OPENING WEEKEND EVENTS

This year's festival opens with Artistic Director Mark Williams in concert on Holy Rosary's beautiful Bond Organ. The program, titled The European Organ, showcases works by Cabezón, Araújo, Grigny, Mozart, Bach, and Byrd. Following the recital, join Festival Director Blake Applegate and the singers of Cantores in Ecclesia for the Office of Compline (Night Prayer). This entirely sung service will feature Byrd's Nunc dimittis alongside other festival favorites.

The festival's first ticketed event features an intimate vocal chamber concert with twelve singers directed by Blake Applegate. They will present an array of Marian masterpieces by the four pillar composers of the Renaissance: William Byrd, Orlando di Lasso, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Tomás Luis de Victoria. At the heart of the program is Lasso's rarely performed eight-part Stabat Mater. Other highlights include an antiphonal setting of the Magnificat and Byrd's expansive Salve Regina. A reception will follow the concert.

Introducing the Byrd Festival Pass

View the full Festival Schedule

For over 25 years, the Byrd Festival has prided itself on offering FREE recitals, lectures, and services open to ALL. Of this year's ten festival events, only three are ticketed. Providing this kind of unparalleled access to high quality music and scholarship to the community has been possible through the ongoing generosity of our supporters, donors, and volunteers. Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing work and legacy of our founders, Richard Marlow and Dean Applegate. Your gift—in any amount—will help secure the festival's future.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your continued friendship and support.

With warmest wishes and with gratitude,

Mark Williams, Artistic Director & Blake Applegate, Festival Director