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Mozart Requiem for Remembrance Sunday
by Dr. Paolo Bordignon, Organist and Choirmaster
Mozart’s Requiem, K. 626, stands as one of the supreme achievements in the canon of sacred music. Commissioned anonymously in 1791, Mozart undertook the work when his professional prospects looked brighter than ever. Indeed, he had written a few months earlier, “Now I stand at the gateway of my fortune.” (“Nun stehe ich vor der Pforte meines Glückes.”) He undertook composing the Requiem, having recently been appointed to St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, with the understanding that he would succeed its ailing Kapellmeister. The appointment promised a prestigious and lucrative position in the capital’s most important church, and a new Requiem setting would serve well at funeral services of prominent members of the aristocracy.
But fate would have it otherwise. Mozart took ill and his condition deteriorated so rapidly that, within 15 days, he was dead at age 35. His widow Constanze contacted three different pupils about completing the work from Mozart’s drafts; this was ultimately finished by Franz Xaver Süssmayr.
The mysterious circumstances of the commission and Mozart’s unexpected death have given rise to a number of myths about his final days, including the notion that he was writing the work in preparation for his own death. But the work transcends those few months in 1791 and offers its own truths as a profound meditation on mercy and the hope of life after death.
St. Bartholomew's Choir and Orchestra will offer this work in memory of all those we see no more. I hope you might be able to attend this moving and beautiful service with us in person.
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The Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost: Remembrance Sunday
Sunday, November 8
Join us in person at 9 am, 11 am, or 5 pm. The Reverend Zack Nyein, Senior Associate Rector and Pastor of Imagine Worship, will preach at all services.
Join us online at 11 am. Download the service leaflet to follow along as we livestream from the church on our website, Facebook, and YouTube.
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The Forum
Sunday, November 8 at 10 am
Palliative Care in a Death Denying Culture
Professionals from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center speak with the Reverend Molly O’Neil Frank, BCC, about the importance of palliative care in a culture that routinely shirks from the reality of death.
Please post your questions in the comments on Facebook or YouTube, or email the Reverend Peter Thompson at pthompson@stbarts.org.
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A Choral Feast: Mozart's Requiem
Sunday, November 8 at 11 am
On the Sunday after All Saints’ Day (known in some contexts as Remembrance Sunday), we remember all who have died over the course of the past year as St. Bartholomew’s Choir offers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem, K. 626, with chamber orchestra. Learn more.
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Explore Class for Newcomers
Sundays, November 1–15 at 12:30 pm in Room 33
Wednesdays, November 4–18 at 7 pm via Zoom
Explore is for anyone new to St. Bart’s or The Episcopal Church and interested in learning more. This three-week series provides an overview of Christian belief and practice, through a progressive and open-minded lens. No question is off the table, and all are welcome. A light lunch is offered. Sign up at stbarts.org/explore.
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The 2027 Pledge Campaign at St. Bart’s
The 2027 Pledge Campaign at St. Bart’s, “Meeting This Moment as One,” is nearing its fourth and final week, and we are grateful to our Campaign Co-Chairs, Rachel Farrar and Vivian Roston, for their leadership and to all who have already declared their 2027 commitments to St. Bart’s. Every pledge matters!
Please join them and help us to achieve our $1.6M goal at stbarts.org/2027pledge or by filling out a pledge card. Pledges received by this coming Sunday, November 8, will be acknowledged in our Celebration Sunday service leaflets on November 15.
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Click here for a complete list of Community Groups and activities after church this Sunday.
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Holiday Closure
Wednesday, November 11
The church and Community House will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
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The Forum
Sunday, November 15 at 10 am
Many Members, One Body
Members of St. Bart’s celebrate the remarkable diversity of our beloved community as the pledge campaign concludes.
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, November 16 at 6 pm
Central Synagogue, 652 Lexington Avenue
St. Bart's joins neighboring congregations in gratitude and fellowship for an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Stay after the service for refreshments and connection. All are welcome. Please note that a separate Thanksgiving Eve service will not be held at St. Bart’s this year.
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Paolo Bordignon, harpsichordist, in recital
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:30 pm
The harpsichord is not only the instrument epitomizing the High Baroque but also a vehicle for the refined expressiveness of the Rococo, the Empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style), and galant styles of the later eighteenth century. Join us for a program exploring some of this repertoire, including music of François Couperin, G.B. Martini, and a dazzling concerto by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach with an ensemble of strings. Purchase tickets here.
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Trans Day of Remembrance
Friday, November 20 at 6 pm
Join St. Bart’s and the Translatina Network for a multi-faith service honoring lives lost to violence and celebrating resilience, hope, and healing. Learn more and volunteer.
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Upcoming Memorial Services
Please join us to celebrate a member of our community who recently died:
Bobby Armstrong, Saturday, November 21, 10 am
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Welcome Sunday
Sunday, November 22 at 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm
Anyone who has found their way to St. Bart’s in the past year and considers it their spiritual home is invited to be recognized and blessed. A reception will be held in the Great Hall at 12:30 pm. You belong already. Let’s make it official! Sign up here.
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Fare Share 2026
Friday, November 27
Crossroads’ annual Fare Share 2026 will take place on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Over 400 guests will enjoy a holiday carry-out dinner and choose gifts from a Holiday Bazaar. Help Crossroads reach their fundraising goal here.
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Our Advent & Christmas Schedule is Here!
Plan your holiday season with St. Bart’s! Our full schedule of Advent and Christmas services, music, and celebrations is now available online. We look forward to sharing this joyful season with you. Explore the schedule here.
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Advent Lessons & Carols
Sunday, November 29 at 5 pm
Join us for one of the most beloved services of the season! Our combined choirs offer Advent carols and anthems interspersed with readings about the coming of Christ. A festive reception follows in the Great Hall. Eucharist in the chapel is offered after the service for those who wish to attend. Join us in person or via livestream.
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Advent Lessons & Carols Reception
Sunday, November 29, immediately following the
service in the back of the church
Our annual Advent Lessons & Carols Reception is a joyful St. Bart’s tradition and an opportunity to come together as a parish to begin the Advent season. Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or simply enjoy sharing good food, we’d be grateful for your contribution. Bring a treat to share or volunteer to help with setup and cleanup. Contact Paul Rodriguez at prodriguez@stbarts.org to learn more.
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St. Bart's Sermons and The Forum Now Available as Podcasts
You can now listen to sermons and The Forum on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. Subscribe to Sermons at St. Bart's and The Forum at St. Bart's on your favorite podcast app to receive new episodes each week.
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The Forum, Sunday, November 1 at 10 am
Paul, Democracy, and the Corinthians
Sunday, November 1 at 11 am
All Saints' Day
The Sermon from Sunday, November 1 at 11 am
The Little Saints Among Us
by the Reverend Molly O’Neil Frank, Assisting Priest
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