The Honour of William Byrd

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Sunday 11 February 2024 | 4-5pm

St Mary's Church

Tickets: Full price £15 / over 65s and under 30s £10 / students £5 / under 18s FREE

The Honour of William Byrd explores many sides of the man and his music, encompassing the honouring of his contemporaries, the honouring of his Catholic faith under a Protestant regime, honouring the Protestant Queen Elizabeth despite his Catholicism, and honouring his country.

If musical output gives us an indication of the person within, then who is this man who is both devoutly Catholic yet clearly a favourite of the Protestant Queen who made his faith illegal, a serious character capable of weighty contemplation but also sharp wit and humour, and the loyal friend who wrote so personally and touchingly of the loss of his teacher and friend Thomas Tallis? This programme explores the proud Englishman, devoted friend, loyal subject, and faithful servant who was William Byrd.

The concert will be one hour long, and will be followed by Choral Evensong with the viols at 6.30pm to which all are welcome.

Chelys Consort of Viols and former BBC New Generation Artist Helen Charlston join forces to celebrate one of England's best loved composers. Their recording of Byrd has received considerable critical acclaim:

For all lovers of English music, this disc is a must; as a quatercentenary tribute it is simply outstanding - EuropaDisc

...both beautiful and profound, measured and thoughtful - Early Music Review