“Adiemus” receives its regional premiere in Rochester’s own Sanctuary City
ROCHESTER, NY — The Rochester Oratorio Society is thrilled to present its stunning 2026-27 season opener with the regional premiere of the powerful piece, Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary, on Saturday, October 30, at 7:30 pm at the Hochstein School of Music. Rochester Deputy Mayor Michael Burns will make a special appearance.
ROS Artistic Director Eric Townell promises this performance to be “a thrilling experience with a feeling of ritual, providing an exotic and tribal element.” The audience will be treated to a full rendition by approximately 200 performers including Rochester Oratorio Society Chorus and Orchestra, the Nazareth University Percussion Ensemble, Sankofa African Dance & Drum Ensemble, the Roberts Wesleyan Chorale, and a children’s choir from Honeoye Falls-Lima schools.
Adiemus became an instant sensation in 1994 when it was first heard as a short song by Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins for a Delta Airlines ad. Thanks to its unique African and Celtic musical inspiration—and Jenkins’ unique ‘invented language’—Adiemus has captured the imagination of music lovers worldwide. Jenkins later expanded it into a full album titled Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary, awarded 17 gold and platinum discs. The meditative escape is meant to equip listeners with a sonic “sanctuary.” The ROS concert will feature the complete nine-movement piece performed in its entirety.
“This extraordinary performance speaks to Rochester’s identity as a city of the arts, full of culture and connection,” said Mayor Malik Evans. “Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary brings together diverse voices and traditions from across our community. It’s a reminder of how the arts can unify and create a sense of belonging. We are proud to celebrate its regional premiere here in Rochester.”
“This beautiful and moving music, with its pageantry and inclusivity, is a perfect fit for Rochester, our own Sanctuary City,” added Townell. “We are incredibly proud and honored to be premiering it here.”
ROS welcomes the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence as its newest Community Charity Partner for this special concert.
For tickets and more information, visit www.rossings.org/events or call (585) 473-2234. Individual ticket prices are $35/general admission at the door; $30/advanced general admission; and $25/advanced for seniors and students. An $80 season subscription is still available through October 15.
