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, 15 May 2023

Weekend of Byrd for Cathedral Music Trust


 

The Cathedral Music Trust  (Home (cathedralmusictrust.org.uk) ) had their National Gathering from 12-14 May 2023 based at Chelmsford Cathedral with focus on the life and music of William Byrd.  

On Saturday members made a visit to Ingatestone Hall, the home of Byrd's Patron Sir John Petre, before coming over to St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey, to view Byrd's Will, the Tercentenary Memorial and the churchyard where Byrd is believed to have been buried.  Their afternoon programme was followed by a visit to the neighbouring benefice church at Blackmore where Dr James Bettley gave a talk on Essex Churches.  Special interest was taken in the unique bell tower (see illustration) and a recently launched appeal to raise £200,000 for its repair.

A National Gathering Dinner was held in The Nave of Chelmsford Cathedral in the evening.

At the Cathedral, members and guests were also treated on Friday afternoon to a talk and Recital by James Davy, Organist and Master of Choristers. Pieces played included 'Clarifica me, Pater I-III BK 47-49' and 'Fantasia in C BK25'.  The Evensong Service included the Anglican-composed 'Second Service' - 'Magnificat' and 'Nunc Dimittis' - followed by Byrd's anthem 'Teach me, O Lord'.

No comments: