Queens Oratorio Society Raise Their Voices
By LeeAnn Close

As its longtime audience well knows, the Oratorio Society of Queens (OSQ) is not a society of orators, debaters or "speechifiers" but a community of people who love to sing great choral masterpieces, including oratorios - which are biblical dramas, set to music for chorus, soloists and full orchestra.

Maestro David Close leads a group that loves to sing.

Established in 1927 by Flushing folks who loved to sing, the Oratorio Society was Queens' answer to the prestigious Oratorio Society of New York, founded 54 years earlier. Without the acoustics and grandeur of Carnegie Hall, the Flushing Oratorio Society brought the best of classic choral music across the East River into Queens. As the population of Queens grew and prospered, so did the Flushing Oratorio Society and in 1985 the Society incorporated as the Oratorio Society of Queens, reflecting the expanding participation of voices from neighborhoods beyond Flushing. Today the membership is borough-wide and even includes several Bronx and Nassau County residents.

In the upcoming newsletter of OSQ called "The Singers' Voice," Maestro David Close shared his thoughts on the recent Spring concert and the community spirit of OSQ.

"As we look toward the fall, we turn again to our inspiring holiday programming to which every year, we and our audiences look forward," he said. "Great masterpieces have a way of continuing to be fresh and exciting. If that were not the case, Handel's 'Messiah' would not have had as long a run as it continues to have. 'The Fantasticks' and 'Phantom of the Opera' have some catching up to do!"

Queens Oratorio Society members are practicing for this year’s holiday concerts.

OSQ traditionally presents two or more concerts a year, in winter and spring, and several benefit concerts around the holidays. If you pass the North Presbyterian Church in Flushing on a Monday night between September and May, you will hear the sounds of music, for rehearsals are in session. Over 100 singers are having their weekly rest and relaxation.

"It is what I do Mondays," said Charlene DeGregoria, an alto with almost 20 years in OSQ.

"To the very best of my ability, I refuse to make exceptions. Singing is my soul food," added second alto Karen Mauer, "and my soul needs constant nourishment."

What makes Oratorio particularly unusual is their togetherness. Yes, they meet and sing together every Monday night nine months of the year, but they're friends as well. They enjoy each other's company and grab every opportunity to spend social time together. Deep, lasting friendships are common among their members.

The OSQ Holiday Concert is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

For more information about OSQ concerts or becoming a member, call (718) 460-0726 or visit www.queensoratorio.org.