Summer Festival of Sacred Music Continues at St. Bart's, 7/20

The 20th annual Summer Festival continues on Sunday, July 20 at 11 am with a performance of Ariel Ramírez's Misa Criolla.

Aríel Ramirez was an Argentine composer, pianist and music director. He was considered "a chief exponent of Argentine folk music" and noted for his "iconic" musical compositions. Ramírez is known primarily for his Misa Criolla (1964). It allowed him to travel around Europe and Latin America to build his reputation. He had more than 300 compositions during his career and sold millions of albums. By the time he died in 2010, his work was globally renowned. Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Mercedes Sosa are some of the artists to have recorded his work.

Misa Criolla is a synthesis of popular and liturgical styles. It is based on South American folk music, particularly the rhythms and melodies of Argentina. It is scored for chorus, tenor soloist, charango (a small Andean stringed instrument of the lute family), bass and keyboard. Native percussion instruments such as the Bombo Argentino (Tenor Drum) and Tumbadoras (Trinagle) are also used.

St. Bartholomew's Choir with Christopher Carter, tenor soloist, will be conducted by William K. Trafka. Guitarist Adam Tully will play the charango.

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 Eucharist or Mass, 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) 378-0222or visit our website for the complete schedule.