Oratorio Society Holds Auditions

By Joe Marvilli

Calling Queens singers: If you would like to put your vocal talents on display, you will have your chance in Flushing this month.

  The Oratorio Society of Queens is holding auditions at Temple Beth Sholom in the FSG Hall on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom is located at 171-39 Northern Blvd. Reservations are required to try out.

  If you are thinking about auditioning, make sure your Monday nights are free first. The group rehearses every Monday from 7:45 to 10 p.m.

  If selected, the first chance the new singers will have to perform in front of a crowd is at the choir’s spring concert. The performance will highlight “Messa di Gloria” by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. The choir will also sing special selections that represent the wide range of music that makes up the American choral experience.

  Even though its numbers exceed 120 members, the OSQ is still looking for singers of all vocal types.

  The expansive efforts by the choir fit in with their long history. The society is a very diverse performing cultural organization, the oldest in the borough. It started back in the Spring of 1927. Its cultural mission is to share “a love of classical choral music with its friends and neighbors throughout Queens.”

  Typically, both a holiday concert and a spring concert are held every year. The OSQ also sponsors a Choral Scholarship Program that gives high school and college students the opportunity to perform with the organization.

  The group is currently led by artistic director David Close, a conductor, concert pianist, composer and former opera coach at Queens College.

  “Chorus singing, and especially OSQ, gives each individual the chance to get involved and take part in an activity that artistically enhances their skills, brings satisfaction and results in a product of great beauty. People who love to sing are encouraged to join OSQ,” Close said. “Most of our members began singing in a church or temple choir or in a high school chorus or college glee club.”

  To register for an audition, send an e-mail to info@queensoratorio.org with your name, phone number and email address. Choral experience is preferred.

  Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.