THE European Union Baroque Orchestra, a training initiative for young performers from all over Europe, is taking part in a poignant residency at the National Centre for Early Music in York, ironically in the week of Brexit and all that Article 50 jazz.
The five-day programme begins tomorrow and concludes with a public performance at the NCEM as part of the celebrations for European Day of Early Music on March 21, when the 7.30pm concert will be broadcast live by BBC Radio 3, as well as streamed across Europe.
The residency encompasses energetic training, coaching and interactive sessions with York’s young musicians, including the Minster Minstrels, York's Early Music youth group, and 80 Key Stage 2 pupils from Heworth Primary School.
Conductor Lars Ulrik Mortensen
However, as a consequence of Brexit, this will be the last time that the European Union Baroque Orchestra can be seen performing in the north of England before the orchestra does its own Brexit, leaving Britain to set up its new headquarters in Antwerp.
Delma Tomlin, the NCEM's director, says with a heavy heart: "We are honoured to have the EUBO take part in a residency at the NCEM here in York, and we look forward to an exciting performance on March 21. We have been delighted to welcome the orchestra under their director Lars Ulrik Mortensen on a variety of occasions and have always enjoyed their vivacity and professionalism.
"It is, though, with some sense of sadness and trepidation that we will lose the legacy and development opportunities that the EUBO offers so very soon after this performance. The departure from the UK of this cultural ambassador for the European Union is a significant moment, as a resource that has been accessible and inspirational for young British musicians for over 30 years will be no more. We will be sure to maximise every moment that we have this week.”
Soprano Maria Keohane
The European Early Music Network (REMA) coordinates the European Day of Early Music, with next Tuesday's concert of Bach and Handel works at its core.
Entitled Betrayal and Betrothal, it will feature Lars Ulrik Mortensen on harpsichord and Neven Lesage on oboe, along with soprano Maria Keohane and concertmaster Bojan Čičić.
Tickets cost £25, concessions £23, students £5, on 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk. You can stay up to speed with the EUBO's residency on the NCEM and EUBO Facebook pages and on Twitter @Eubo_Live and @yorkearlymusic
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