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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. /

Friday, 22 April 2011

Six of the Best: William Byrd recordings

For a great introduction to Byrd's music you cannot go wrong with the budget priced and nicely recorded disc on the Naxos label entitled 'Byrd. Consort and Keyboard Music Songs and Anthems'. It features the Rose Consort of Viols, with that rich warm sound of Elizabethan England, and Red Byrd. Tessa Bonner sings on four of the 17 tracks.

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