Since 1997, Paul John Stanbery has led a festival that is unique in the Midwest: The Ohio Mozart Festival.

“Our Mozart presentations continue to be a cultural drawing card for the entire region,” says Stanbery, music director of the Butler Philharmonic. “The chance to present this stunningly beautiful score in a place that has such an acoustically and visually rich environment is surely a ‘bucket list’ opportunity. Upon entering, one feels as though they were transported to Vienna, just for an afternoon.”

Stanbery and his orchestra, the Butler Philharmonic, presents the “Grand Finale Concert” of the Ohio Mozart Festival at 4 p.m. Sunday; April 22 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 171 Washington St. in Hamilton.

This concert marks the first performance of symphonic music in the historic church, which has an acoustical environment that rivals the cathedrals of old Europe.

The free concert will feature Mozart’s Mass in C Minor “The Great,” K. 427. Along with Mozart’s “Requiem,” the C Minor Mass is one of his greatest works and, for the chorus and orchestra, an ambitious undertaking, Stanbery notes. The concert will close with Mozart’s lovely motet “Ave Verum Corpus,” a traditional “planned encore” at all Ohio Mozart Festival presentations since 1997.

Joining the orchestra and the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus are artists from the Cincinnati Opera: Jennifer Cherest, soprano; Kaylee Nichols, mezzo soprano — both making their debuts — and returning artists Scott Wyatt, tenor and Thomas Dreeze, baritone.

The concert will also mark the close of the 150th Anniversary Year celebration of St. Joseph Parish in Hamilton.

Held every two years, the festival is a series of community wide events related to the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of history’s greatest musical minds. Other events included the “Meters for Mozart” 5K Race and Walk at Voice of America Park. Native son Bryan Wallick, an accomplished pianist, and members of the Philharmonic appeared at the Fitton Center in Hamilton earlier this month. The “Jazz it Up!” Gala happens at the VOA on April 28.

There is no admission charge on April 22, but seating is somewhat limited. Additional parking will be available at nearby Riverside Elementary School, 250 Knightsbridge Dr.in Hamilton, a short walk away. For more information, please visit the Butler Philharmonic website at www.butlerphil.org. 513-895-5151 Symphony Office.