Choral evensongs are back at Stonegrave Minster this summer - with a twist.
The Minster will be celebrating the work of William Byrd on the 400th anniversary of his death in 1623.
Byrd was one of Queen Elizabeth the First’s court composers – the other being Thomas Tallis. But Byrd hid a secret spiritual life, having converted to the Roman Catholic faith in about 1570. So he composed Anglican music for performing at the Queen’s court, and secret Latin masses that were sung in private Catholic houses throughout England – many of them here in Yorkshire. He once was hauled before a Recusancy court – which could have resulted in his torture or death, only for the court clerk to read a message from the Queen that the case should not persist. And it didn’t.
So to hear Byrd’s music, come along to the Choral Evensongs at Stonegrave Minster this summer, with the Helmsley Chamber Choir. Stonegrave Minster is at YO62 4LJ and the services are all at 6pm on the following Sundays: June 18, July 9, August 20. September 17, October 15.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here