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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. /

Monday, 6 March 2023

Byrd Spotting. Some Local Events

Felicitas under their musical director Simon Walters have a concert at St John's Church Epping on Saturday 11 March beginning at 4.00pm. Called 'Heavenly Sounds' there will be a complete performance of Byrd's 'Mass for Five Voices'.

Stondon Singers hold their final concert before the big one on Saturday 18 March starting at 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angels Church, Galleywood. Hilary Punnet is their conductor and within the programme entitled 'Songs of Farewell' there is a piece by Byrd. 'Come to me grief forever' is from his 1588 collection of 'Psalmes, Sonets, & songs of sadne and pietie'. It is a funeral song for Sir Phillip Sidney and in this performance will be accompanied by Essex Viols.

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