Celebrating new music in York
York Late Music is one of the UK’s longest-running concert series dedicated to the promotion of contemporary classical music, “living composers performed live”. Over its 40-year history, Late Music has commissioned hundreds of new works, including pieces by Gavin Bryars, Judith Weir, Michael Finnissy and Howard Skempton.
The new season runs from February to June 2027, with 11 concerts and over 35 new works. Late Music will be championing British composers, particularly from Yorkshire and the North, alongside the very best from around the world. And this new music will not sit in isolation: the concerts weave a path between old and new, from the Elysian Singers performing historic and contemporary settings of the same texts and Rob Hao exploring the piano nocturne and its legacy, to Music on the Edge leading a collaboration between composers and visual artists.
Throughout the series, we’ll also be celebrating the 80th birthday of Late Music Patron Nicola LeFanu and the immense contribution she continues to make to composition and contemporary music-making.
Next concerts
Simon Grange (Bass) and Richard Whaley (Piano)
Saturday 6th February, 1.00pm – Celebrating Philip Grange at 70: a new song cycle performed by his son Simon Grange, with Richard Whaley, alongside songs by colleagues and former students.
The Elysian Singers – conductor Sam Laughton
Saturday 6th March, 7.30pm – Themes of mortality, darkness, spiritual struggle and transcendence, with contemporary composers responding to earlier settings of the same texts.
Stuart O’Hara (Bass) and William Vann (Piano) – Tribute Concert for Berty Rice
Saturday 13th March, 1.00pm – English song celebrating Berty Rice and his contribution to Late Music, including works by Finzi, Howells, Britten and LeFanu alongside new music.
Lunchtime concerts
1pm to 2pm Saturday
Evening concerts
7.30pm to 9.30pm Saturday
Pre-concert talk at 6.45pm, with a complimentary glass of wine or juice.
Tickets
Online or on the door
Lunchtimes £7 Evenings £13/£11
Students/Universal credit £5
Accompanied under 16s Free
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Venue
All concerts are performed in the historic York Unitarian Chapel, 31 St Saviourgate, YO1 8NQ.
Parking at the Shambles, Monk Bar, or Castle public car parks.
Sponsors
York Late Music gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsorship of the following organisations:
Donations
You can now donate directly to York Late Music, a registered charity (number 1191812) that presents the concert series, as a single or regular donation. Your support is vital to York Late Music, any donation you can make will be very much appreciated.
