shepherd Brass Bandfor their invaluable support with getting the project off the ground. I would also like to thank Sean, whose amazing idea has gone from strength to strength, and the I Can Play team at the National Centre for Early Music for their ongoing support and encouragement.”

Did you know?

I Can Play is run by the National Centre for Early Music with support from the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, Harrogate Deaf Society and Ovingdean Hall Foundation. 

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Spotlight turns on young international talent at York Early Music Christmas Festival. Who else will be performing? UPDATED 4/12/2024

Australian soprano Emilia Bertolini. Picture: David Caird

INTERNATIONAL young musicians will take centre stage in the York Early Music  Christmas Festival from December 6 to 15.

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) continues to support exceptional young talent in the field of Early music by welcoming three ensembles from Europe under the NCEM Platform Artists spotlight.

Taking part will be Australian soprano Emilia Bertolini, winner of the 2024 Corneille Competition New Voices in Normandy, promoted by Le Poème Harmonique; Contre le Temps, a medieval vocal ensemble from France, supported by the EFFEA’s artist-in-residence Discovery programme, in partnership with AMUZ, and Intesa, a duo of Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti, who met at the Royal Academy of Music.

Musaelian and Giorgetti will be staying on in York afterwards to work on Baroque Around The Books, a musical tour of York libraries in a short residency with Explore York. They formed the duo only last year and are already making their presence felt on the concert platform.

Contre le Temps: Medieval vocal ensemble from France

The NCEM has a hard-earned reputation for its support of emerging talent across Europe, running both the biennial International York Young Artists Competition and until recently they were a key partner within the Creative Europe EEEmerging programme.

Ensembles showcased by the NCEM over the past few years include Protean Quartet, Sollazzo Ensemble, winners of two Diapason d’Or de l’année awards, and BBC New Generation Artists Consone Quartet.

NCEM Delma Tomlin MBE says: “The York Early Music Christmas Festival is a firm favourite on the city’s calendar. This year I’m thrilled to welcome three ensembles to York who will no doubt be a fabulous addition to this year’s spectacular programme. 

“The NCEM is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary array of talent from Europe’s vibrant Early Music scene and we are grateful to be able to continue to celebrate their music in York.  We hope that this will be a regular feature in our festive programme in the years to come.”

York Early Music Christmas Festival director Delma Tomlin

The concerts from the NCEM Platform Artists will be led off by Love And Melancholy, featuring  Emilia Bertolini, soprano,  Sergio Bucheli, theorbo, and Lucy Chabard,  harpsichord, in a musical journey into the complex world of human emotions at the NCEM on December 7.

Inspired by the haunting melodies of Henry Purcell and the French court tunes of the 17th century, this evocative 12 noon programme explores love in all its forms, from joyful ecstasy to poignant melancholy.

Contre le Temps, featuring singers Karin Weston, Cécile Walch, Julia Marty and Amy Farnell, present Ubi Sunt Mulieres at the NCEM on December 14 at 12 noon.

Women have inspired thinkers, poets and creators for thousands of years with tenderness and charm, beauty and dedication, fragility and sensuality, prompting this talented young vocal quartet to turn their gaze on to the Middle Ages, focusing on works by Guillaume Du Fay and Hildegard von Bingen, one of the most acclaimed women in music history.

Intesa’s Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti

In the third concert, at Bedern Hall, Bedern, on December 15 at 11am, Intesa’s viol and voice duo of Lucine Musaelian and Nathan Giorgetti reflect on the theme of seeking light amid dark and wintry weather with music by Dowland, Hume and Caccini, alongside a selection of Armenian folk songs, in a programme entitled A Merry Conceit.

Spiritato, featuring University of York alumnus Nicolas Mendoza on harpsichord and organ, open the festival with Northern Light, their 6.30pm programme of Baroque works by Kirchoff, Thieme, Pachelbel and Bach on December 6 at the NCEM.

 “This extraordinary jewel of baroque music comes from the Royal Court of Sweden, and the wealth of that court, with all the musicians and composers that flocked up there, and now these neglected pieces have been rediscovered and what glorious pieces they are,” says Delma.

