I Fagiolini directed by Robert Hollingworth with the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble

I Fagiolini open the 2026 York Early Music Festival on Friday 3 July, performing Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall in the University of York. They're joined by the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble, and Robert Hollingworth is directing the whole thing.

It's a big way to start the festival. The Vespers is one of Monteverdi's most famous works, and having a full ensemble of cornets and sackbuts alongside the singers brings back the brassy, ceremonial sound it was written for. I Fagiolini are well-known for their vocal work, so seeing them take on this particular piece is a good place to kick things off.

This concert is the opening of the 50th York Early Music Festival, which runs from 3 to 11 July. The festival was started in 1977 and usually brings together more than 30 concerts across nine days, with performances in York's medieval churches, historic buildings and York Minster. This year's theme is 'Beyond Borders', and the festival also marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the English composer and lutenist John Dowland.

If you're planning to go, the concert starts at 19:00 and runs until 21:00. It's a ticketed event, and you can get yours from the NCEM box office on 01904 658338, by emailing boxoffice@ncem.co.uk, online at ncem.co.uk, or in person at the NCEM.