Dec. 13, 2018 Sponsored Story
This annual spectacle mixes time-honored traditions with unique, cutting edge innovations…and the music is inspiring.
The Oratorio Society of Queens will present its annual Holiday Concert – featuring Christmas carols, Hanukkah favorites, classic songs from the 18th century, and some secular ditties — at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center in Bayside on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 4 pm.
During the first half, Maestro David Close will conduct the 125-person-plus ensemble and choir through selections of “Messiah,” composer Georg Handel’s 1741 operatic masterpiece. At times, Jennifer Gliere (soprano), Byron Singleton, (tenor), and Nathan Bahny (bass-baritone) will sing solos of the text that describes Jesus Christ’s life, from the prediction of his virgin birth to his post-resurrection ascension into Heaven.
The second half will explode with Chanukah tunes “Mi Y’Maleil,” “S’vivon,” and Maestro Close’s signature arrangement of “Ma’oz Tsur!” Then, it’ll be time for “The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite 2” and a funky jazz version of Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad.” The audience will then get involved by clapping along to the “Radetsky March” by Johann Strauss Sr. before the soloists and chorus close the show with a powerful rendition of “O Holy Night.”
It’s entirely possible that the audience and performers will spontaneously belt out some more Christmas carols at the end.
Tickets cost $35, but seniors (at least 62 years of age) and students can attend for $35. Children (12 and under) pay $10 a piece.
Queensborough Performing Arts Center is located at 222-05 56th Ave. on Queensborough Community College’s campus. There is free parking in a lot next to the theater.
Established in 1927, the Oratorio Society of Queens is the borough’s oldest performing cultural organization. Volunteer membership is multi-cultural and borough‐wide with several Bronx and Long Island residents.
Maestro Close has been the artistic director and conductor for more than 40 years. The Bayside resident is also the music director and organist at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church in Forest Hills and the organist at Temple Am Echad in Nassau County’s Lynbrook. He’s also the artistic director and conductor of the Great Neck Choral Society.
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