Summer Fest of Sacred Music at St. Bartholomew Continues With Charles-Marie Widor, 7/18

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bartholomew's continues with Charles-Marie Widor's Mass for Double Choir and Organ on Sunday, July 18 at 11 am.

Perhaps the greatest master of the French Romantic organ school, Widor composed his "Messe à deux choeurs et deux orgues" in 1878 for the grand church of St. Sulpice in Paris and its magnificent Cavaillé-Coll organ. The dramatic antiphonal effects between organ and choir and its skillful choral writing led one 19th century critic to remark: "...it has the strength of Bach and Handel, combined with the penetrating grace of Mendelssohn... The Agnus Dei is one of the most delicate and inspired of Widor's creations."

St. Bartholomew's Choir will be conducted by William K. Trafka. Paolo Bordignon will be the organist.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place each Sunday morning at 11 am at St. Bartholomew's Church during the summer months. At a time when most churches reduce their musical offerings, St. Bartholomew's Church provides outstanding sacred music sung by St. Bartholomew's Choir and Boy and Girl Choristers, two of New York City's most renowned choirs. Works include an array of mass settings from the 15th century to the present, embracing a diversity of cultures from around the world. The music is sung as part of the 11 am service, the liturgical context for which it was composed. All Summer Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place at St. Bartholomew's Church at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit www.stbarts.org/sacredmusic.asp for the complete schedule.