Power and politics – the very topical themes for York music festival

Power and politics, one of the most seductive, intoxicating and pertinent subjects of the modern age, is the overarching theme of the York Early Music Festival 2018.

Highlighting that nothing in the world is new, music from across 400 years illustrates conflicts from medieval popes to Napoleon, punctuated along the way by the Catholic Church’s endeavours to bring order to the clergy, the politics of England during the English Civil War, and a glimpse into the opulent court of Louis XIV.

Chaos, conflict and composers

York Early Music Festival administrative director Delma Tomlin said:

Throughout all the chaos and conflict, from the medieval popes to Beethoven, the resilience of musicians to continue with their lives, travelling across borders, exchanging ideas and rebuilding society, is something to be marvelled at.

We are delighted to present this year’s programme and what we believe is a very strong and relevant theme.

This festival is a celebration of the human spirit. And our spirits could not be any higher as we welcome musicians of the uppermost calibre and reputation to our vibrant and culturally alive York City.

Highlights include Brecon Baroque directed by violinist Rachel Podger, Gallicantus directed by Gabriel Crouch with the Rose Consort of Viols and The Sixteen directed by Harry Christophers.

Celebrating young talent

She also said there’s a strong focus on emerging young talent, as Sollazzo Ensemble – winners of the 2015 International Young Artists Competition – return to perform.

In two years they have already established an international career, and their inaugural CD Parle qui veut: Moralizing Songs of the Middle Ages has received the highest accolades.

They are joined by four ensembles of exceptional talent: Prisma, Voces Suaves, Rumorum and BarrocoTout (winners of the York International Young Artists Competition in 2017). We are looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm from these young performers, to add to the mix of a full and exciting programme ahead for the York Early Music Festival.”

The biennial York Early Music Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented during the Festival to acclaimed harpsichordist and long-term supporter of the National Centre for Early Music, Trevor Pinnock.

Full programme details are available at: www.ncem.co.uk/yemf