Siglo de Oro will be joined by Spinacino Consort for Hey For Christmas! on December 7 at the NCEM for a 6.30pm celebration of carols, raucous ballads, beautiful folk sonhs and lively dances, as if “we arrived at your relatives’ London house in the mid-17th century for 12 days of revelry”.

Stile Antico: Performing This Joyful Birth: A musical journey through the Christian story at the National Centre for Early Music on December 12

The choral workshop led by Robert Hollingorth, founder/director of I Fagiolini, at Bedern Hall on December 8 from 10.15am to 4pm has sold out. Hollingworth will explore a soprano canon by Guerrero, darker-hued Gombert and music by Vivanco, Aleotti and Palestrina.

Solomon’s Knot, who perform everything learned off by heart, will perform Motets by Johann Sebastian and Johann Christoph Bach at the NCEM on December 8 at 6pm.

A new project brings together two Scottish musicians embedded in their own traditions: former BBC New Generation Artist Sean Shibe, who carries the torch for classical music on his guitar, and Aidan O’Rourke, the Lau fiddler deep rooted in Scottish folk culture. Together they present Luban at the NCEM on December 9.

Join them at 7.30pm to find out where they might meet midst Dowland, Johnson, O’Rourke and Cage as they share the language they find in the backstreets, byways and marginalia of ancient Scottish lute and fiddle manuscripts.

Green Matthews: Gaudete! concert at National Centre for Early Music

Green Matthews make a Christmas return to the NCEM with an expanded line-up for Gaudete!, featuring new arrangements of Chris Green and Sophie Matthews’s festive fare, embellished with Emily Baines on early woodwind and Richard Heacock on violin on December 11 at 7.30pm.

Their lush, rich and heart-warming music evokes the spirit of Christmas over 600 years from the Middle Ages to the 20th century in a riot of sound and colour.

Stile Antico take a journey through the Christian story to the manger in a glorious sequence of music from medieval and Renaissance Europe in This Joyful Birth at a sold-out NCEM on December 12.

The 7.30pm 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. Highlights include Victoria’s O Magnum Mysterium, motets by Byrd, Lassus and Sheppard, medieval carols and dances from Spain and Germany.

Ensemble Augelletti: “How beautifully shines the morning star”

Ensemble Augelletti, BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Baroque Ensemble, return to York to present their new Christmas programme, The Morning Star, at the NCEM on December 13 at 7pm, with Olwen Foulkes on recorders, Ellen Bundy on violin, Toby Carr on lute and Benedict Williams on harpsichord.

On December 23 1784, a letter by York astronomer Edward Pigott, recounting his discovery of a new variable star, made York the centre of the astronomical world, prompting Ensemble Augelletti to celebrate extraordinary stories of 17th and 18th astronomers with music named after stars, angels and 17th-centyry sonatas. Works by Corelli, Schmelzer and Uccellini will feature alongside settings of How Beautifully Shines The Morning Star.

Festival regulars Yorkshire Bach Choir & Yorkshire Baroque focus on Bach’s Magnificat in D and two cantatas, Unser Mund Sei Voll Lachens and Gloria In Excelsis Deo, conducted by Peter Seymour at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, on December 14 at 7.30pm.

“With its exuberant choruses, colourful orchestration and beautiful solo writing, Bach’s Magnificat captures perfectly the divine joy of a pregnant Mary,” says Peter.

Spiritato: Opening York Early Music Christmas Festival on December 6 with their Northern Light programme

Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith collaborate with Lady Maisery to close the festival with Awake Arise – A Christmas Show For Our Times at the NCEM on December 15. The 7.30pm programme “celebrates the riches of our varied winter traditions and reflects on the hope and resilience music and song that can bring joy to us all in the darkest season”.

“York Early Music Christmas Festival is the perfect choice for an atmospheric Yuletide evening away from the crowds, with this year’s festival featuring both Early and folk music performed by an array of talented artists,” says Delma.

“Most performances take place in the intimate surroundings of the National Centre for Early Music’s home, St Margaret’s Church, off Walmgate.  Mince pies and mulled wine available at most concerts.”

