ROS Celebrates 70th Anniversary
1945-2015
Mendelssohn and His World
October 14th
Welles-Brown Room at the Rush Rhees Library
Please join us for several events and lectures in our first-ever collaboration with the newly-formed Humanities Center at the University of Rochester. On October 14th, the Humanities Center and ROS present “Mendelssohn and His World,” which explores the music, the life and times of composer Felix Mendelssohn. The lecture begins at 7PM in the Welles-Brown Room at the Rush Rhees Library. In addition to guest scholars and local experts presenting panel discussions, museum visits, we will also feature a pre-concert presentation by eminent Mendelssohn scholar, Dr. R. Larry Todd, of Duke University, preceding the ROS performance.
Felix Mendelssohn’s ELIJAH
Friday, October 30, 2015 – 7:30 P.M.
The Hochstein Performance Hall
50 North Plymouth Avenue
With special guest Jan Opalach, world-renowned bass baritone and Eastman School of Music faculty member, singing the title role in collaboration with soloists Elena O’Connor, soprano; Katie Hannigan, Mezzo Soprano; and Grant Knox, tenor. Conductor Eric Townell leads the ROS Orchestra assisted by ROS and select small ensemble members.
A CITY SINGS FOR THE SEASON
Sunday, December 6, 2015 – 3:00P.M.
Sibley Building, the Atrium
228 East Main Street
Join us for this free and open-to-the-public holiday concert at Sibley with special guests ROCMusic Collaborative, the Spiritus Christi Gospel Choir and the Hochstein Youth Singers.
Co-sponsors include The City of Rochester, Volunteers of America Upstate New York and the Clover Center for Arts and Spirituality.
Donations of clothing and personal care items accepted at the door benefit the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network. WinnDevelopment has graciously donated use of the space for this event.
70th Celebration Concert
Friday, March 11, 2016 – 7:30PM
The Hochstein Performance Hall
50 North Plymouth Avenue
We invite you to hear some of the “greatest hits” of the choral repertory selected by ROS members and by alumni across the country. Alumni and old friends are especially welcomed back as present music by Rutter, Brahms, Haydn, Lauridsen and others.
ROS will be accompanied by organ and the Festival Brass Ensemble. ROS Emeritus Conductor Roger Wilhelm and Guest Conductor Gwendolyn Gassler share the podium with Conductor and Artistic Director Eric Townell.
Rochester International Vocal Competition X
Saturday, April 9, 2016 – 7:00PM
Temple B’rith Kodesh
2131 Elmwood Avenue
In this gala event, ten rising stars of the international vocal performance scene demonstrate the expressive power of the human voice through polished renditions of the most moving classics of opera, art song and oratorio. Their thrilling performances mark careers in the making as distinguished judges offer constructive commentary in real-time.
Cash awards and concert appearances go to the top performers. Audience members will sample elegant refreshments in a cabaret setting and then submit their ballots for the Audience Favorite cash award.
Tickets are available through the ROS Office, 585.473.2234 or online.
Judges Panel
Maestro Gildo DiNunzio, Italian Coach and Assistant Conductor with the Metropolitan Opera
Constance Fee, international performing artist and Vocal Program Director and Associate Professor of Vocal Performance at Roberts Wesleyan College.
Martha Wade, President of Wade Artist Management
Eric Townell, ROS Artistic Director and Conductor will moderate the panel.
Brenda Tremblay, WXXI Morning Drive Host and Producer for Classical 91.5 FM will emcee the evening.
The Rochester International Vocal Competition is one highlight of the 70th season of the Rochester Oratorio Society, the region’s leading large choral ensemble.
