St. Bart's 23rd Annual Summer Festival Continues on Sunday 7/23

The 23rd annual Summer Festival continues on Sunday, July 23, at 11 am with a service of music by Benjamin Britten.

Benjamin Benjamin (1913-1976), British composer, conductor and pianist was a central figure in English classical music in the 20th century. His compositions span all genres including opera, orchestral, chamber, vocal and choral works.

He is best known for his epic opera "Peter Grimes" as well as for his "War Requiem" composed in 1962. Britten also composed a great deal of music for children, including his large opera "Noye's Fludde." The musicologist Philip Brett, reflecting on Britten's legacy writes, "He is a key figure in the growth of British musical culture in the second half of the 20th century, and his effect on everything from opera to the revitalization of music education is hard to overestimate."

Throughout most of his life, Britten composed important works for the Anglican Church, including a Missa Brevis, cantatas, canticles and anthems. St. Bartholomew's Choir will offer his cantata "Rejoice in the Lamb," a setting of Christopher Smart's epic poem "Jubilate Agno," as well Britten's " Hymn to the Virgin." The choir will be conducted by William K. Trafka. Jason Roberts 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 Eucharist or Mass, the liturgical context for which it was composed. All Summer Festival events are free and open to the public.