Welcome to our Festival blog

We are a small congregation commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of the village's Elizabethan composer, William Byrd (c.1540 - 1623).

We are planning to erect a permanent memorial to Byrd to mark the quatercentenary since his death, and have begun a fundraising appeal. Our events this year have included a talk on The Life and Times of William Byrd (30 June), including book release; a Commemorative Service of BCP Evensong (2 July); and, welcomed The Stondon Singers who gave a sell-out William Byrd Anniversary Concert on the actual day (4 July). Stondon Massey has also featured on BBC Radio 3's 'Composer of the Week' programme (3-7 July).

This website contains everything you need to know about William Byrd's life and music as well as his links with Stondon Massey. /

Sunday 24 April 2011

Six of the Best: William Byrd recordings

'Music for a Hidden Chapel' recalls the clandestine performances of Byrd's music in the great Catholic houses of such places as Ingatestone Hall in Essex. This disc includes Easter music taken from the composer's Gradualia cycle of 1607 dedicated to his patron Lord Petre of Ingatestone. Chanticleer are the performers.

No comments: