York Early Music Foundation
York Early Music Foundation was established in 1994 to provide
long-term support for the world-acclaimed York Early Music Festival
and to promote complementary events through the rest of the year.
The establishment of a national centre for early music at St.
Margaret's Church in Walmgate, York, will fulfil the Foundation's
two central aims: to provide a permanent home for the annual Festival
and to establish a national focus for the study of early music.
For many years St. Margaret's has lain neglected, used only
as a props store by York Theatre Royal. Now, thanks to a grant
of just over £1.5 million from the National Lottery through
the Arts Council of England, York Early Music Foundation is bringing
this magnificent Grade One listed building back to life.
The vision is to create the National Centre for Early Music
- a focal point for the study and enjoyment of early music - and
to revive this neglected corner of central York. The project will
restore one of York's most important churches, creating a concert
venue with purpose-built rehearsal and recording facilities, as
well as establishing a garden for all to enjoy and appreciate.
The Centre will act as a vital cultural force for the whole city
of York, and for the future development of early music both in
this country and throughout Europe.
St. Margaret's, a twelfth century church, lies within the
City walls, near Walmgate Bar, in a quiet residential area. The
project will repair the fabric of this mediaeval building, including
the intricate carvings on the Norman porch which have suffered
from vandalism and the ravages of time. The conversion will make
the most of the wonderful natural acoustic of the church, creating
a perfect venue for music making. The nave will provide a multi-purpose
space and will house the collection of keyboard instruments commissioned
by the Foundation. An annexe will be added at the north side to
provide box office and office facilities. Specially commissioned
artworks will be incorporated in the building and local crafts
people will work alongside York-based Simpson Construction, together
creating a unique facility in the north of England.
The new Centre will be a unique educational resource. It
will provide an unparalleled range of opportunities for youngsters,
advanced music students, professional musicians and interested
amateurs to work with the leading figures in early music, through
master-classes, residencies, workshops, performances, recordings
and special projects.
In the last five years, the Foundation has worked with over
a thousand York children, working in partnership with the City
of York's Performing Arts Department, Opera North, the Royal Northern
College of Music, York Mystery Plays 1998 and leading exponents
in the early music world.
The new Centre will provide a base for the York Early Music
Festival and the Foundation, enabling the two organisations to
extend their educational programmes and introducing the next generation
to the language of music. The Centre's facilities will also be
an invaluable resource for local organisations.
Further information may be obtained from: York
Early Music Foundation, PO Box 226, York, YO30 5ZU.
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