The Rochester Oratorio Society will perform a variety-filled program of music based on the ancient Magnificat text, with selections by Puccini, Bruckner and John Rutter at Hochstein Performance Hall in Rochester on November 1 at 7:30 p.m.

The ensemble, led by Maestro Eric Townell, Artistic Director, will open their 2019-20 season with this performance. The Antara Winds perform a solo selection and the Rochester Oratorio Society Orchestra will play Corelli’s brilliant Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 1.

Originating from the Latin word for “magnify” (although originating in the Greek New Testament), the Magnificat is the name given to the words of Mary in Luke’s Gospel, beginning “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” According to the gospel, Mary, while pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elisabeth, who was at the time pregnant with John the Baptist. In response to Elisabeth’s salutation Ave Maria, she spoke the words of the Magnificat.

“This text has inspired great music from a variety of composers,” said Townell, who has been leading the chorus since 2006. “This is an exciting program and the choir sounds great! We look forward to sharing it with our audience.”

Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and are available at https://ROSsings.org or at (585) 743-2234. Tickets at the door are $25.

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 https://ROSsings.org or at (585) 743-2234.