Here for your convenience you can find a list of events in our region not organised by MEMF which may be of interest to you. Whilst we have made every effort to be accurate, we suggest that you check details on the websites or phone numbers provided.
If you are aware of an event which is not listed here, please contact the Newsletter Editor
You might like to also visit the brilliant Early Music Website at https://earlymusicdiary.org.uk where you will find nationwide events organized into categories to assist your search.
And the Continuo Foundation’s new digital hub – a comprehensive concert finder of early music events (by region) across the UK – is at https://www.continuoconnect
Diary of Events in the Midlands
# Denotes an online event
Recent additions in Red
SEPTEMBER
Sat 05: Handel’s Dixit Dominus – Castle Baroque Players. 7.30 at Sutton Elms Baptist Church, Leicester.
Sat 05: TVEMF Workshop: Benevoli 4-choir Missa Dum Complerentur (the latest one)with Robert Hollingworth in Oxford. www.tvemf.org.uk
Thurs 10: The Choral Pilgrimage: Spanish renaissance, Macmillan and Briggs – the Sixteen. 7.30 in Hereford Cathedral. https://thesixteen.com
Sat 12: Pentecostal Polychoral Music – MEMF Workshop for Voices and Instruments with Mark Wilson in Stafford.
Sat 12: NWEMF workshop: Renaissance ‘Back to School’ with Stephanie Dyer in Chester https://nwemf.org
Sat 12: EEMF workshop: Music for the Feast of Holy Cross with Patrick Craig in Cambridge. https://www.eemf.org.uk
Sat12: The Choral Pilgrimage: Spanish renaissance, Macmillan and Briggs – the Sixteen. 3pm in Tewkesbury Abbey. https://thesixteen.com
Sat 12: An Overture, an Aria, a Suite and a triple Concerto: music by Handel, Telemann, Vivaldi and Eccles – Warwickshire Baroque. 3pm in The Church of Our Lady, Merevale, CV9 2LA. Tickets £10 on the door include refreshments. See ad
Thurs 17: Can Beauty Save the World – Jeffrey Skidmore’s Top 10 including music by Byrd, Britten Lobo, Lotti and Whitacre – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St George’s Church, Edgbaston. www.excathedra.co.uk Part of a research project see article above.
Thurs 17: A Box of Delights: Renaissance and Baroque music and song –Sixteen Eighty Five (Early Music Group). 12 noon in the Priory of St Mary & St Cuthbert, Worksop, S80 2BU. Free www.sixteen85.co.uk
Fri 18 – Sun 20: Discoed Early Music Weekend (non-residential) – see details in Summer Schools.
Sat 19: Eight Days: an opera premiere by Louis Mander about the last days of Mary Queen of Scots in Fotheringay performed by Cantata Dramatica – preceded by Renaissance music (Byrd, Tallis,etc) played by Luminatus. 7pm at St Mary and All Saints, Fotheringay near Peterborough. https://luminatus.co.uk
Sat 19: Live Lute music played from 1pm by Nick Gravestock in the 1620’s House, Manor Road, Donnington le Heath, Coalville, LE67 2FW. Included with normal house admission. https://1620shouse.org.uk
Sun 20: Love’s Labyrinth: Songs and duets by Monteverdi and contemporaries. – the Gonzaga Band (Faye Newton, soprano, Jamie Savan, cornett, and Steven Devine, keyboard). 3.30 in the Old Baptist Chapel, off Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ. Details from 01684 850112 or oldchapelcourt@btinternet.com Tickets from Eventbrite.
Fri 25: Radiant Dawn: Tallis & von Bingen interspersed with C20th works – The Gesualdo Six with Matilda Lloyd (trumpet). 7,30 – 8.45 in the Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall music building, Birmingham University. https://barber.org.uk
Fri 25: Spanish Glories of the Sixteenth Century includes Victoria’s Requiem Mass – Tenebrae dir. Nigel Short. 7pm in Great Malvern Priory, Church Street, Malvern. https://www.tenebrae-choir.com
Sat 26: Mastering Madrigals: day workshop led by Robert Hollingworth for Nottingham Festival Chorus. 10-4.30 at St Nic’s Church, Maid Marion Way, City Centre, Nottingham. Details and booking at https://www.music-for-everyone.org/event/nfc-october-singing-course-concert/
Sat 26-Sun 27: Banbury Early Music Festival in Marlborough Road Methodist Church, Banbury https://banburyearlymusicfestival.weebly.com
Concerts by the LInarol Consort of Viols, Blondel, Lynda Sayce, Little Song Party, the Gonzaga Band and Ensemble Augellletti. Choral, Recorder and Historical Dance Workshops and Performers Platforms for amateur and student ensembles. See advert on page
Sat 26: Musicians Strike Up: Medieval music, songs and stories – de Mowbray’s Musicke. 6.30 -10pm in the Old (Bishop’s) Palace, Dean Street, Worcester. See article about the Luttrell Psalter above and at http://www.demowbray.info/
Sat 26: Supersize Polyphony 3: Venetian Blinders – Armonico. 7.30 in St Mary’s Warwick. Tickets on sale at www.armonico.org.uk
OCTOBER
Thurs 01: Voices of San Lazzaro: Armenian traditions and Italian music by female composers – Intesa Duo (viols and voice). 7.30 – 9.30 in the Hub at St Mary’s, Market Square, Lichfield. https://lichfieldfestival.org
Fri 02: Knights, Knaves and Amorous Escapades: medieval songs, dances and motets – Sirinu. 7pm in Melbourne Parish Church, Derbyshire.
