The City Musick was formed by William Lyons to explore the diverse repertoire of civic and court wind bands in early modern Europe and is now firmly established as the premier renaissance wind band in the UK. After its debut USA tour in 2009, the ensemble has performed for traditional feasts and ceremonies in the City of London and at various festivals around Europe. The members of The City Musick are all specialists in historical performance and run a popular annual course on renaissance music at the Dartington International Summer School.

The City Musick made their BBC Proms debut in 2012 with a performance of Venetian music in collaboration with I Fagiolini. The Decca recording of this and that of the Striggio Mass, also involving the ensemble, have both met with great critical acclaim. Their recording of music of the London Waits, ‘The Topping Tooters of the Town’ received unanimous critical praise.

Postponed from 2020, the new project by the ensemble ‘The Count & The Duke – Music for Renaissance Big Band’ is planned for 2023 and is a homage to the monumental recordings of David Munrow in the 1970s, but also reflects current approaches to historical performance practice.