Stile Antico

Wednesday, 2 September 2026 at 5:00 pm

England’s Nightingale

Oude Muziek

Domkerk Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

Stile Antico marks 400 years since the death of William Byrd by exploring the many faces of this extraordinary composer, amongst the greatest that England has ever produced. This programme weaves together the strands of Byrd’s complex life as both pillar of the Protestant musical establishment and faithful servant to the underground Catholic community. The audience encounters Byrd working loyally at the Chapel Royal, thrills to his anguished musical entreaties in support of his fellow Catholics, and savours the gentler music of his latter years.

William Byrd: Emendemus in melius 

‘A good egg’ – Byrd, the loyal subject

Byrd: Sing joyfully
Byrd: Miserere mihi
Byrd: This sweet and merry month of May a6

‘The caged bird’ – Byrd, the Catholic at court

Byrd: Quomodo cantabimus
Byrd: Haec dies quam fecit Dominum
Byrd: Tristitia et anxietas

‘A country nest’ – Byrd, the Essex Gentleman

Byrd: Factus est repente
Byrd: Optimam partem elegit
Byrd: Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes
Byrd: Retire my soul

Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis

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