York Early Music 210214 runs from December 6 to 15 at National Centre of Music (St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate), Bedern Hall and Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York. Box office: 01904 658338 or ncem.co.uk. Full programme is available at ncem.co.uk.

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Violinist Mark Seow appointed artistic adviser to York Early Music Festival

“I’m delighted to be joining this fabulous organisation as artistic adviser and working with this talented team in the beautiful city of York,” says Mark Seow

VIOLINIST, musicologist , writer and broadcaster Mark Seow is the new addition to York Early Music Festival’s team of artistic advisers.

He joins mezzo-soprano and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Helen Charlston, music writer and producer Lindsay Kemp, University of York Emeritus Professor of Music and Yorkshire Baroque Soloists & Choir director Peter Seymour and University of Huddersfield Emeritus Professor of Music and Rose Consort of Viols member John Bryan.

“I’m delighted to be joining this fabulous organisation as artistic adviser and working with this talented team in the beautiful city of York,” says Mark. “I’ve always been a huge admirer of the world-class York Early Music Festival, which continues to go from strength to strength, attracting the finest musicians to the city.”

Festival director Dr Delma Tomlin says: “We’re very pleased to welcome Mark to York Early Music Festival’s talented team, whose input is so important to the development and profile of this hugely popular annual celebration of early music. 

“I’m sure that Mark’s wealth of experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable assets and I’m sure he will enjoy his time in this beautiful city.”

After studying Baroque violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Seow received his doctorate in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach from the University of Cambridge.

He has performed at the Wigmore Hall (London), St Thomas Church (Leipzig), Philharmonie (Berlin) and Palais Garnier (Paris), working with directors such as John Eliot Gardiner, Masaaki Suzuki, Rachel Podger, Harry Bicket and Trevor Pinnock. He has even performed with the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment in the Royal Albert Hall and a pub!

Seow has been a broadcaster for BBC Radio 3 since 2021, presenting more than 50 editions of The Early Music News. His documentary for BBC Radio 4, Eastern Classical, was shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in 2024. He has worked for Decca Classics, Bach Network and Bärenreiter and has been a critic for Gramophone magazine since 2019.

He taught at the University of Cambridge, where in 2023 he was AHRC DTP Fellow in Music, and now holds a position in the University for Music and Performing Arts department of musicology in Vienna.

His recordings include Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Handel’s Messiah and he premiered the electronic-choral work Lark Ascending Remixed at London’s Southbank Centre.

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More Things To Do in York and beyond as new beetle invasion blazes a trail. Here’s Hutch’s List No. 32, from The Press, York

The Delma Tomlin sculpture in the York Trailblazers trail of tansy beetle artworks

TRAILBLAZERS in beetle form, Georgian festivities, colliery band dramas, and riverside art take Charles Hutchinson in different directions in the week ahead.

Trail of the week: York Trailblazers, around York city centre, August 1 to September 30

FACT of the day: the river Ouse has the largest population of tansy beetles in the United Kingdom. Now sculptures of these insects form a new trail, York Trailblazers, a celebration of York’s unsung heroes mounted by York Civic Trust and Make It York with National Lottery Heritage Fund support.

Nominated by the public and community groups, the Trailblazers project highlights remarkable individuals who have made a difference to people’s lives either locally or globally. 

Author Terry Deary: Introducing his new novel at the York Georgian Festival this evening

Festival of the week: York Georgian Festival, today to Sunday

THE second York Georgian Festival opens tomorrow, when Horrible Histories author Terry Deary’s 6pm showcase of his new novel, A History Of Britain In Ten Enemies, will be an early highlight. 

Tours, talks and fascinating hidden Georgian gems will be at the heart of the festival. The first York Georgian Ball will be held at the Grand Assembly Rooms (now home to the ASK Italian restaurant) on Saturday at 7pm. Look out for Mad Alice’s Rogues Gallery Tour around the city at 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. For the full programme and tickets, head to: yorkgeorgianfestival.co.uk.

Brass band blues: A scene from Brassed Off at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Play of the week outside York: Brassed Off, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, tomorrow (2/8/2024) to August 31 

ADAPTED for the stage by Paul Allen from the 1996 screenplay by York filmmaker Mark Herman, Brassed Off takes to the stage in a co-production by Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre and Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, directed by Liz Stevenson.

