Summer Festival of Sacred Music Continues with Misa Criolla, 8/22

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music at St. Bartholomew's continues on Sunday, August 22 at 11 am with a service featuring an Argentine Mass, Misa Criolla by Ariel Ramírez.

Composed in 1963 by the contemporary Argentine composer, Ariel Ramírez, the Misa Criolla combines the rhythms and traditions of Latin America with the traditional mass. This choral work incorporates a variety of Argentine folk styles from the lively dance carnavalito for the Gloria movement to the tragic vidala and baguala for the Kyrie. These elements are incorporated into the Mass without losing the dignity of its ritual. It will be accompanied by guitar as well as authentic Latin American percussion instruments. Misa Criolla will be offered to honor the memory of Ramírez, who died earlier this year.

Misa Criolla will be sung by St. Bartholomew's Choir, William K. Trafka, conductor. Adam Tully will be the guitarist.

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.

St. Bartholomew's Church is located at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street and Lexington or E Train to 53rd and Lexington. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit www.stbarts.org/sacredmusic.asp.