2026 marks 125 years since the founding of the Purcell Society and 75 years since the publication of the first volumes of Musica Britannica. To mark these significant anniversaries, the Trustees and Editorial Committees of both organisations have joined together to offer a study day on the techniques and challenges of critical editing today. The main focus is on early music from 17th- and early 18th-century England, but the techniques and issues covered will be relevant to a wide range of early music from ca. 1500–1800.

The workshop is designed primarily for current and potential postgraduate students, early career researchers, and existing editors wishing to improve their skills in scholarly editing, as well as performers who want to get the most out of their MB and PS volumes. No prior knowledge of the critical editing of music is required.

Each session will be led by an expert editor from the Musica Britannica and/or Purcell Society Editorial Committee and will involve plenty of opportunities for practical engagement with the sources. The day will conclude with a Plenary discussion on the changing needs and expectations of today’s performers working with critical editions.

The study day is free to attend, but participants must register in advance by emailing secretary@musicabritannica.org.uk, stating their name, institutional affiliation (if any), job title or degree for which registered (if relevant), and any accessibility arrangements or dietary requirements of which we need to be aware. Registration closes on Thursday 14 May.

Students are encouraged to apply to their institutions for assistance with travel costs. A limited number of student travel bursaries is available for students for whom such support is not available. Further details are available from secretary@musicabritannica.org.uk.