Orlando Chamber Choir, in which our fellow member Maxime sings, presents a programme of secret Catholic devotional music by William Byrd in its first concert with new director of music Richard Wiberforce. Although prescribed for the country, simple homophonic Protestant music did not apply to Elizabeth Tudor's own services, where Tallis and Byrd (both RC) sang in her private choir that was the Chapel Royal.

The centrepiece of the concert is the small but perfectly formed Mass for Four Voices (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei), with motets such as Laudibus in sanctis, Vigilate, Civitas sancti tui and the sublime Quomodo cantabimus, the response to Super flumina Babylonis  (de Monte). Part of the genius of Byrd is that his pieces work equally well whether performed one-to-a-part or with larger forces such as Orlando.

Soloist update: tenor Michael Solomon Williams and lutenist James Akers will join and perform the treasonous Byrdy song Why do I use my paper, ink and pen? and other pieces by Dowland, another secret RC composer.

Tickets are £12 (£8 concession) - book online via this link or pay at the door.

Polyphonic music can be an intellectual assault on both brain and ear. Make your life easier by downloading scores free from CDPL.

St Andrew Holborn has been a site for worship since Roman times - you can see my photos here. We will join the singers in the pub after the concert, although I don't think we can all cram into the tiny Ye Olde Mitre, the nearest watering hole to the church.