Border Marches Early Music Forum
This site was last updated 9th June 2021
The last of our current season of online workshops was led by Rory McCleery in April. 'Precious Pearls' introduced singers to Guerrero's wonderful motet 'Ave Virgo Sanctissima' and a number of other motets that were inspired by it. This was the first occasion that Rory has tutored an event for us, and we were bowled over by his scholarship, worn so lightly, and his ability to communicate vividly and passionately about the music. We hope that Rory will be able to lead another workshop for us once lockdown restrictions cease.
Latest news​​​​
  • This year marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Josquin. The Linarol consort, led by David Hatcher, are holding a series of events to mark the anniversary. BMEMF is a co-sponsor of two of the in-person Leominster events. Visit our Other Events page for details of the local concerts, or visit the Josquin 500 website for details of the whole programme.
  • In addition, the indefatigable David Hatcher has recorded 10 pieces by Josquin. You can hear them all here. Each of these pieces comes with a new edition prepared for the minus-one project.
    After that, he set to recording the complete contents of the Songbook of Fridolin Sicher. Described by David Fallows as “…one of the least understood music books of its generation”, this is a beautifully copied collection of popular pieces, probably compiled around 1515 in Sankt Gallen, Switzerland. Every piece includes a colour facsimile from the original manuscript, which you can download along with the samples, from here.
  • A re-launch of the Wales Early Music Forum Cymru is planned for June 2022 in St David's, with tutor Huw Williams and music by Thomas Tomkins.  We hope this can take place on the bank holiday Thursday 2 June, as part of the St David's Festival  - but watch this space!
  • Although there is so much fine music broadcast online, and some events are starting up again with audiences present, this is still a very difficult time for professional musicians.  The charity 'Help Musicians' has a Coronavirus Hardship Fund, set up to offer support.  For details, see​https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/support-our-work/make-a-donation 

About BMEMF

The Border Marches Early Music Forum, BMEMF, exists to promote the enjoyment of early music. It doesn't matter if you're a singer or an instrumentalist; very experienced or a beginner; amateur or professional - if you enjoy early music, BMEMF is for you. We publish a quarterly newsletter packed with news, reviews and details of forthcoming events in January (copy deadline 25th November), April (copy deadline 25th February), June (copy deadline 25th April) and September (copy deadline 25th July).
  • We organise regular day workshops in Herefordshire and the surrounding counties of England and Wales.
  • Our workshops cater for a range of interests and abilities.
  • All our workshops are led by highly-regarded specialist tutors.
  • You don't have to be a member - everyone is welcome.
  • Find out more on our Facebook page.
We're welcoming, friendly and very, very enthusiastic! We hope that you will browse through our website and find an event to interest you. We look forward to seeing you at one of our workshops.
Registered Charity No 512160
We are members of 'Making Music'
Please click here for a copy of our Data Protection Policy (27th April 2018)
Please click here for a copy of our Constitution (revised Sept 2015)
Please click here for a copy of our Annual Report 2019-20