The setting is 1994, ten years after the miners’ strike, when the tight-knit mining community of Grimley, Yorkshire, is fighting to keep the colliery open. Once the uncertainty around the pit’s future becomes too much for the pit band members, loyalty is tested, pressure mounts and the community begins to break apart. Can the band find a way to play on? Box office: 01723 370541 or sjt.uk.com.

Yard Act: Leeds art rock band play in their backyard on Saturday. Picture: Phoebe Fox

Leeds gig of the week: Yard Act, Here’s Our Utopia, Leeds Millennium Square, August 3, doors 6pm; 10.30pm finish

LEEDS art rock band Yard Act play their biggest gig yet on home turf at Leeds Millennium Square this weekend in the wake of the March release of second album Where’s My Utopia?.

Co-produced by James Smith’s indie quartet and Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr, the album peaked at number four, following the number two success and Mercury Prize shortlisting of 2022 debut The Overload. Support acts will be English Teacher, Fat Dog and Ultimate Thunder. Box office: 0113 376 0318 or millsqleeds.com/whatson-event/yard-act/.

Laura Joy’s poster design for the 2024 York River Art Market weekends. She will be participating in all six days. Check out her work at laurajoydesign.co.uk

York’s answer to the Left Bank in Paris: York River Art Market, August 3 and 4; August 10 and 10; August 17 and 18, 10am to 5pm

ORGANISED by jewellery designer and York College art tutor Charlotte Dawson, York River Art Market returns to the riverbank at Dame Judi Dench Walk for a ninth summer season from this weekend.

Up to 30 artists and makers per day will be exhibiting ceramics, jewellery, paintings, prints, photographs, clothing, candles, T-shirts, shaving products and more. “We care that each of the six events are never the same, so we host a different variety of creatives at each one,” says Charlotte. Admission is free.

Richard Hudson’s Unwind: On show at Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden. Picture: Celestine Dubruel

Exhibition of the week: Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden, Kirkgate, Thirsk, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 5pm, last entry 4pm

THIRSK Hall Sculpture Garden showcases modern and contemporary sculptures in 20 acres of walled gardens and parkland at the grade II-listed town house, complemented by artwork in Gallery One and The Orangery.

Artists on show include Farnoush Amini, Kenneth Armitage, Tere Chad, Tim Ellis, Laura Ford, Richard Hudson, Jeff Lowe, Gerald Laing, Michael Lyons, Trory Menage, Zak Ové, Tim Pomeroy, William Tucker, Austin Wright and Emily Young. To find out more about the 2024 exhibition, visit willoughnygerrish.com. Tickets: thirskhall.com/sculpture-garden.

Chris Hagyard, pictured in Guys And Dolls mode, will sing in Bev Jones Music Company’s One Night Of Broadway Hits

Musical revue of the week: Steve Coates and Bev Jones Music Company present One Night Of Broadway Hits, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, August 3, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

BEV Jones Music Company performs hits from 26 musicals, including Guys And Dolls, in an unashamedly traditional fashion under the musical direction of James Rodgers.

His band is joined in this moving, lively and at times funny show by vocalists Chris Hagyard, Annabel Van Griethuysen, Anthony Pengelly, Ruth McNeil, Sally Lewis, Stephen Wilson, Geoff Walker and producer Lesley Jones, back on stage for this show, wearing a silver cat suit unseen since 2010, when she played Vera in Stepping Out. Box office: 01904 501395 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

Hurry up Harry: The Three Inch Fools cast for The Secret Diary Of Henry VIII at Helmsley Walled Garden

Ryedale play of the week: The Three Inch Fools in The Secret Diary Of Henry VIII, Helmsley Walled Garden, August 6, 7pm; gates 6pm

THE Three Inch Fools, founded by the Cumbrian Hyde brothers, producer James and writer, composer and director Stephen, present an essential guide on how to keep your head in the Tudor Court in a new comical take on Henry VIII and his six-pack of infamous wives.

Unexpectedly thrust into the limelight, Henry must navigate the ups and downs of courtly life, all while fighting the French yet again and re-writing religious doctrine. Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, but not umbrellas. Park in the Cleveland Way car park. Box office: 01439 771700, helmsleyarts.co.uk or threeinchfools.com.

