The annual event, now in its 20th year, takes place in a variety of venues across the town and the surrounding region. The festival draws on Beverley’s historic past as a centre for music. The town was renowned in medieval times for the quality of its musicians. The Minster’s interior features richly decorated carvings depicting musical scenes. The event is run by the National Centre for Early Music based at York University. It draws on musicians from the university’s Department of Music for many of the performances. This year’s focus will be on the composer Handel, including a performance of his choral work Dixit Dominus. The piece, based on Psalm 110, was written by Handel in 1707 after the 22-year-old composer was inspired by a visit to the Vatican. As well as performances the festival holds workshops and lectures on various aspects of medieval music.
The festival runs from Friday May 25th to Monday 28th May. | 
