Rochester Oratorio Society Celebrates the Season in Heartwarming Style
A heartwarming mix of familiar classics and a world of carols awaits listeners at the Rochester Oratorio Society’s [ROS] 80th annual holiday concert on Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m., at Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester.
Featured works include the Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns, Christmas in the Western World by William Grant Still, and the music that marked the beginning of ROS 80 years ago: choruses from Handel’s Messiah. Special guests, the Hochstein Youth Singers, directed by Maryellen Giese, also perform. ROS Artistic Director Eric Townell conducts, and Julia Figueras narrates.
The 150-voice ensemble reprises the serenely beautiful Christmas Oratorio for chorus, string orchestra, and harp, by Camille Saint-Saëns. ROS will perform this seasonal favorite for the first time in over 20 years.
Christmas in the Western World, a fascinating collection of traditional carols from Native American, Canadian, Latino, and Black cultures by Black American composer William Grant Still, will feature Julia Figueras as narrator.
Handel’s Messiah is a familiar favorite for Christmas. ROS presents the exciting choruses from the Christmas portion of the piece, which were featured in its founding performance 80 years ago.
Generations of ROS Alumni returning to sing, combined with the youthful sound of the Hochstein Youth Singers, make for a celebratory 80th-anniversary Christmas holiday concert to be enjoyed and long remembered by all. “Definitely bring the family!” exclaims Townell. “In this concert, there’s a holiday gift for everyone to enjoy and share.”
To purchase tickets, visit www.rossings.org or call 585-473-2234. There are discounts on advance ticket purchases, including for students and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door will be full price or contact the Foundation Office at 585-345-6809. Tickets are limited, so reserve yours today.
