The List

National Centre For Early Music

What's On @ National Centre For Early Music

Martin Simpson

Martin Simpson

12 Sept 2025 - 25 Apr 2026

Nominated for Musician of the Year and for Best Album with Vagrant Stanzas at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014, Martin's shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. Martin has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the 15 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards -- more than any other performer -- with 12 nominations for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice. 2008 saw an incredible five nominations for 'Prodigal Son' and two wins, whilst in 2010 he had an unprecedented six nominations for his CD, True Stories and a win for Best Traditional Track, 'Sir Patrick Spens'. Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.
Erland Cooper

Erland Cooper

5 Dec 2025 - 5 Dec 2025

Erland Cooper: Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence Erland Cooper is a Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Stromness, Orkney. As a solo artist, he has released five acclaimed studio albums, including a trilogy of work inspired by his childhood home, as well as themes of nature, people, place and time. His work combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements. Through music, words and cinematography he explores landscape, memory and identity. He develops these themes further by partnering with other artists, writers and poets. Cooper also works across mixed media projects including installation art, theatre and film. He’s widely known for burying the only existing copy of the master tape of his first classical album in Scotland, deleting all digital files and leaving only a treasure hunt of clues for anyone to seek it. The tape was found in 2023 and the album will be released, exactly as it sounds from the earth, this year along with its world premiere of the completed score. Presented by Hey! Manchester. This is a 14+ event. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Scott Matthews

Scott Matthews

24 Oct 2025 - 7 Nov 2025

Singer-songwriter Scott Matthews who grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, got his first guitar when he was seven and knew then that music was his future. His first album Passing Stranger caught the attention of Janice Long, Mark Radcliffe and Lauren Laverne and won him the Ivor Novello award for the single Elusive. He’s toured with the Foo Fighters, Robert Plant and Rufus Wainwright and his folk, blues and rock fusion continue to attract a devoted band of supporters.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

13 Sept 2025 - 28 Feb 2026

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Gloucester. Somebody To Love Bohemian Rhapsody Crazy Little Thing Called Love Killer Queen Love Of My Life Another One Bites The Dust I Want To Break Free We Are The Champions We Will Rock You Don't Stop Me Now Bicycle Race Who Wants To Live Forever Under Pressure Performers String Quartet - Unity String Quartet
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay

6 Sept 2025 - 6 Feb 2026

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring like never seen before in Cardiff. Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone. Programme - Clocks - Shiver - Speed of Sound - Trouble - Fix You Paradise - Something Just Like This - Yellow - My Universe - The Scientist - A Sky Full of Stars Performers - 31st January: Cambria String Quartet - 20th February: String Quartet - To be announced!
Candlelight: Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran

Candlelight: Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran

5 Sept 2025 - 27 Feb 2026

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone. Performers String Quartet - Chaos Collective
Fergus McCreadie Trio

Fergus McCreadie Trio

13 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025

Pianist Fergus McCreadie’s trio is among the leaders of the exciting young wave currently energising the vibrant and creative Scottish jazz scene. A phenomenal technician, McCreadie has developed a deeply personal style that captures Scotland’s musical traditions and landscapes while honouring his American and Nordic influences. His trio with David Bowden (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums) has already made a impression in the UK, winning the coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Prize in 2016, and its debut album, Turas, as well as reaching the shortlist for the Scottish Album of the Year Award 2019, a rare feat for a jazz group, won Best Album at the Scottish Jazz Awards 2019. Their concerts, highlighting their thrilling virtuosity, brilliantly attuned collective dynamism and their music’s huge emotional charge, have earned five-star reviews and invitations to appear at London jazz mecca Ronnie Scotts’ International Piano Trio Festival as well as Oslo and Stockholm jazz festivals.
Candlelight: Rings and Dragons

Candlelight: Rings and Dragons

6 Sept 2025 - 13 Feb 2026

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring like never seen before in York. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Rings & Dragons at The National Centre for Early Music under the gentle glow of candlelight. Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone. If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (. 30 people). To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card Tentative Programme Themes from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Howard Shore The Caverns of Isengard Gollum Lighting of the Beacons The Passing of the Elves Saruman the White Flaming Red Hair The Grace of Undomiel Themes from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon by Ramin Djawadi Opening Titles Winter Is Coming Jon Snow's Theme Rains of Castamere Light of the Seven Fire and Blood (House Targaryen Theme) Performers String quartet - Aurora Strings
The Magpies

The Magpies

29 Oct 2025 - 30 Nov 2025

Based on a deeply felt musical friendship, The Magpies work collaboratively, arranging material led by powerful vocals and glittering instrumental ornamentation. They each draw on their wide-ranging influences to create a unique blend of transatlantic folk, transporting audiences to distant lands and capturing imaginations with their enthralling live show.
The Magpies

