Early Music News & Reviews

'A fellow vocalist,' writes Cecilia Duarte, 'mentioned to me that whenever she was onstage, she would hear the voices of every person that had ever criticized her. It became clear to me that our artistic community had a huge need...' 

In its annual survey of the field, REMA-European Early Music Network received alarming input from its members on funding cuts. The impact will be felt across the sector, even as many European organizations rely heavily on public subsidies. It may mean 'fewer concerts, safer and less diverse programming, less work for independent musicians, and more pressure on organizations that were already trying to hang on.'

Hailed as the top of its field, the York Early Music Festival celebrates a milestone anniversary in 2026 with a deluxe calendar of celebrated and emerging artists. Across its 50 years, they've made 'important scholarship come to life through vibrant and sometimes bewildering performances.’

Last week, on Friday the 13th, New York's Music Before 1800 hosted the U.S. premiere of 'Death of Gesualdo,' a ghostly retelling of the Renaissance composer's life and grisly crimes, set to his avant-garde music. Performed by puppets, actors, and the British vocal ensemble the Gesualdo Six, the show is the latest from Bill Barclay, whose 'Secret Byrd' was a revelation for putting ancient music in a profoundly living context.