HAVE you ever wanted to wander among musicians as they perform?

Two concerts in the Central Nave of York Minster last Thursday night provided that opportunity when the choral singers I Fagiolini led promenade performances of works by Striggio, Tallis and Gabrieli at the 2012 York Early Music Festival.

Conductor Robert Hollingworth and I Fagiolini were joined by the Rose Consort of Viols, Fretwork, The City Musick and University of York Chamber Choir to present Striggio’s Mass In 40 Parts, a work expanded to 60 parts, hence all those participants.

As part of imove, the Cultural Olympiad’s Yorkshire celebration of movement, the two concerts gave audience members the chance to move around the Minster, experiencing the voices and wind, string and brass sections from different places.

The second performance, at 10.15pm, was illuminated by a lighting design by Joe Brook, from the National Media Museum in Bradford, that turned Hollingworth’s baton into a magical light sabre.

I Fagiolini can next be seen performing at Ripon Cathedral with circus troupe Circa tomorrow at 9pm and Friday at 8pm and 10pm in How Like An Angel.