Join us as we commemorate two very different and very English composers who both died in 1623, William Byrd, a devout Catholic, and Thomas Weelkes, a Protestant libertine. Both composed music for Elizabeth I and James I. Weelkes was firmly planted in the English Cathedral repertoire composing Services and anthems for the now-established Anglican Church. William Byrd composed music for clandestine Catholic celebrations of the Roman Mass at the country houses of Catholic nobility while appeasing Elizabeth and James while retaining his post as a gentleman of the Chapel Royal and providing music for the court. The concert will include Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices, the grand Ninth Service of Weelkes, motets, and anthems.