Tuesday 1 April 2008

Stondon Massey: Through Changing Scenes - Saturday 19 April 2008 - additional performance arranged for 4.00pm

High interest in history event means additional performance

The congregation of a small village church is now to stage two performances of its village's history on the same day. With just over two weeks to go until 19 April, 'Through Changing Scenes - a history of Stondon Massey in words and music' has sold such a large number of tickets for the 7.30pm performance that it has been decided to hold another presentation at the earlier time of 4.00pm. Andrew Smith, one of the organisers said, "Interest in this event has taken us by surprise. We held an almost sell-out event at Blackmore in February. Stondon's connection with the Elizabethan composer, William Byrd has boosted ticket sales and we are fortunate that his life and work is currently being shown on BBC FOUR as part of the television series 'Sacred Music'. It was at St Peter and St Paul Church that Byrd was buried in 1623". He adds, "The church holds only 80 people so 'Tuneful Accord', at short notice, has kindly agreed to a 4 o'clock show".

'Tuneful Accord', who have clocked up 26 'Through Changing Scenes' performances to date in nearly as many churches, is directed by Christine Gwynn. The music at Stondon will feature short pieces by William Byrd as well as more light hearted pieces. The text, which Andrew has researched and written, draws on the writing of Stondon's Victorian clergyman, Revd Reeve. This one-off event is not to be missed!!.

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