Historically Informed Performance, or “HIP”, has typically been—and very much still is—about making informed choices about performing Western Classical music from the early Medieval to the late Romantic—or about 900 to 1900—using what we know about history and social context. It is not about an unattainable (and over-claimed) ideal of “authenticity.” HIP responsibly researches history and culture in order to move forward and make informed and artistically sound decisions about performing music (and other art forms, such as dance and theatre) in the present. It seeks not to recreate the past, but to create a meaningful and moving experience for audiences today.

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LEMF’s goal is to promote early repertoires from around the world on period and modern instruments. We also support new music performed on historical instruments. With these goals in mind, we aim to build bridges between and among cultures and celebrate a rich continuum of over a thousand years of music-making.

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Limerick embraces the diversity of its history and its present, mirroring the transformations happening in Ireland and Europe. We at LEMF are a part of this transformation: we want to explore the many facets of Historically Informed Performance around the world, as well as represent the variety of our fellow artists, collaborators, and concertgoers. We want everyone who wishes to enjoy and take part in this cultural treasure, to do so—and we want to bring that access to everyone.