London International Festival of Early Music

London International Festival of Early Music LIFEM is the largest and most inclusive early music festival in the world. Save the date - LIFEM26 runs from 11th to 14th November in Blackheath, London.

The clock is ticking… ⏰ Could your ensemble be the next name everyone in early music is talking about?🗣️ The LIFEM Young...
04/06/2026

The clock is ticking… ⏰ Could your ensemble be the next name everyone in early music is talking about?
🗣️
The LIFEM Young Ensemble Competition is one of the leading international platforms for emerging early music talent, offering the chance to perform before an audience of performers, presenters, educators and enthusiasts at the London International Festival of Early Music.
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Past finalists have gone on to build international careers. Could 2026 be your year? If you’re an ensemble with an average age of 30 or under, we want to hear from you.

📅 Applications close 15th June 2026
🎻 Final held live at LIFEM 2026 in London
🌍 Open to ensembles from around the world

Don’t leave your application sitting in the rehearsal room. Apply now via the link below.
🔗

https://lifem.org/early-music-young-ensemble-competition/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Love early music? Come and be part of the festival from the inside.🎶 Behind every memorable festival moment, great peopl...
03/06/2026

Love early music? Come and be part of the festival from the inside.
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Behind every memorable festival moment, great people are making it happen. This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to the brilliant volunteers who give their time, energy and good humour to LIFEM.
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From welcoming audiences and supporting artists to helping the festival run smoothly behind the scenes, our volunteers play an essential part in bringing LIFEM to life.
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And as we look ahead to LIFEM 2026, there’s always room for more. Whether you love early music, enjoy meeting people or want to support one of the world’s leading celebrations of historical performance, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Drop us a DM to learn more!

Some performances deserve more than one applause. That’s why LIFEM Encore exists.🎥Our ongoing series revisits some of th...
21/05/2026

Some performances deserve more than one applause. That’s why LIFEM Encore exists.
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Our ongoing series revisits some of the most memorable moments from the London International Festival of Early Music and this month’s edition is a treat.
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In our May newsletter (link below), enjoy the second Encore release: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment performing ‘Classical Drama by Haydn and Mozart’ live at LIFEM 2023.
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You’ll also find:
• a special premiere from our Artistic Director Erik Bosgraaf
• details on exhibiting at LIFEM 2026
• how to enter the Young Ensemble Competition 2026, one of the leading international platforms for emerging early music talent.
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Settle in and enjoy a little more LIFEM here: http://eepurl.com/jDT50k

What comes in all shapes and sizes, can be played by complete beginners and seasoned experts alike and, apparently, some...
15/05/2026

What comes in all shapes and sizes, can be played by complete beginners and seasoned experts alike and, apparently, sometimes even lying down?

The recorder, of course! 🪈

Join fellow players and enthusiasts at the Saltaire Recorder Weekend 2026, presented by The Early Music Shop, from 29th to 31st May for a joyful weekend of music-making, learning and community.
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Full details here: https://earlymusicshop.com/blogs/saltaire-recorder-weekend-2026

You’re probably wondering how best to enjoy a concert in 16th-century Spain without leaving your sofa this weekend…🇪🇸The...
09/05/2026

You’re probably wondering how best to enjoy a concert in 16th-century Spain without leaving your sofa this weekend…
🇪🇸
The answer is The Orange Tree Courtyard by The Royal Wind Music recorded live at LIFEM 2024.
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Performed entirely from memory on an extraordinary consort of Renaissance recorders, this evocative programme brings to life the rich musical tapestry of Spain’s Golden Age. From the sacred choral textures of Francisco de Peñalosa and Cristóbal de Morales to the lively secular songs of Juan Vásquez and Alonso de Mudarra, the music transports listeners to the grandeur of Seville Cathedral and its ancient Patio de los Naranjos.
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With mesmerising precision, warmth and astonishing musicianship, this internationally acclaimed ensemble captures the splendour, atmosphere and spirit of 16th-century Spain in a performance that is both intimate and breathtaking.
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Enjoy watching this remarkable concert free of charge here: https://youtu.be/UN-IjijK0bs?si=xIx0LdBbDYvjzm5Z

Who will take centre stage next?!🎻Here’s your reminder that applications are still open for our Young Ensemble Competiti...
28/04/2026

Who will take centre stage next?!
🎻
Here’s your reminder that applications are still open for our Young Ensemble Competition 2026, a globally recognised platform for emerging ensembles defining the future of early music.
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Open to ensembles with an average age of 30 or under, this international, biennial competition offers cash prizes and a winners’ recital at our following festival. Since launching in 2018, it has become a powerful springboard for exceptional talent worldwide.
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Applications close 15th June and the final takes place on Friday 13th November at Blackheath Halls. Apply now via the link below to take your place on the LIFEM stage. Good luck!
🤞🏻
https://lifem.org/early-music-young-ensemble-competition/

Nigel North’s lute masterclass at LIFEM25 was one of those standout moments people are still talking about. Quietly extr...
13/04/2026

Nigel North’s lute masterclass at LIFEM25 was one of those standout moments people are still talking about.

Quietly extraordinary, his workshop at Blackheath Halls held the room and centuries of music history felt completely alive again, the lute doing what it’s always done best since the Renaissance… drawing people in and holding them there.

And between us? He’s coming back for LIFEM26, this time for a concert. If you want a glimpse of what’s in store, hear Nigel playing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qIigZZb4ME

06/04/2026

Easter time may be peak egg-hunting season for children … but last November, discoveries were happening on stage at .
⛪️ 🐰🎶
At LIFEM, Team Recorder / Sarah Jeffery’s Blast Off! family concert had young audiences exploring sound, curiosity and a little bit of musical magic, proof that the best finds aren’t always made of chocolate!
🚀 🍫🪈

06/04/2026

Easter time may be peak egg-hunting season for children … but last November, discoveries were happening on stage at St Michael's Blackheath.
⛪️ 🐰🎶
At LIFEM24, Team Recorder / Sarah Jeffery’s Blast Off! family concert had young audiences exploring sound, curiosity and a little bit of musical magic, proof that the best finds aren’t always made of chocolate!
🚀 🍫🪈

The next generation of early music talent starts here.🎻We’re delighted to announce that applications are now open for ou...
31/03/2026

The next generation of early music talent starts here.
🎻
We’re delighted to announce that applications are now open for our Early Music Young Ensemble Competition 2026, inviting exceptional ensembles (average age 30 and under) to perform live at LIFEM.
🎶
Following a recorded preliminary round, three finalists will take to the stage at Blackheath Halls on Friday 13th November, performing to a distinguished panel including Erik Bosgraaf and live audience. With prizes including £1,500 and a recital at LIFEM 2027, this is a powerful platform for emerging artists.
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Apply now and be part of what comes next. Head to the link below to view the application pack. Good luck!

https://lifem.org/early-music-young-ensemble-competition/

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