The Magpies

1 Nov 2025 - 1 Nov 2025

This is a seated show with all seats unreserved 10+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) Transatlantic folk band The Magpies are quickly becoming one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the contemporary roots scene. Combining sublime harmonies with exquisite musicianship and impressive songwriting, The Magpies traverse Anglo and American roots, drawing inspiration from traditional Celtic folk, bluegrass and Appalachian trails, to create an effortless melting pot of music. Accomplished musicians in their own right, founding members Bella Gaffney (award winning singer-songwriter, guitarist and banjoist) and Holly Brandon (acclaimed fiddle player and tunesmith) perform alongside gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist Ellie Gowers. These talented young musicians work collaboratively to create their fresh brand of transatlantic folk and champion gender equality in the music industry, with a fervent thread of feminism running through their music. Following the release of the band's critically acclaimed debut album in 2020, The Magpies released their second album Undertow in October 2022. A rich and varied showcase of their live sound, flawless instrumentation provides an elegant canvas for intricate harmonies and engaging storytelling. With a sound that pushes boundaries and brings a fresh voice to the current milieu, the album's success comes as no surprise, with a quarter of a million streams on Spotify, a place in the Official Folk Albums Chart Top 40 and a live session on BBC Radio 2. In their live performances, The Magpies have been exceptionally well-received, touring extensively throughout the UK, with festival highlights including Glastonbury, Cambridge, Larmer Tree, Shambala, Towersey and Deer Shed and international performances in USA, Canada, Ireland, Portugal and Luxembourg. Their live shows are known for their high energy and wry delivery, transporting audiences to distant lands with ethereal voices and glistening instrumentals. The Magpies have made their mark as hosts of their own fast-growing The Magpies Festival. Set in the parkland of York's Sutton Park Stately Home, the festival boasts top-quality line-ups and advocates inclusivity in the industry. Fresh from a 3 week tour of Canada and midwinter UK tour, The Magpies return to the road this Spring for a tour of Scotland and Northern England. One of those effervescent albums youd be happy to recommend to people who might not consider themselves folk fans - The Sunday Times Folk with finesse - The Daily Mail Check that album out! Really good mix of songs and instrumentals - theyre great players! - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
The Magpies

The Magpies

1 Nov 2025 - 1 Nov 2025

Transatlantic folk band The Magpies are quickly becoming one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the contemporary roots scene. Combining sublime harmonies with exquisite musicianship and impressive songwriting, The Magpies traverse Anglo and American roots, drawing inspiration from traditional Celtic folk, bluegrass and Appalachian trails, to create an effortless melting pot of music. Accomplished musicians in their own right, founding members Bella Gaffney (award winning singer-songwriter, guitarist and banjoist) and Holly Brandon (acclaimed fiddle player and tunesmith) perform alongside gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist Ellie Gowers. These talented young musicians work collaboratively to create their fresh brand of transatlantic folk and champion gender equality in the music industry, with a fervent thread of feminism running through their music. Following the release of the band’s critically acclaimed debut album in 2020, The Magpies released their second album Undertow in October 2022. A rich and varied showcase of their live sound, flawless instrumentation provides an elegant canvas for intricate harmonies and engaging storytelling. With a sound that pushes boundaries and brings a fresh voice to the current milieu, the album’s success comes as no surprise, with a quarter of a million streams on Spotify, a place in the Official Folk Albums Chart Top 40 and a live session on BBC Radio 2. In their live performances, The Magpies have been exceptionally well-received, touring extensively throughout the UK, with festival highlights including Glastonbury, Cambridge, Larmer Tree, Shambala, Towersey and Deer Shed and international performances in USA, Canada, Ireland, Portugal and Luxembourg. Their live shows are known for their high energy and wry delivery, transporting audiences to distant lands with ethereal voices and glistening instrumentals. The Magpies have made their mark as hosts of their own fast-growing The Magpies Festival. Set in the parkland of York’s Sutton Park Stately Home, the festival boasts top-quality line-ups and advocates inclusivity in the industry. Fresh from a 3 week tour of Canada and midwinter UK tour, The Magpies return to the road this Spring for a tour of Scotland and Northern England. ‘One of those effervescent albums you’d be happy to recommend to people who might not consider themselves folk fans’ - The Sunday Times ‘Folk with finesse’ - The Daily Mail ‘Check that album out! Really good mix of songs and instrumentals - they’re great players!’ - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 The Crescent & The Black Swan Folk Club presents... This is a 10+ event (Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)
Cara Dillon

Cara Dillon

13 Dec 2025 - 13 Dec 2025

Cara Dillon, renowned for her ethereal voice and hailed as one of the finest in Irish folk, brings her beloved Christmas show, Upon A Winters Night, to the NCEM this Christmas. For many, her spellbinding show has become an essential, uplifting part of Christmas. The show offers a poignant escape from the hectic holiday season, blending ancient carols with modern songs and Celtic rhythms. With her exceptional band, Cara creates a transcendent musical experience that celebrates the mystery and quiet beauty of Christmas. First launched alongside her chart-topping 2016 album, this moving event returns in 2025 with new songs added. Rooted in reverence and authenticity, Dillons performance honours ancient traditions and the true meaning of the festive season. A towering figure in Irish folk, Caras illustrious 30-year career includes acclaimed albums, working on Disney soundtracks, and music featuring in Derry Girls.
Jesca Hoop

