The 'Live Music at the Abbey' Summer Series of Concerts was founded in 1995 by the Abbey's Organist and Director of Music Dr Roger Tebbet with the aim of using the magnificent setting of Selby Abbey for a series of concerts which would include a recital by an international celebrity, and provide a platform for young musicians at the beginning of their professional careers.

Since 1995 the Series has managed to engage artists such as Jean Guillou, Dame Gillian Weir, and Lionel Rogg.  Dr Tebbet's links with the University of York have resulted in several concerts including in 1996 the Quartet-in-Residence, the Medea String Quartet, and in 1998 and 2000 the University of York Orchestra with conductor David Blake
There is always a concert in the programme for young musicians, the first year this was pianist Christian McKay (pictured left).  Christian

began his career as a chorister at Manchester Cathedral, continuing his studies at Chetham's School of Music, the University of York, and the Royal College of Music.  He has appeared in the U.K., France, Spain, Poland and Australia as a recitalist, accompanist and chamber musician. 
The 2002 series provides an opportunity for young musicians from the University of York Music Department to play in the Abbey. The programme will include music by J S Bach, Arvo Pärt and Bohuslav Martinu.

(Photo:  Ron Kirk, K&S Music)

In 1996 the Abbey Choir was accompanied by Dr Francis Jackson on the organ and piano for a performance of Fauré's Requiem and the Cantique de Jean Racine.  Also included was a performance of Dr Jackson's own piece 'Daniel in Babylon'.  In 1999 some members of the Abbey Choir joined with the Selby Choral Society to perform the Monteverdi Vespers.  This followed on from the 1998 joint venture with a touring orchestra, Orchester Göttinger Musikfreunde, resulting in a performance of Haydn's 'Creation'.  Last year saw another joint venture, the Easingwold Singers, North Yorkshire Chorus and the University of Sheffield Chorus and Orchestra performed Verd's Requiem. This year we welcome The Bob Crossland Big Band, and the North Yorkshire ceilidh band Byland Rigg.