The Honour of William Byrd explores many sides of the man and his music, encompassing the honouring of his contemporaries, the honouring of his Catholic faith under a Protestant regime, honouring the Protestant Queen Elizabeth despite his Catholicism, and honouring his country.

If musical output gives us an indication of the person within, then who is this man who is both devoutly Catholic yet clearly a favourite of the Protestant Queen who made his faith illegal, a serious character capable of weighty contemplation but also sharp wit and humour, and the loyal friend who wrote so personally and touchingly of the loss of his teacher and friend Thomas Tallis? This programme explores the proud Englishman, devoted friend, loyal subject, and faithful servant who was William Byrd.