Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival returns for their 37th festival with a celebration of the Georgian heritage of this historic English town.
Friday 23– Sunday 25 May 2025
The major strand of this year’s programme looks at Beverley through the eyes of 18th century diarist and gentlemen John Courtney, reflecting on the music that was an important part of his life at a time when the town was at the centre of Georgian society. Highlights include Georgian focused lectures, walks, concerts and musical activities for younger members of the family presented alongside award-winning musicians coming to Beverley from across Europe for what is acknowledged to be one of the ‘cultural jewels’ in the crown of the East Riding of Yorkshire’s year.
Musical highlights of the Festival include:
Florilegium with Rowan Pierce
The instrumental ensemble Florilegium return to Beverley with soprano Rowan Pierce for the opening concert featuring the music of Georgian society’s favourite composer – G F Handel. (Friday 23 May)
Stile Antico
The award-winning vocal ensemble Stile Antico joins us in the resplendent surroundings of Beverley Minster, marking their 20th anniversary year with a celebration of the Renaissance master composer Palestrina. (Saturday 24 May)
Nardus Williams soprano & Elizabeth Kenny lute
This vibrant duo present a programme of wild extravagance and contradictions in an afternoon of storytelling from 17th century Italy. (Saturday 24 May)
Following a sellout concert at last year’s festival, the BBC New Generation Baroque Ensemble Augelletti returns to Beverley for an action-packed weekend residency. On Saturday 24 May they lead a music and dance workshop for families, where there is the chance indulge in one of the Georgian’s favourite activities and to “Pick a Card” Later they move on to the Monk’s Walk Public House for A tune amongst friends, performing folk tunes and country dance music from the 17th and 18th century, no doubt accompanied by tankards of foaming ale! The ensemble provides the festival finale with ‘And we were enchanted’ (Sunday 25) – a peek into the world of local gentleman and diarist John Courtney, whose legacy unveiled an insight into music-making in Georgian Beverley and London.
As always, the town plays its own important role in the festival, with the programme reflecting Beverley’s unique and intriguing history. This year’s talks and tours include:
Life and music in Georgian Beverley and beyond when Dr Susan Neave, talks about John Courtney’s life in the town and beyond, including the part music played in his life.
Historian David Neave guides Georgian Beverley, a walking tour around John Courtney’s town exploring where he and many of his friends lived, the inns he frequented, as well as the meeting places, assembly rooms and theatres. Come and Sing, offers the opportunity to join a consort of singers from Stile Antico a wonderful day, singing music from the Sistine Chapel.
Festival Director Dr Delma Tomlin MBE said:
“We’re delighted to be back in Beverley for what is always a joyful weekend of music and friendship in the glorious market town of Beverley. This year we’ll be looking at the history of Georgian Beverley through the eyes of 18th century diarist John Courtney and welcoming back a host of our favourite musicians for this wonderful annual celebration of history and culture. I would also like to say a special thank you to the Georgian Society for East Yorkshire as well as Susan and David Neave for their invaluable help.”
Roger Lewis Chair of the Georgian Society added:
“We are glad to support the festival given its emphasis on the Georgian period. With its built environment and history, Beverley is the perfect setting for this year’s concerts and events.”
The festival would like to thank the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Arts Council England, Mayfield Valley Arts Trust and National Centre for Early Music; the Flanders Festival Antwerp; BBC Radio 3 and of course the NCEM patrons for their invaluable support.
Ends
Full programme: https://www.ncem.co.uk/whats-on/bemf/
Tickets: Prices range from £7.00- £35.00
Under 35? Discounted tickets are available
Weekend Saver Ticket details: https://www.ncem.co.uk/whats-on/bemf/
All offers are subject to availability.
Booking:
Online: www.ncem.co.uk
By telephone: 01904 658338
Email: boxoffice@ncem.co.uk
Notes to editors
Ensemble Augelletti, the current New Generation Baroque Ensemble, is supported by BBC Radio 3, the Royal College of Music and the National Centre for Early Music.