https://www.continuoconnect.com/events/sirinu-knights-knaves-and-amorous-escapades-melbourne-2026
Sat 03: Come and Sing Vivaldi Gloria with Divertimento. 10-5 in Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington Spa. Details https://www.divertimento.org.uk
Sun 04: La Pastorella: Piping songs of pleasant glee, celebrating the life and work of David Munrow – Fiori Musicali. 6pm in St Nicholas Church, Potterspury, Towcester, NN12 7PU. https://fiori-musicali.com
Tues 06: Supersize Polyphony 3: Venetian Blinders – Armonico. 7.30 in Great Malvern Priory. Tickets on sale at www.armonico.org.uk
Weds 07: Elizabethan Consort Music – the Lachrimae Consort. 1.10 pm in St Alphege Church, Church Hill Road. Solihull B91 3RQ. Refreshments from 12.30.
Sat 10: MEMF Workshop for voices with Anita Datta in Harborne, Birmingham.
Mon 12: Elizabethan Consort Music – the Lachrimae Consort. 1pm in St Anne’s Church, Whitecross Street, Derby, DE1 3NB.
Tues 13: The Musical Menagerie: music by Gibbons, Byrd, Farmer, Playford & more – Chelys Consort of viols and Fair Oriana. 7.30 in St Mary’s Church, Warwick with pre-concert talk at 6.45. First of 5 early music concerts (package available). Booking details at https://www.leamingtonmusic.org
Thurs 15: What a Wonderful World – Sounds Historical. 7pm in the Anglican Chapel, London Road Cemetery, Coventry, CV1 2JT https://www.soundshistorical.com
Fri 16: Castalia Baroque Trio. 1.15 – 2pm in St John the Baptist Church, Tachbrook Street, Leamington Spa.
Sat 17: Musicians Strike Up: Medieval music, songs and stories – de Mowbray’s Musicke. 2-4pm in the Archbishop’s Palace, Southwell Minster NG25 0HD. See article about the Luttrell Psalter above and at http://www.demowbray.info/
Sun 18 : What a Wonderful World – Sounds Historical. 7pm in Sibford Gower Barn, Banbury. https://www.soundshistorical.com
Sun 18: In 40 Parts: Spem in Alium + music by Roth and Williams – Ex Cathedra. 4pm in Birmingham Town Hall. www.excathedra.co.uk
Tues 20: Dowland Lute Songs with Toby Carr (lute) and Hugo Hymas (tenor). 11.30 – 12.30 in the Unitarian Chapel, High Street, Warwick. Coffee served from 11am. https://www.leamingtonmusic.org
Weds 21: The Salt Road: Bach’s epic walk to hear Buxtehude – In Echo ensemble (includes three MEMF Tutors) with readings by Horatio Clare. 7.30 in the Elgar Concert Hall, Birmingham University,(unreserved seating) Read here about the inspiration for this concert and to book tickets.
Fri 23: A Baroque Extravaganza: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Bach, Handel & Telemann – Red Priest (Piers Adams & David Wright). 7.30 in the Maidment Building, Shrewsbury School. https://www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk
Sun 25: Wild Men of the Baroque – Red Priest (Piers Adams and David Wright). 12-1pm Recorder Masterclass, 3.30 – 5.30 concert in Henry Sandon Hall, Severn Street, Worcester WR1 2NE. https://www.earlymusicworcs.org
Tues 27: Love’s Labyrinth C16th & contemporary music– the Gonzaga Band. 1.05pm in the Bradshaw Hall, Birmingham Royal Conservatoire. https://www.bcu.ac.uk
Sat 31: Duologues: Bach and Telemann with Rachel Podger (violin) and Lucie Horsch (recorder) . 7.30 in Djanogly Reciral Hall, Nottingham. https://www.continuoconnect.com/events/rachel-podger-lucie-horsch-duologues-nottingham-2026
NOVEMBER
Weds 04: Hark How the Songsters: baroque cantatas and songs for soprano, bass & recorders – Northwick Baroque. 1pm at St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye : https://rossparishes.uk/lunchtime-concerts/ free with retiring collection.
