York Early Music Festival reveals ‘Heaven and Hell’ themed 2025 programme

The National Centre for Early Music’s York Early Music Festival has revealed details of its 2025 programme, centred around the theme of ‘Heaven and Hell’. Taking place from 4 to 11 July the festival will welcome international artists to the city of York, including the York debut of French orchestral ensemble Le Consort (pictured above).

As well as reflecting ‘on ‘the story of Man’s fall from grace from Heaven to Hell’, the festival will mark the anniversary of Renaissance composer Orlando Gibbons and celebrate the Baroque music of Vivaldi and Bach. The festival opens on 4 July with viol consort Fretwork performing alongside mezzo soprano and BBC New Generation Artist Helen Charlston at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall.

Festival Director Dr Delma Tomlin said: ‘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. 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.’

Charlston returns to the stage on 9 July with theorbo player Toby Carr () for a concert featuring music by Purcell, Charpentier, Strozzi and Monteverdi, alongside a new commission by Anna Disley-Simpson. Disley-Simpson was one of 24 alumni of the National Centre for Early Music’s Young Composers Award, who submitted proposals for a new commission working with Helen and Toby this summer. Her YEMF commission is created with librettist Olivia Bell and is inspired by Kurt Weill.

Further concerts will include performances by artists including The Tallis Scholars (5 July), The Sixteen (7 July) and Spanish ensemble Cantoria (8 July). Swiss medievalists Sollazzo (10 July) return to York for the first time since winning a Diapason d’Or award, while two winners from last year’s York Early Music Festival Young Artists Competition - Ayres Extemporae and Ensemble Bastion – will also feature. The festival closes with the Academy of Ancient Music, led by violinist Bojan Čičić, in a programme of Bach’s violin concertos.