Colchester Chamber Choir is pleased to celebrate one of the town’s most eminent sons, the madrigalist John Wilbye, through regular performances of his work.
Wilbye is one of the most famous composers of English madrigals and lived in Trinity Square as musician to the aristocratic Mary Darcy, Countess Rivers, from 1628 till his death in 1638. Prior to this he was employed in the household of her father, Sir Thomas Kytson, at Hengrave Hall in Suffolk. Wilbye was probably buried, like his patroness, in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church, opposite the house.
The Grade II listed house has recently been restored and today offers luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation. For more information go to www.trinitytownhouse.co.uk or telephone 01206 575955.
English madrigals are secular part songs written in the 16th and 17th centuries, usually for unaccompanied voices. Wilbye’s most popular works include Weep, Weep O Mine Eyes and Draw On, Sweet Night.
Colchester Chamber Choir
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