Jesca Hoop

26 Nov 2025 - 13 Dec 2025

California-born but now based in Manchester, Jesca Hoop is what you’d call a musician’s musician. Discovered by Tom Waits, and brought on tour by Peter Gabriel to sing in his band, it was a phone call from Elbow’s Guy Garvey that saw her move to the UK.  Her recent album "Stonechild", produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, This is the Kit), received huge acclaim from fans and critics alike, and it’s easy to see why: her beautiful songs, rooted in the folk tradition are intricately detailed, acoustic-led pieces that teem with ideas.
Rura

Rura

5 Sept 2025 - 17 Oct 2025

RURA are a multi award-winning act, and one of Scotland’s most popular folk-based bands. The quartet’s compellingly fiery, rugged yet refined and progressive instrumentals on fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, guitar, keyboards and bodhran has placed them firmly at the forefront of 21st century Scottish folk.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Liverpool. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Halloween Classics under the gentle glow of candlelight. Spooky season is almost here! Halloween special concerts are selling fast. Get your tickets before they fully SELL OUT! Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted) Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (30 people), visit the website. Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Liverpool To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, visit the website.Thriller - Michael Jackson Funeral March of a Marionette - Charles Gounod String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor (Dresden Quartet), Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto - Dmitri Shostakovich Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist) - Mike Oldfield Stranger Things (Theme) - S U R V I V E Beetlejuice (Theme) - Danny Elfman The Addams Family (Theme) - Vic Mizzy Halloween (Theme) - John Carpenter Prelude from Psycho - Bernard Herrmann Ghostbusters (Theme) - Ray Parker Jr. Danse Macabre - Camille Saint-Saëns Night on Bald Mountain - Modest Mussorgsky Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Richard O'Brien and Richard Hartley Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas - Danny Elfman Performers String quartet - Rondino Strings
Candlelight Spring: Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring like never seen before in York. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Vivaldi's Four Seasons at The National Centre for Early Music bathed in a lush, floral display dedicated to spring. Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone. If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (. 30 people). To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card Programme “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 1 RV 269: “Spring” – Vivaldi “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2 RV 315: “Summer” – Vivaldi "The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 3 RV 293: “Autumn” – Vivaldi “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 4 RV 297: “Winter” – Vivaldi “La Follia” -Vivaldi Performers String Quartet: To be announced
Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. - Let it Snow - Christmas Song - The Maestro - Hans Zimmer - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra - Winter Wonderland - Last Christmas - Wham - The Christmas Waltz - Frank Sinatra - The Little Drummer Boy - Sleigh Ride - Jingle Bells - White Christmas - I'll Be Home for Christmas - It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas - Glasgow Theme - Rocking Around the Christmas Tree - Love is All Around - Let it Go (Frozen) Performers String quartet: Lakeland String Quartet
Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd

Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd

5 Sept 2025 - 20 Nov 2025

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience. Programme: Wish You Were Here Comfortably Numb Another Brick In The Wall Time Money Breathe (In The Air) On The Run The Great Gig In The Sky Brain Damage Us And Them Hey You Shine On You Crazy Diamond Performers String quartet - Haldon Quartet
Hayao Miyazaki's Dreams

Hayao Miyazaki's Dreams

20 Sept 2025 - 13 Dec 2025

A unique concert in a stunning 19th-century church located in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The Miyazaki Dreams concert is an immersion in the fabulous atmosphere of the films of the world-famous Japanese director and Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki. Mystery Ensemble has collected magical music from his anime and compositions inspired by his creations. The evening programme includes renowned works composed by ingenious Joe Hisaishi, including My Neighbor Totoro, the legendary movie Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle, Laputa: Castle in the Sky and others. The programme also includes works by other composers inspired by Miyazakis artworks.
Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works

6 Sept 2025 - 21 Mar 2026

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring never before used for this purpose in London. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Hans Zimmer's Best Works under the gentle glow of candlelight. Programme: - Time from Inception - This Land from The Lion King - Zooster’s Breakout from Madagascar - Supermarine from Dunkirk - Honor from The Pacific - A Dark Knight from The Dark Knight - Wonder Woman Suite - Cornfield Chase from Interstellar - Dune Suite - Gladiator Suite - Discombobulate from Sherlock Holmes - Pirates of the Caribbean Suite Performers: String Quartet - London Session Quartet
The Music of The Lord of The Rings: Tribute to Howard Shore
Our precious concert in a 19th century church in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington. Experience the majestic music of the iconic saga «Lord of the Rings» films in a unique experience not to be missed. A delight for the whole family is guaranteed. Performed by the modern orchestra Mystery Ensemble, the virtuoso playing of the musicians will instantly transport you to a distant fantasy world with elves, hobbits and dwarves! Music loved by millions of people gives you goosebumps.

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