The 2023 Festival runs from Friday 7th - Friday 14th July and commemorates one of England’s most celebrated composers, William Byrd, a man who lived a life beset by ‘smoke & mirrors’ – a practicing Catholic composer working for a constantly threatened Protestant Queen. Join us to hear the Roses and The Marian Consorts sharing music of state and church for voices and viols; learn about his keyboard music with harpsichord supremo Francesco Corti and enjoy the heavenly sounds of his liturgical masterpieces with York Minster Choir, and The Sixteen.

Guest artists also joining us this year include Ensemble Jupiter with countertenor Iestyn Davies; the City Musick, led by Bill Lyons, with their Renaissance ‘big band’ focusing on the remarkable legacy of David Munrow, and the exceptionally gifted violinist Rachel Podger returning to the NCEM stage with Italian theorboist Daniele Caminiti.

With concerts featuring some of the most accomplished emerging ensembles from across Europe including the winners of the 2022 York International Young Artists Competition, and Helen Charlston, Carolyn Sampson, Anna Dennis and Alys Mererid Roberts leading the charge for women across the ages, the 2023 Festival will intrigue and engage – we look forward to seeing you!