Vocalium at Ingatestone Hall: A celebration of Byrd's sacred works

William Byrd was England’s greatest Renaissance composer. He was a Catholic, living and working in a newly Protestant country, and his faith was a major driver in his personal and professional life.

We mark the 400th anniversary of his death by performing some of his key works, including his Mass for 4 Voices, performed in secret at the time as it was treasonous to sing the Mass in the Latin.

We are delighted that our concert will take place in Ingatestone Hall, home of the Petre family. Sir John Petre (later Lord Petre) was Byrd’s patron. Petre held clandestine Mass celebrations, with music provided by his servants, which were subject to the unwelcome attention of spies and paid informers working for the Crown. Byrd shared in the family’s religious life at the house.

The concert will be given by chamber choir Vocalium. Formed in 2011, its members live across the UK. Many of the singers are alumni of the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, a choir of Aberystwyth University. From those student days, the choir has developed a deep and life-long passion for music from the Tudor period.

All profits in support of the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS).

By kind permission of Lord Petre.