Fri 06: The Lute music of John Dowland and JS Bach – Lachrimae and Samrat Majumder (classical guitar). 1-1.50 pm in the Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall, Birmingham University. Free. https://barber.org.uk
Tues 10: Fauré Requiem – AC Academy Scholars ( Armonico). 7pm in Leek Wootton Church, Warwick. Tickets from www.armonico.org.uk
Tues 10: Cupid’s Ground Bass: music by Cavalli, Kapsberger, Strozzi, Monteverdi & more – Bellot Ensemble (Baroque strings). 7.30 in St Mary’s Church, Warwick. 2nd of 5 early music concerts (package available). Booking details at https://www.leamingtonmusic.org
Weds 12–14: London International Festival of Early Music (LIFEM) at Blackheath Halls, London includes many instrument & music exhibitors.
Concerts include Ensemble Inventio, Nigel North (lute), Phantasm & Elizabeth Kenny, Eun Sol Lee (recorders), Eric Bosgraaf & Baltic Baroque, Festival Evensong and young ensemble competition. https://lifem.org/
Fri 13: Gluck’s Orpheus & Eurydice – English Touring Opera. 7.30 in Malvern Festival Theatre, Malvern. Pre- show talk at 6.30. https://englishtouringopera.org.uk
Sat 14: MEMF workshop for voices and instruments with Philip Thorby in Solihull.
Sat 14: Words Apart: Motets by Bach and Sandström – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St Francis Church, Bournville, Birmingham. www.excathedra.co.uk
Sat 14: Ariadne (Elena Langer) & Dido and Aeneas (Purcell) – English Touring Opera. 7.30 in Malvern Festival Theatre, Malvern. Pre-show talk at 6.30. https://englishtouringopera.org.uk
Weds 19: Hark How the Songsters: Baroque cantatas and songs for soprano, bass & recorders – Northwick Baroque. Time at
St Laurence Church, Ludlow. Free with retiring collection. https://www.facebook.com/northwickearlymusic
Sat 21: Voices and Strings: music for choir and cello: Bach, Monteverdi and Scarlatti – The Derwent Singers. 7.30 in St Matthew’s Church, Darley Abbey, Derby. https://www.derwentsingers.org.uk/
Thurs 26: Midwinter Merriment – K’antu Ensemble. Concert with mulled wine 7.30 – 8.30 in Selly Manor, Bournville. Doors open 7pm with time to explore Selly Manor Museum before and after the concert until 9pm.
https://www.kantu-ensemble.co.uk
Sat 28: EEMF workshop with David Allinson in Cambridge. https://www.eemf.org.uk
Sun 29: Advent Candlelight Concert: Bach and his close circle – Fiori Musicali choir + baroque oboe and trumpet. 4.30 in Holy Cross Church, Pattishall, Towcester. https://fiori-musicali.com
DECEMBER
Tues 01: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (part) – Armonico. 7.30at Holy Trinity Church, Leamington Spa. Tickets from www.armonico.org.uk
Weds 02: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St John’s Church, Hagley www.excathedra.co.uk
Fri 04: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7.15 pm in Lichfield Cathedral www.excathedra.co.uk
Fri 04: Handel’s Messiah – City of Birmingham Choir. 7pm in Symphony Hall, Birmingham. https://www.citychoir.org.uk
Sat 05: MEMF Workshop for voices and instruments with Ali Kinder in Dorridge with free buffet lunch.
