In aid of the St Mary Mary Magdalen's Restoration and Development Trust, the Choir of Mary Mags (plus guests) will be performing the complete Latin works of William Byrd within a 24-hour period.

The roof of the Church of St Mary Magdalen, Oxford, has been in need of replacement for some time, and the water damage to the interior of the church is clear for all to see. Whilst we're delighted that a date has been set to undertake the necessary repairs, the funding is not complete and we need to raise £6,000 from this project alone.

William Byrd (c.1540-1623) was an Elizabethan composer whose works include some of the most well-known and popular English choral music ever written. His choral works are performed around the world and he composed about 470 compositions throughout his lifetime, gaining a reputation as one of the great masters of European Renaissance music.

There are approx 200 motets, and 3 Masses, adding up to around 16 hours of music making. Byrd is the most represented composer in the choirs' library - there aren't many composers whose works consistently please singer, congregation, and clergy alike.

The concert will begin at 5pm on Friday 20th January 2017, until midnight, and pick up again at 8am 21st January until 5pm. It will also be live-streamed online for those who are unable to hear it in person.

Many thanks for any support you can give.

http://www.stmarymagdalenoxford.org.uk/byrd-is-the-word