'Master Byrd' at Ingatestone Hall

Ingatestone Hall, Essex, the home of his patron, Lord Petre

— sometimes with a little impatience ...

Now in his early 60s, England’s greatest living musician is in reflective mood, musing about his life, his music and his religion. He ponders the tribulations of writing overtly Catholic music in volatile times. He remembers his relationship with the late Queen, relives the terror of persecution and the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot. He thinks also about great contemporary figures and writers, not least the dramatist whose work intrigues him most: Shakespeare. Byrd stands before us, striving to make sense of the miracle that is his music and the mysteries which lie at its heart.

William Byrd died in Essex on 4 July 1623. Four hundred years later, as the musical world celebrates his genius, the Renaissance Singers raise their voices in Master Byrd, a new short play by Brean Hammond.

We are thrilled to be performing in the very place where the play is set, Ingatestone Hall, still owned by the family who sheltered and supported Byrd: the Petres. We hope you will join us, for a unique experience in a space the composer would have known well.

We are delighted that Vincent Franklin will perform the part of William Byrd. His television work includes Happy Valley 2 and 3, Doc Martin, Bodyguard, Cucumber, The Office, Twenty Twelve, The Thick of It and Decline and Fall. His film work includes Topsy Turvy, Peterloo, The Bourne Identity and Allelujah!