Benjamin Niemczyk, Artistic Director and conductor of the Westchester Oratorio Society is looking forward to his group’s 2012 Spring Season which will culminate with a 15th Anniversary performance of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua on Sunday afternoon, May 6th. 

“Elijah” is widely considered to be the composer’s masterpiece and the greatest oratorio of the 19^th Century.  The concert will feature the Old Testament oratorio performed with professional soloists and orchestra in the setting of the Congregation’s distinctive wooden Sanctuary designed by noted 20^th Century architect Louis Kahn to evoke the old Synagogues of Eastern Europe.

 Before that, on Sunday, March 4, the oratorio society will be presenting a free chamber concert at the Chappaqua Library with intimate portrayals by American and European composers including Bruckner, Chadwick, Liszt and Schubert, plus a world premiere by local composer John Velonis.

The Westchester Oratorio Society is in its fifth year under the baton of Mr. Niemczyk who is a founding member of C4 (Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, www.c4ensemble.org), the nation’s largest new music choral ensemble.  The group is known for its local performances of early music, traditional choral masterworks and contemporary pieces, as well as appearances in the New York metropolitan area including with Rebel Baroque Orchestra and the Brooklyn Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Cathedral of St. Johns the Devine. 

The chorus rehearses in Katonah, NY on Tuesday evenings, and according to Mr. Niemczyk, experienced singers may still join in time to perform “Elijah.”  For more information call 914-763-9389, email westchesteroratorio@gmail.com or visit the group’s website at www.westchesteroratorio.org.