The ROS Presents “American Voices”
A concert of choral showpieces closes the 71st season of concerts for the Rochester Oratorio Society in AMERICAN VOICES, Friday, May 12, 2017, 7:30 P.M., at Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue, in Rochester. Tickets ($25) are available by phone at (585) 473-2234 or online.
Aaron Copland’s familiar, favorite Four Motets set the stage for the sumptuous Pilgrims’ Hymn, by Stephen Paulus, and the serene Evening Prayer by Norwegian-born American composer Ola Gjeilo, featuring saxophone soloist Paul Van Horn.
Soprano Elena O’Connor is the soloist in Amy Beach’s Credo from Mass in E-flat and in a moving tribute to Martin Luther King (Robert Chilcott’s MLK). “A rising star…” (Democrat and Chronicle who took a top prize in Rochester’s Classical Idol vocal competition, Ms. O’Connor has garnered rave reviews in opera and oratorio performances nationally. A Western New York native, she makes her home in Rochester.
Joining the ROS will be The School of the Arts Concert Choir, John Gabriele, Director, as featured guests. The concert closes with four rousing spirituals by Americans Carol Barnett and Steven Dobrogosz, who makes his home in Sweden.
The Rochester Oratorio Society, the region’s premier large mixed chorus for adults, presents 4-6 performances annually, sings with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and presents the Rochester International Vocal Competition each spring. Information on the ROS and its productions may be found at http://ROSsings.org or by calling the office at (585)473-2234.
