Patronage and Persecution: William Byrd 400th Anniversary Concert

Entitled Patronage and Persecution, this event falls on exactly the 400th anniversary of the death of one of England's finest composers, William Byrd. He experienced both in the course of his own lifetime, successfully navigating the ups and downs during that turbulent political climate, notably as a Catholic composer during the reign of that staunchly Protestant monarch, Elizabeth I.

The works selected for this concert reflect both the joys and sorrows attached to such changing times and changing fortunes. It includes pieces by other composers such as Gibbons, Tallis, and - in our own time - Judith Weir, all of whom - like Byrd himself - have been attached to the Chapels Royal.

The Church of St Peter and St Paul is just outside the village of Stondon Massey, near Ongar, Essex. It is here that the composer lived for the last thirty years of his life. Previous visitors will know that the church is quite small, so we strongly recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.