Korn-ucopia of heavy metal hits at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on August 8

Coastal gig of the week: Korn, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, August 8, gates 6pm

FORMED in California in 1993, Korn continue to push the limits of alt. rock and heavy metal after 40 million album sales, two Grammy awards and countless tours. Expect to hear such anthems as Blind, Falling Away From Me, Here To Stay, Freak On A Leash, Twisted Transistor, Make Me Bad and Did My Time as their European tour arrives in Yorkshire. Support acts will be Wargasm and Loathe. Box office: scarboroughopenairtheatre.com/korn.

Riley Catherall: Playing Pig & Pastry, York, on a tour that takes the Australian singer-songwriter to Nayland, Kirton in Lindsay, High Wycombe and Stockholm, Uddevalla and Oland in Sweden

Introducing: Riley Catherall, Pig & Pastry, Bishopthorpe Road, York, August 8. Doors: 7.30pm for 8pm start

MELBOURNE singer-songwriter Riley Catherall’s graceful trajectory into the Australian alt-country world has not gone unnoticed. So much so that he will be playing in York on Thursday, promising songs of poetic sincerity from his June 14 sophomore album The Light, The Beautiful Liar and his 2021 debut When I Go, a record focused on leaving, losing love and finding somewhere to settle down. Box office: wegottickets.com/event/624233/.

Anastacia: Playing York Barbican next May on her Not That Kind 25th Anniversary Tour

Gig announcement of the week: Anastacia, Not That Kind 25th Anniversary Tour, York Barbican, May 4 2025

CHICAGO singer-songwriter Anastacia will play York Barbican as the only Yorkshire concert of the 13-date British and Irish leg of her Not That Kind tour next year, marking the 25th anniversary of her debut album.

“I didn’t get to do a tour for my first album, which makes this all the more special,” says Anastacia. “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since Not That Kind; we will be sure to celebrate in true Anastacia style. It’ll be one big anniversary party. I can’t wait to see you all there !” Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/anastacia-2025/.

In Focus: The Magpies Festival, Sutton Park, near York, August 9 and 10

Actress, vocalist and accordion player Natalia Tena fronts Molotov Jukebox at The Magpies Festival, backed by Balkan fiddle, Latin trumpet and a pounding rhythm section, on Friday

RUN by transatlantic folk band The Magpies, The Magpies Festival is rooted in the trio’s native Yorkshire, where they first met. Now in its fourth year, the 2024 event will be headlined on Friday on the main stage by bi-lingual six-piece Molotov Jukebox at 10pm, preceded by Chris While & Julie Matthews, 6pm, and Jim Moray, 8pm.

Friday’s Brass Castle Stage bill features Em Risley, 5pm; Taff Rapids Stringband, 7pm; The Turbans, 9pm, and Easingwold musician Gary Stewart’s Graceland, 11pm.

Saturday’s main stage bill will be topped by Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys at 10pm, preceded by Charm Of Finches, 12 noon, The Often Herd, 2pm, Jesca Hoop, 4pm, The Magpies, 6pm, and Nati (formerly known as Nati Dreddd), 8pm. Saturday’s Brass Castle Stage line-up comprises Painted Sky, 1pm; Suntou Susso, 3pm; Northern Resonance, 5pm; Awkward Family Portraits, 7pm, and Marvara, 9pm.

Festival organisers The Magpies

The all-female The Magpies – Bella Gaffney (singer, songwriter, guitarist and banjo player), fellow founder Holly Brandon (fiddle player and tunesmith) and Ellie Gowers (guitarist, singer and songwriter) – are set on championing gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for female musicians and festival goers.

Festival director Holly Brandon says: “We are so excited to put on The Magpies Festival. We’ve been over the moon at the response to the festival, from the incredible performances from world-class folk musicians to the high-energy spirit that our attendees brought along. It’s felt like a whole new feel to a folk festival.”

Box office: themagpiesfestival.co.uk/tickets.

Sam Kellly & The Lost Boys: To be found at The Magpies Festival at Sutton Park on Saturday