Secret Byrd
Friday 8th September, 6pm & 9pm
Back by popular demand after its acclaimed sold-out world premiere performances in January, Secret Byrd returns to St Martin’s for two special performances on one day only. Don’t miss this landmark production The Guardian described as ‘glorious.’
The Gesualdo Six with Fretwork
Created and Directed by Bill Barclay
England’s finest composer was a covert Catholic facing brutal prosecution. Hear Byrd’s Mass for 5 Voices as he intended: sung for private worship in strictest secrecy.
A limited audience roams freely around a costumed and staged performance in the intimate Crypt of St Martin’s, breaking bread and celebrating Byrd’s ravishing masterpiece.
This performance invites secular and religious audiences alike to commune with some of the most ravishing music ever written, recreating the music (and the spiritual intensity) of forbidden Catholic worship at the height of England’s golden age. Co-commissioned with Washington National Cathedral and touring the US and UK in 2023.
Produced by Concert Theatre Works
Reviews for their previous performances:
‘An intriguing example of how to create a non-traditional concert experience.’ – Washington Classical Review
‘If they haven’t already filmed this, they should for when the initial tour is over. In the mean time, do try to see it live.’ – Early Music Review
‘Secret Byrd is deeply moving – a spiritual experience sensitively translated for a secular age . . . ‘ – The Tablet
There are two ticket types for this performance:
£40 – includes soup and a seat
£35 – standard ticket
If you book a ticket which includes soup and a seat, you will be given a wristband before you enter the performance space. Please arrive 30 minutes before the performance starts to be given your wristband, and ensure that it is clearly visible throughout the performance.
Please note that this concert will last for approximately 75 minutes without an interval.
Dates, Times & Book
Fri 08 Sep | 6:00 PM | £40/£35 | Sold Out |
Fri 08 Sep | 9:00 PM | £40/£35 | Book |
Share this event
Other things to do
Choral Classics: Let all the world
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm
A beautiful 30 minute sequence of words and music, exploring much-loved choral repertoire.
Great Sacred Music: World Science Day
1:00 pm - 1:35 pm
Revd Dr Sam Wells explores the story and the meaning behind the music of our religious heritage, with music performed by St Martin's Voices.
Great Sacred Music: Ten Years of Great Sacred Music
1:00 pm - 1:35 pm
Revd Dr Sam Wells explores the story and the meaning behind the music of our religious heritage, with music performed by St Martin's Voices.
Sounds of Latvian Nature
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Latvian Voices are a professional a cappella group from Latvia, the land that sings.
Great Sacred Music: In the Stillness
1:00 pm - 1:35 pm
Revd Dr Sam Wells explores the story and the meaning behind the music of our religious heritage, with music performed by St Martin's Voices.