Karol Szymanowski’s (1882 – 1937) magnificent oratorio, “Stabat Mater,” will be performed Wednesday, April 16 at 8 PM at St. Ignatius Loyola Church (980 Park Avenue, 83 / 84 Streets, Manhattan). Kent Tritle will lead the Choir and Orchestra of St. Ignatius Loyola and soloists in this great work, one of Szymanowski’s towering achievements and one of the outstanding choral works of the twentieth century.

Although it ranks with Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms” and Faure’s “Requiem,” the “Stabat Mater” is rarely performed; the most recent hearing in New York was nearly 20 years ago, and this is a rare chance to hear this wonderful composition. Tickets are $35. Preferred seating is $45, students / seniors $25.

The concert includes Camille Saint-Saen’s monumental “Organ Symphony” (Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78) and Joseph Jpngens “Hymn for Organ and Orchestra.” At 7 PM, renowned organ virtuoso Ken Cowan, Assistant Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, performs a pre-concert organ recital featuring music by Widor, Ducasse, Saint-Saí«ns and Dupre.

Additional information is available at Sacred Music in Sacred Spaces, by E-mail, or by telephone at (212) 288-2520.