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. /

Wednesday 27 April 2011

William Byrd Festival Programme

The Festival will be held over two weekends in May 2011 at St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey. We are raising funds to create a new Garden of Remembrance in the churchyard where William Byrd was buried.

Sunday 1 May
During the 9am service music by Byrd will be played.

Saturday 7 May
4.00pm (repeated at 7.30pm)
"William Byrd: His Essex Years"
A talk given by Richard Turbet (Aberdeen University), illustrated with pieces performed by The Stondon Singers, conducted by Christopher Tinker.
Tickets: £12.50 (under 16s, £6.00)

Sunday 8 May
9.00am
Morning Prayer. 1662 Service
Our service, otherwise known as Matins, is taken from the Book of Common Prayer and will include recorded as well as live music by William Byrd. Jubilate, our church music group, will sing the anthem: 'If Ye Love Me' by Thomas Tallis. The address will be given by Richard Turbet. No tickets necessary. Collection plate will come around during the singing of one of the hymns.

Sunday 8 May - 'Fringe Event'
2.30 - 4.30pm
St Peter & St Paul Church will be open to visitors.

Saturday 14 May
7.30pm
"William Byrd: Loyal Heart or Traitor?"
The Writtle Singers, conducted by Christine Gwynn, and Martyn Richards will explore in words ans music Byrd's recusant Catholic faith and his honoured relationship with Queen Elizabeth I.
Tickets: £12.50 (under 16s, £6.00)

Sunday 15 May
9.00am (repeated at 11.00am at the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore)
"Every man should learne to sing"
A Service of your Top 10 favourite hymns.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would like to buy 4 tickets for 14 May. Should I just send a cheque to the church office or is there a number i can call please?
Lucy Jack

Andrew Smith said...

The best way to get tickets for the Writtle Singers concert on 14 May is by sending a cheque & SAE to the Church Office. State what you want and we will post the tickets almost by return.