SVF has been championing early English music for more than 30 years, but this is the first recital we have had devoted to the wonderful music written by William Byrd and his followers for the virginal – the Elizabethan word for plucked keyboard instruments of all types. Steven Devine uses copies of two historic instruments to mark the 400th anniversary of Byrd’s death, on 4 July 1623 at Stondon Massey near Brentwood. Byrd’s keyboard music, and that of his followers such as John Bull, Orlando Gibbons and Peter Philips, was copied and imitated all over Europe. It is one of the glories of the Elizabethan and Jacobean age – to be ranked with Shakespeare’s sonnets or Nicholas Hilliard’s miniature paintings.

The quiet, atmospheric Quaker Meeting House in Sudbury, built in 1802, is perfect for early keyboard music, but space is limited so early booking is recommended.

‘Steven Devine is one of the finest harpsichord players around at the moment’ Seen and Heard International

Tickets: £15 reserved (SOLD OUT), £12 unreserved (half-price to those under 30)