Summer Festival of Sacred Music Continues Today with Works by Tomas Luis de Victoria

The 19th annual Summer Festival continues today, August 11 at 11 am with with a service featuring repertoire by Tomàs Luis de Victoria (1548-1611).

St. Bartholomew's Choir presents repertoire from the Spanish high Renaissance, celebrating its greatest master, Victoria, with his resplendent Missa "Vidi Speciosam," as well as the motet that inspired it (of the same name).

Despite his Italian training and the international renown he enjoyed, Victoria's heart remained close to the Catholicism of his native Spain and his entire output consists of sacred vocal music. For many listeners, the mystical intensity and direct emotional appeal of his style embody the passion and fervor of Spain in its musicAl Golden age.

The "Vidi Speciosam" Mass and motet find the composer at the height of his expressive powers, depicting text infused with imagery of the Song of Solomon: "I beheld her, beautiful as a dove... her garments filled with perfume beyond price." The works are richly scored expanded from the typical four voices to six and, in the final Agnus Dei, even seven.

St. Bartholomew's Choir will be conducted by Paolo Bordignon, Associate Director of Music.

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. Bart's, located at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit the website for the complete schedule.