I have a harpsichordist friend who will be in the UK mid October to early November, mainly based in Leeds but willing to travel.

He is very interested in musical activities. Anyone know of interesting concerts or other activities going on at that time? Particularly early music and baroque and especially if harpsichords involved.

Unfortunately looks as though he can't extend his stay for the Early Music Festival in Greenwich in November.

I cant help on Baroque side, but concerts in Leeds can be found on http://www.leedsconcertseason.com

http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/euchmi/sch/index.html

Probably now the country's biggest early keyboard instrument collection, and about half the instruments are in playing condition, open on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. There must be about ninety or a hundred altogether, though not all of these are on show. Edinburgh's four hours' travel from Leeds by car, probably a little less by train, and there are concerts, though not very often. http://www.gcs.org.uk/concert_list.htm gives the listings for concerts there, but it looks as if there won't be any harpsis in the second, and maybe only the one in the first.

Brilliant! Thank you so much anacrusis and fsharpminor. Just the ticket!!!

And the Early Music Shop isn't too far from Leeds, is it?

The EMS is at Saltaire, near Bradford, and is indeed reasonably close to Leeds. I've only ever done the trip by car though, so not sure what the public transport links would be like.

Saltaire has a train station, just a 2 minute walk from Salt's Mill and the EMS. It is on a direct line from Leeds station.

Great. Thanks for the heads up on that...

Yes its very near the station, and train is about 20 mins from Leeds Station. Service approx half hourly. (It continues to Keighley , my original home town!). Do go and see the David Hockney Exhibition as well.

. . . AND (if you're at all interested in the cinema/theatre organ) go to one of the monthly concerts on the Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ at the Victoria Hall!

That's a great idea. I won't unfortunately be accompanying my friend but will pass on all the tips...

I just wanted to report back that my friend had a BRILLIANT time in the UK and your suggestions were much appreciated!

He got a BritRail Pass which enabled him to zoom up and down between Leeds, Edinburgh (three visits!) and London, for concerts, museum visits and other musical stuff.

He said folk were really friendly and helpful - he is now one of my few friends who has become a convinced fan of the Brits.

Wow, three trips to Edinburgh from everywhere else is dedication indeed: I'm impressed. And wonderful to hear that it was all such a good experience too.