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. /

Monday 5 December 2022

Celebrating William Byrd's Life and Music in 2023


St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey, will be celebrating the life and music of William Byrd (c1540-1623) throughout 2023.  Information on events will be posted here soon.

1 comment:

William Healing said...


There is to be a celebration concert of William Byrd’s sacred music at Ingatestone Hall 25 March 2023, by courtesy of Lord Petre.

Byrd’s Catholic music was secretly performed in Protestant England at this very location in the 1590’s - since the owner of the house John Petre (later Lord Petre) was his patron.

More details of William Byrd’s music, the choir, programme, and to buy tickets are here:


https://www.eventbrite.com/e/william-byrd-a-celebration-of-his-sacred-works-tickets-504845525557