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. /

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Six of the Best: William Byrd recordings

In 1923 Reverend Reeve of Stondon Massey attended the Tercentenary celebrations of William Byrd's death in London. At Westminster Abbey he heard for the first time the rediscovered 'Great Service' of Anglican music performed by 200 voices. The manuscript had been found in Durham Cathedral library and then edited for performance by Edmund Fellowes. This disc, by the Choir of Westminster Abbey under conductor James O'Donnell, includes the setting for the Morning and Evening Services plus a scattering of anthems.

Two movements from the disc will be played at the William Byrd Service (BCP Matins) at Stondon Massey on Sunday 8 May at 9.00am.
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