Audition to Sing with the Oratorio Society of Queens!

QUEENS, NEW YORK — The Oratorio Society of Queens (OSQ), under the artistic direction of Maestro David Close, is holding auditions. Auditions will be the Monday, January 12 and Monday, January 19 at 7:00 pm at the FSG Hall at Temple Beth Sholom.

If you sing and would like to join us onstage, and look out at a packed house and exuberant audience, make plans now!

The OSQ Spring performance this year will feature Haydn’s “Missa in angustiis,” better known as the “Lord Nelson Mass.” There was a great deal of tension in the late 1790’s, the decade of its composition, since Napoleon’s escapades had the crown-heads of Europe quaking in their boots. The mood of excitement and foreboding is reflected in the brilliant musical language of this score which is considered to be the pinnacle of Haydn’s achievement in this genre. There will also be special selections from favorite choral works that we all know and love – reflecting a wide range of music that is the American choral experience.

OSQ rehearses every Monday evening from 7:45 to 10:00 pm in Temple Beth Sholom (in the FSG Hall) at 172nd Street and Northern Blvd. in Flushing. Audition-listenings are pre-rehearsal, starting at 7:00 pm on January 12 and 19 only. Reservations are required. If you pass the audition, you will go directly into rehearsals.

As for the chorus, even with over 125 members, OSQ is eager to add to its roster of altos, sopranos, tenors, and bass singers each year.  We are a diverse group of men and women, young and old, of varied backgrounds and differing levels of singing ability—from sight-readers to those who learn by ear and doing. According to Maestro Close, “Chorus singing, and especially OSQ, gives each individual the chance to get involved and take part in an activity that artistically enhances their skills, brings satisfaction, and results in a product of great beauty…People who love to sing are encouraged to join OSQ,” said Mr. Close. “Most of our members began singing in a church or temple choir or in a high school chorus or college glee club.” We hope you’ll join us.

The Oratorio Society of Queens sponsors a Choral Scholarship Program that offers talented high school and college students the opportunity to sing and perform with OSQ.

For additional information on rehearsals and concerts, call 718-279-3006 or visit www.queensoratorio.org