On Sunday, October 7, 2012, the members of the Westchester Oratorio Society will celebrate the group’s “Sweet Sixteenth” birthday, with an informal fundraiser for the Society’s 16th Season, its sixth under the baton of Benjamin Niemczyk, by hosting an afternoon of beautiful music and delicious food in the elegant setting of the Parish Hall of St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Bedford.
The event features the artistry of pianist and composer John Alan Rose and his wife, soprano Sing Rose, who will be performing selections from Mozart, Liszt and Debussy, as well as previewing an aria from Mr. Rose’s new family opera “Rumpelstiltskin,” which will be premiered the following week by the Empire Opera Company at the new National Opera Center America, in Manhattan.
Mr. Rose’s work has received high praise from critics and fellow artists alike, including the widely respected pianist Stephen Hough. Mr. Rose just returned from Eastern Europe where he collaborated with the Dubrovnik Philharmonic Orchestra in Croatia. He and his wife recently appeared in concert at the Hungarian Consulate in NYC.
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A native of Korea, Sing Rose grew up as a prodigy in a family of musicians. At an early age, she appeared on Korean television and won First prize at the Korean National Music Competition in Taegu. Pursuing her music studies in the United States, she received her Master's degree at SUNY Purchase Opera Department, and has since established a distinguished career in the U.S. and abroad.
The couple is well known in Westchester and Fairfield counties for their collaborations, often in support of local causes, as is Mr. Rose, himself, who is the pianist for Stevens United Methodist Church in South Salem where his work as accompanist for the Choir has been highly praised.
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The oratorio society will present its first concert of the season on Sunday afternoon November 18 at the beautiful Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford, featuring Schoenberg's "A Survivor from Warsaw" and Brahms' "A German Requiem." The group’s spring concert will feature Beethoven's "Choral Fantasy" performed by the internationally renowned pianist Hélène Grimaud in memory of the Society's co-founder Robert McDonald.
The season will also afford an opportunity to hear WOS’s chamber choir perform in a concert at the Chappaqua Library and in a holiday concert at Muscoot Farm. The group will also host a sing-along "Scratch Messiah" in Somers. WOS rehearses on Tuesday evenings in Katonah. Competent singers in all voices with an ability to read music are welcomed to join.
WOS’ “Sweet Sixteenth” party begins at 3:00 PM. Admission for the event is $40. To reserve a place or for further information about WOS, call, email or visit the group’s web site. Follow WOS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westchesteroratorio and Twitter at @westchesterora.
