Oratorio Society of Queens Performing Annual Spring Concert Celebrating 85 Years of Singing!

The Oratorio Society of Queens celebrates its 85th
anniversary! Founded in 1927, it is the oldest and longest-running musical institution in the borough. To celebrate this historic landmark in community music-making, the chorus presents Beethoven’s “Mass in C, Op. 86” as
well as a special Armed Forces Salute, African-American Spirituals and Opera highlights on Sunday, May 20 at 4:00 pm in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community
College.

This Queens’ institution, an 85-year old community chorus comprising 120-plus members, sings under the direction of Maestro David Close. Featured soloists performing
with OSQ include Geraldine McMillian, soprano; Patricia Cay, mezzo-soprano;  John Easterlin, tenor; Vaughn Fritts,
bass-baritone.

More program highlights include Sanctus from the “St. Cecilia Mass” of Gounod, Bizet’s immortal “Habanera” and other opera favorites, African-American Spirituals, and
stirring patriotic songs reflecting a wide range of music that is the American choral experience.

Maestro David Close, recently said about Beethoven and the “Mass in C”: " Most folks have a romantic image of a composer sitting in his room, waiting to receive an inspiration to begin composing a new masterpiece. The reality is often quite different. Haydn, who had been Beethoven’s early teacher, recommended him to compose a mass for his patron, Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy II, since he, Haydn, was not well enough to undertake the task. Thus, out of being called in to pinch-hit, as it were for Haydn, Beethoven wound up creating a musical marvel that might never have existed. How lucky for us that he got the invitation!

For additional information, please call the Oratorio Society of Queens at 718.279.3006 or visit www.QueensOratorio.org