by Ann Barkway
Early Music Shop
The Saltaire Recorder Weekend, organised by The Early Music Shop (EMS), took place 29th – 31st May at Titus Salt School, bringing together recorder players of all ages and abilities for a packed programme of workshops, playing sessions, performances and social events. Building on the success of the 2025 event, organised jointly by EMS and The Society of Recorder Players, the 2026 event welcomed an impressive team of tutors and performers, including Annabel Knight, Chris Orton, Sarah Jeffery, Heidi Fardell, Laura Justice, Miriam Monaghan, Rebecca Austen-Brown, Lou Bradbury and Kate Allsop. Participants enjoyed a wide range of playing sessions, from large ensemble experiences to more specialised workshops, while individual lessons offered valuable opportunities for focused study. A particular highlight was the Festival Fringe, which showcased emerging talent alongside established performers. Appearances by students from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Recorders, duo The Sweet Concord, and soloist Joseph Sainsbury, provided an inspiring reminder of the strength of recorder playing among the next generation. Members of the National Youth Recorder Orchestra were also able to take part in a full day of workshops, ensemble playing and performances, giving them the opportunity to work alongside leading tutors and to mix with adult players from across the recorder community. This intergenerational approach was one of the weekend’s great strengths, creating valuable opportunities for learning, inspiration and musical exchange.
The concert programme was equally varied, featuring performances from quartets Fontanella, and Block 4. Alongside the music-making, delegates were able to browse an extensive exhibition of instruments, music and accessories, making the weekend as much a celebration of the recorder community as a playing course.
What stood out most, however, was the atmosphere. Participants repeatedly praised the welcoming and inclusive spirit of the event, describing it as a place to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and immerse themselves in recorder playing for an entire weekend.
Tutors likewise commented on the enthusiasm and commitment of the delegates, noting the positive energy that characterised every aspect of the festival. With strong attendance, excellent feedback and a growing reputation, the Saltaire Recorder Weekend is rapidly establishing itself as one of the highlights of the UK recorder calendar. SRW 2027 – Friday 4th to Sunday 6th June 2027.
Ann Barkway
www.earlymusicshop.com
Published in September 2026 Newsletter
