Oratorio Society of New Jersey Elects New Board, Prepares for Fall

The Oratorio Society of New Jersey (OSNJ) recently elected a new Board of Trustees in advance of its 71st season. The Board consists of four volunteer officers and eight volunteer trustees who are responsible for managing all business aspects of the community choir based in Essex County.
Peter Braley of Montclair was re-elected president, serving a second term. John Willard of West Orange, who previously served as public relations chair, is vice president. Jean Siegel (Montclair) continues as secretary and Cia Siebert (Montclair) as treasurer.

New to OSNJ’s Board of Trustees are Patricia Fullilove (Orange) and Cynthia Rogers (Montclair). They join Grace Baumgarten (Bloomfield), Susan Ladov (Montclair), Scott Miller (Little Falls), Helen Paxton (Montclair), Robert Simmons (West Orange), and Dave Waggett (Montclair). Bette Chamberlin, formerly vice president (Montclair) and Norma Messing (Short Hills) are retiring trustees.

When asked about his new role on the Board, Willard said, “I’m very excited as the Oratorio Society starts its eighth decade to take on the role of vice president. I’m so proud of the excellent concerts that we present and look forward to sharing Handel’s masterpiece with the community.”

OSNJ’s fall concert will feature George Frideric Handel’s Judas Maccabeus, one of the composer’s best known oratorios noted for its pageantry and the famous chorus, “See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!” The concert will be held Saturday, November 18th, at 8 p.m., at Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave., Upper Montclair, conducted by Dr. Sándor Szabó, who has been the music director of OSNJ since 2005.

OSNJ’s annual “Messiah Sing” will be held Tuesday, December 5th, at St. James Episcopal Church, 581 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, at 7:30 p.m.

The choir welcomes new singers in all vocal parts. No auditions are required, but choral singing experience and ability to read music are preferred. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 5th, at Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave., Upper Montclair, at 7:30 pm. Additional information about OSNJ can be found at www.oratoriosocietynj.org or www.facebook.com/oratoriosocietyofnj/.

About the Oratorio Society of New Jersey

Founded in 1952, the Oratorio Society of New Jersey is an amateur ensemble dedicated to performing major works of the Western classical choral repertoire, from the Baroque era to the current century. Based in Montclair, choir members reside throughout Northern Jersey. Directed since 2005 by Dr. Sándor Szabó, OSNJ performs twice yearly at Union Congregational Church in Upper Montclair and presents an annual Community Messiah Sing in December. Recordings of numerous performances of OSNJ can be heard on the website www.oratoriosocietynj.org.

Further information is available at www.oratoriosocietynj.orgFunding for OSNJ has been made available in part by the N.J. State Council on the Arts/Department of State; and by the generosity of many other foundation, corporate and individual donors.