A Dramatic and Passionate Performance
The Oratorio Society of New Jersey (OSNJ) kicks off its new season with “Feel the Power:
Mendelssohn’s Elijah” on Saturday, November 14th at 7:30pm at the Union Congregational
Church, 176 Cooper Ave, Montclair, NJ. Recognized for its dramatic variety, Mendelssohn's
powerful oratorio Elijah tells the Old Testament story of the prophet through striking choruses
and expressive arias.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Dr. Sándor Szabó, OSNJ will be joined by an orchestra
and distinguished soloists. The part of Elijah will be sung by baritone Rocky Eugenio Sellers,
whose resume includes performances with the Metropolitan Opera, the Houston Grand Opera,
and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He will be joined by soprano Holly Thomas, mezzo-soprano
Eunjoo Huls, and tenor Christopher Lucier. Dr. Szabó is a well-known, highly respected and
prolific musician who directs several musical groups in the New York metropolitan area’s
classical music community, including the Szabó Chamber Music Society.
Elijah is one of the most popular oratorios ever written, rivaling Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s
Saint Matthew Passion. Part of the appeal is the title character - Elijah is a revered figure in all
three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. But it’s the unique power of
Mendelssohn’s presentation of Elijah’s heroic, passionate story that draws audiences in and
moves them. The music conveys a full range of dramatic variety, from the intensity of
earthquakes and fires to the intimacy of a “still small voice” that vindicates Elijah’s faith. Such a
work gives the singers of OSNJ the opportunity to show their talents and versatility.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door – plus OSNJ has introduced student pricing:
$15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Doors open at 7:00pm for the 7:30pm performance – please arrive early due to General
Admission seating. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the Oratorio
Society of New Jersey website at oratoriosocietynj.org/.
About the OSNJ
The Oratorio Society of New Jersey (OSNJ), based in Montclair, NJ, has enriched the cultural
environment of the North Jersey community for more than 70 years. OSNJ’s repertoire includes
classics of the Western choral tradition from the Renaissance through the 21st century.
Professional soloists and instrumentalists join the volunteer choir for concerts each spring and
fall.
The membership of OSNJ includes adults of all ages and of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious
backgrounds who come together weekly to experience the joy of singing, expand their musical
knowledge, and improve their vocal technique. For more information, visit
oratoriosocietynj.org .
Funding for OSNJ is made available in part by the N.J. State Council on the Arts/Department of
State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex
County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs; and by the generosity of many other foundation,
corporate and individual sponsors.