Part of the Saint Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church Fall 2023 Byrd Celebration

Pre-Concert Lecture 6:30 pm

Byrd – Mass for Four Voices
Weelkes – Ninth Service
Motets and Anthems

In the first concert of our 27th Season, Join Polyhymnia as we commemorate two very different and very English composers who both died in 1623, William Byrd, a devout Catholic, and Thomas Weelkes, a Protestant libertine. Both composed music for Elizabeth I and James I. Weelkes was firmly planted in the English Cathedral repertoire composing Services and anthems for the now-established Anglican Church. William Byrd composed music for clandestine Catholic celebrations of the Roman Mass at the country houses of Catholic nobility while appeasing Elizabeth and James while retaining his post as a gentleman of the Chapel Royal and providing music for the court.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy our concerts, and we understand that not everyone may be able to afford the published ticket prices. If you would like a ticket to one of our concerts, don’t hesitate to contact info@polyhymnia-nyc.org, and we will arrange for a pay-as-you-will or free ticket. Rest assured that our arrangements are strictly confidential.