Where

Church of the Jesuits, Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta View map

Four hundred years ago in July 1623 saw the death of the outstanding English composer William Byrd; prolific and successful, he was a favourite at the court of Queen Elizabeth. But Byrd led a complicated existence as a devout Catholic in troubled Tudor times. Forced underground, he created some of his most expressive music for fellow Catholics to use in secret worship.

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Ticket sales finished!

Ticket sales for Singing in Secret: William Byrd, Queen Elizabeth, and Worship Under Wraps unfortunately have now finished! The last day of this event was on Sunday 15-Oct-2023. Ticket sales ended at Monday 16-Oct-2023 19:00.

Description

Sandy Burnett is one of the UK’s most authoritative broadcasters in the field of classical music. His broadcasts, interviews, and lectures are all underpinned by the hands-on experience of being a practising musician. 

Sandy will be working with the Monteverdi Project during a 3 day masterclass between the 13th and 15th October, culminating in a Lecture Recital on William Byrd.

Four hundred years ago in July 1623 saw the death of the outstanding English composer  William Byrd; prolific and successful, he was a favourite at the court of Queen Elizabeth. But Byrd led a complicated existence as a devout Catholic in troubled Tudor times, when to  infringe strict religious rules ran the risk of imprisonment or even death. Forced  underground, he created some of his most expressive music for fellow Catholics to use in  secret worship. This talk celebrates the best of Byrd’s awe-inspiring work and reflects on  what it means to create superb art in circumstances of great danger.