The Oratorio Society of Queens Sings the Fauré Requiem

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    When:
    May 22, 2016 all-day
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    Where:
    222-05 56th Ave
    Bayside, NY 11364
    USA
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    Cultural Event Music / Concert Event The Arts Event
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    Oratorio Society of Queens

    The Oratorio Society of Queens Sings the Fauré Requiem

    Sunday, May 22, 2016, 4:00 pm

    Queensborough Performing Arts Center
    222-05 56th Avenue
    Bayside, NY 11364

    Oratorio SocietyTicket prices are $35 general admission, $30 seniors and students with ID; children, 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, $10. For additional information, please call the Oratorio Society of Queens at 718.279.3006 or visit www.QueensOratorio.org

    Learn more at the official site here…

    With the warmer weather comes blossoming flowers and with it the Oratorio Society of Queens’ Spring Concert! Prepare to be swept away in the first half of the concert with Fauré’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, both works rich with beautiful harmonies and lyrical balance. Fauré himself brought deep emotion to this work, having composed it in memory of his parents. Gounod’s “Sanctus” from the St. Cecilia Mass perfectly complements Fauré’s works with its amazing and moving beauty. Thrill to Cesar Franck’s rousing setting of the “150th Psalm,” a masterpiece of praise and glory known the world over.

    The Oratorio Society of Queens, singing for Queens for almost 90 years, will perform with its 125-plus member chorus under the direction of Maestro David Close with featured soloists Paula Rocheleau, soprano, John Easterlin, tenor, Vaughn Fritts, bass-baritone. Sung live by the Oratorio Society of Queens (OSQ) and its own orchestra, the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens, conducted by Maestro David Close on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 4:00 pm in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC), Bayside, New York.

    OSQ prides itself on presenting the Queens community with performances of some of the best choral masterpieces ever composed, exemplary guest soloists, and uplifting musical selections. For the second half of the concert Maestro Close and the orchestra join together with esteemed organist, Dr. Philip Brisson, music director and organist of the Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, Kentucky. They bring to us the finale of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” (Symphony No. 3, Opus 78), a brilliant arrangement of orchestral color. Mozart called the organ the “King of Instruments” because of its majestic, thunderous sound. The opportunity to hear it live is not to be missed! Compositions for organ and orchestra are not often performed and as a Queens arts institution it is a thrilling honor to perform this for the community.

    The program also includes “If We Were In Love” from the 1982 film musical Yes, Giorgio starring Pavarotti. Performed by four-time Grammy-winning tenor, John Easterlin, he brings his stirring voice from the Broadway stage in his current role as Ubaldo Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera. The chorus will also perform Carmen Dragon’s amazing version of “America the Beautiful,” showcasing the breathtaking arrangement of an iconic, award-winning Hollywood composer. It is sure to bring tears to your eyes! The chorus and orchestra invigorate the audience with the great anthem to freedom and justice, “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” arranged by Peter Wilhousky. For many years Wilhousky led the All City High School Chorus of New York, and served as Toscanini’s chorus master for many televised operatic performances.

    Queensborough Performing Arts Center is located in Queensborough Community College at 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside, NY – on 56th Avenue one block east of Springfield Boulevard in Bayside. Parking is free on the main lot next to the theater, which offers easy-access entry.

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    David Close, conductor

    Paula Rocheleau, soprano
    John Easterlin, tenor
    Vaughn Fritts, bass-baritone
    Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens

    Rejoice in hearing Fauré’s uplifting and moving Requiem sung live by the Oratorio Society of Queens and its own orchestra, the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens, conducted by Maestro David Close.

    FAURÉ                       Cantique de Jean Racine
    FAURÉ                       Requiem in D minor, Op. 48
    GOUNOD                  Sanctus
    FRANCK                   Psalm 150
    SAINT-SAËNS          Symphony No. 3, Opus 78, (“Organ”), Final movement
    WILLIAMS                “If I Were In Love”
    DRAGON arr.            “America the Beautiful”
    WILBERG arr.           “Come Thou Fount”
    WILHOUSKY arr.     “Battle Hymn of the Republic”