Festivals

York Early Music Christmas Festival

Established in 1997, the York Early Music Christmas Festival is a key event in the city's festive calendar, showcasing music from Advent to Epiphany.

When

❄️Winter festival

dateTBA

About

Established in 1997, the York Early Music Christmas Festival has become a key event in the city’s festive season. Held in the stunning medieval St. Margaret’s Church, the festival offers a magical atmosphere for enjoying music from Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, spanning from the Medieval to Baroque periods. It also delves into the rich stories and folklore of the North.

The 2024 festival kicks off on Friday, December 6th, with baroque ensemble Spiritato, who will perform music inspired by the luxurious Royal Court of Sweden. The festival concludes with folk group Awake Arise on Saturday, December 14th, sharing their "Christmas Show for our Times," celebrating winter’s beauty and the uplifting power of music in the darkest season.

Returning to the York stage are renowned early music ensembles Siglo de Oro (Saturday 7th), Solomon’s Knot (Sunday 8th), Stile Antico (Thursday 12th), and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists Ensemble Augelletti (Friday 13th). A special highlight is the performance by classical guitarist Sean Shibe, who will be joined by folk fiddle player Aidan O’Rourke on Monday, December 9th, for a unique program blending the music of Dowland, Johnson, O'Rourke, and Cage.

Other festival highlights include performances from Platform Artists from Italy, Belgium, and the UK, a choral workshop led by Robert Hollingworth, director of I Fagiolini, and the return of the beloved Green Matthews’ "Gaudete!" The 2024 York Early Music Christmas Festival promises a rich and varied experience for all.

Past events

Awake Arise

Awake Arise

Lady Maisery
  • dateSun 15 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time7:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
A Merry Conceit

A Merry Conceit

Intesa
  • dateSun 15 December 2024
  • locationBedern Hall, York
  • time11:00am
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Bach at Christmas

Bach at Christmas

Yorkshire Baroque Soloists | Yorkshire Bach Choir
  • dateSat 14 December 2024
  • locationSir Jack Lyons Concert Hall
  • time7:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Contre le Temps

Contre le Temps

Karin Weston | Cécile Walch | Julia Marty | Amy Farnell
  • dateSat 14 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time12:00pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
The Morning Star

The Morning Star

Ensemble Augelletti
  • dateFri 13 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time7:00pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
This Joyful Birth

This Joyful Birth

Stile Antico
  • dateThu 12 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time6:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Gaudete!

Gaudete!

GreenMatthews
  • dateWed 11 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time7:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Luban

Luban

Sean Shibe | Aidan O'Rourke
  • dateMon 9 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time7:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Bach Motets

Bach Motets

Solomon's Knot
  • dateSun 8 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time6:00pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Hey for Christmas!

Hey for Christmas!

Siglo de Oro
  • dateSat 7 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time6:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Love and Melancholy

Love and Melancholy

Emilia Bertolini | Sergio Bucheli | Lucy Chabard
  • dateSat 7 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time12:00pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival
Northern Lights

Northern Lights

Spiritato
  • dateFri 6 December 2024
  • locationNational Centre for Early Music, York
  • time6:30pm
  • ticket
  • festivalYork Early Music Christmas Festival

Location

York

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