The Rochester Oratorio Society has announced that it will host a virtual symposium of music, expert discussion and personal histories centered around Ernest Bloch’s “Sacred Service.” The symposium will take place June 7, 8 and 10 and is free to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged.

“From 1911 to 1951, Bloch produced seven seminal works on Jewish themes,” said Eric Townell, artistic director of the Rochester Oratorio Society. “Sacred Service has become a cultural icon alongside the great sacred works of other traditions by Handel, Haydn, Beethoven and many others. Its message is one of hope, survival, unity and reassurance for all. We’ll expand the discussion to include personal histories of migration to Rochester’s neighborhoods during these formative years.”

The symposium will feature special guests Cantor Isaac Assor, Lisa Kleman, Hazzan Randall Levin, Dr. Klára Móricz, and Rev. Dr. C. Denise Yarborough and will be moderated by Eric Townell and Mona Seghatoleslami.

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.

The Rochester Oratorio Society is preparing to perform “Sacred Service” in the fall as part of their upcoming 2021-2022 season, and the symposium will include the chance to hear a preview in the form of rehearsals. For additional details, schedule, and registration, visit www.rossings.org/symposium.

ABOUT THE ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY:

Founded in 1945, the Rochester Oratorio Society is the region’s leading choral ensemble. The Oratorio Society has toured the world, commissioned and premiered major works and collaborated with the region’s finest vocalists, instrumentalists and ensembles. The organization produces four to six performances annually as well as the Rochester International Vocal Competition, each spring. Information on the Oratorio Society and its productions may be found at www.rossings.org or at (585) 473-2234.