An Update from Chris Parsons, Artistic Director of Eboracum Baroque 

Eboracum Baroque have worked tirelessly throughout all the challenges of the last 2 years to continue to support freelance musicians who perform with the group. We remained very active during the lockdowns with virtual concerts before returning to live music making in the summer of 2020 and recording our Handel’s Messiah CD in December 2020. The support we received throughout this time was just incredible and we will be forever grateful to everyone who watched our concerts and supported our projects.

Since then we have been slowly returning to a more ‘normal’ routine of performances and workshops and set out plans for an exciting programme of events this summer at the start of 2022.

With the cost of living crisis and COVID uncertainties, ticket sales for our summer performances are slow. This is despite extra marketing and advertising of the performances (more than in previous years) It is with great regret that we must postpone the performances on 9th June (Bach’s Coffee Cantata) and 9th July (Baroque Classics at the Windmill) These performances will be re-arranged for 2023 and the musicians booked for these performances will perform in 2023. These decisions were not taken lightly and I do not want to be in the business of postponing performances, completely the opposite. Ticket holders for both events have been contacted.

We’re a small ensemble and I want to ensure financial sustainability for years to come. We’re here for the long haul. I hope we’ll still be coming up with exciting projects in beautiful venues in 20 years time but importantly supporting freelance musicians for that length of time too.

I am aware that our current situation is not unique across the arts in general with performances being postponed. It highlights the support that is needed in all sectors moving forward and that normality has not returned.

We will continue to strive to support our musicians throughout the challenges that lie ahead as much as we can.

If you haven’t bought tickets for our summer concerts yet, but plan on coming to one, we look forward to seeing you (and please let us know if you’re thinking of coming – it’ll cheer us up, a lot!) If you aren’t able to attend but would like to make a donation, you can do via our donations page

Thank you again for all your support.

Chris Parsons, 6th May 2022.