Sat 05: J S Bach Christmas Oratorio, Chilcott & carols – Nottingham Bach Choir. 3pm in St Mary’s Church, Lace Market, Nottingham. https://nottinghambachchoir.uk
Sat 05: Music for Advent by Candlelight: music from the Renaissance to present day – Luminatus vocal ensemble. 5pm at St John the Baptist, Billesdon, Leicester LE7 9AE. https://luminatus.co.uk
Mon 07: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St James the Greater, Leicester www.excathedra.co.uk
Tues 08: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury www.excathedra.co.uk
Tues 08: Handel’s Messiah – Southwell Minster Chorale, students and the Musical & Amicable Society. 7-10pm in Southwell Minster. https://www.amicables.co.uk
Weds 09: Chancel Concert by Candlelight – Northwick Baroque. Time at St Laurence Church, Ludlow. Free with retiring collection. https://www.facebook.com/northwickearlymusic
Thurs 10: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton www.excathedra.co.uk
Sat 12: Handel’s Messiah – Coventry Cathedral Chorus. 7pm in Coventry Cathedral. https://www.coventrycathedralchorus.com
Thurs 17: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in Coventry Cathedral www.excathedra.co.uk
Fri 18: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in the Great Hall, Birmingham University www.excathedra.co.uk
Sat 19 + Mon 21 +Tues 22: Christmas Music by Candlelight – Ex Cathedra. 7pm in St Paul’s Church, Birmingham www.excathedra.co.uk
Tues 22: Gaudete: songs, tunes and carols from Yuletide Past – Green Matthews. 7.30 in the Bridge House Theatre, Warwick School. https://www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
Tues 22: Mr Handel’s Messiah – Fiori Musicali choir and orchestra and soloists. 6 – 8.45 in Northampton Cathedral. https://fiori-musicali.com
Tues 15: Carols by Candlelight – Armonico. 7.30 in St Mary’s Church, Warwick. Tickets from www.armonico.org.uk
Sat 19: Seasonal Carols by Candlelight – Armonico. 7.30 in St Mary’s Church, Warwick. Tickets from www.armonico.org.uk
Sun 20: Hey for Christmas – C17th ballads, broadsides, dances and carols -Siglo de Oro vocal ensemble with Spinacino Consort.3.30 at the Old Palace, Worcester. https://www.earlymusicworcs.org
Mon 21: Carols by Candlelight – Armonico with the Stratford Girl’s Chamber Choir. 7.30 in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tickets from www.armonico.org.uk
Tues 22: Carols by Candlelight – Armonico. 7.30 in Great Malvern Priory. Tickets from www.armonico.org.uk
#Online Music and Talks
Continuo Connect is the Continuo Foundation‘s digital initiative, and along with early music concert listings round the country and artist profiles, it has editorial features on early music and musicians. On their website, click on Features for interviews, playlists and insightful essays and sign up for the twice monthly Newsletter
A reminder about Jamulus, first set up during Covid Lockdown for singing and playing together over the internet. A small group still sing regularly on line using Jamulus software which synchronises the delay times and where one can balance the volumes of all the others singing.
They usually meet on Monday and Friday evenings and sing Renaissance sacred and secular music from their own Drive or from CPDL and sing one to a part selecting music to suit their voices at the time. Reasonable sight reading ability and a good internet connection are essential. At present they are SSATTB so another Alto and Bass would be particularly welcome. If you are interested please contact Keith Hitchcock: keith.hitchcock1@gmail.com or ring 0121 355 8247
There is more about Jamulus, including links to further information, on the early music online page. Click here and scroll down to Technology.
Early Music Sources – a reminder of the wonderful series of illustrated talks by Elam Rotem, the latest being about Early Basso Continuo, to be found on YouTube at https://www.earlymusicsources.com/youtube
Sands Film studio is a Theatre, Cinema and Music Room. They developed live streaming during the Pandemic and have continued with a mixture of live and online concerts, many of them Early Music, films and theatre. All performances are free, but donations are requested. Sign up to their mailing list at https://www.sandsfilms.co.uk/cinema-club.html
The Following have many videos on YouTube:
Stile Antico – https://www.youtube.com/user/stileantico
Armonico Consort https://ondemand.armonico.org.uk
The Gesualdo Six https://www.thegesualdosix.co.uk/videos/
I Fagiolini https://www.youtube.com/c/IFagiolini/videos
Fretwork Viol Consort https://www.fretwork.co.uk/audio-video
The Academy of Ancient Music https://aam.co.uk/watch/
Wigmore Hall has an archive of live streamed concerts at https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/watch-listen/forthcoming-live-streams Occasionally new ones appear on a Monday morning if you’re signed up. Free but donations requested.
City Lit offers an extensive programme of online music history and music appreciation courses with a focus on Western classical music, Folk, Jazz, Rock and Pop, also many singing courses, There are new topics each year, some of them Early Music: https://www.citylit.ac.uk
Choral Chihuahua regular new episodes since the last Newsletter of chats between Robert Hollingworth and Eamonn Dougan and recently Nicholas Mulroy, about an hour long. Find the latest (and previous) episodes at https://play.acast.com/s/choral-chihuahua. Free but donations requested.