Join me this afternoon on The Classical Network, as we commemorate Notre Dame Cathedral and celebrate its legacy as a center of sacred, cultural, historical, patriotic and – not least – musical significance.

Miraculously, reports are coming in that the cathedral’s Grand Organ has survived the fire – though in what condition it is in is anyone’s guess. This is the instrument on which Louis Vierne and Maurice Duruflé regularly improvised. Vierne even died at the console!

The organ will be represented in recordings this afternoon, following today’s Noontime Concert.

First, we’ll hear two selections for Holy Week, courtesy of Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS). The ensemble Artek will perform “Lamentations of Jeremiah” by Johann Rosenmüller and Bourbon Baroque, Inc. will perform the “Stabat Mater” of Luigi Boccherini.

These works were presented as part of the Midtown Concerts series, held at the chapel of St. Bartholomew’s Church, 325 Park Avenue, in New York City. Free concerts take place at St. Bart’s on Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. For more information, visit GEMS’ website, gemsny.org, and click on the events calendar.

Following today’s Noontime Concert broadcast, I’ll share an hour of sonic impressions of Notre Dame de Paris, featuring the Grand Organ, the cathedral choir, and the tolling of its magnificent bells. The remainder of the afternoon will be a celebration of France and its iconic centerpiece.

“Our Lady” will rise again, from 12 to 4 pm. EDT, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.