Oratorio Society of New York - Chorus Member News and Notes Archive

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November 2009

Alfreda Haaland
     OS alto Alfreda Haaland extends an invitation to the Annual Norwegian Christmas Fair, November 19-21, 2009, at the Norwegian Seamen's Church.
     The church is located at 317 East 52nd Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, just down the block from Turtle Bay. Stop by the fair before rehearsal on Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon. You'll find a great selection of Norwegian handicrafts, jewelry, ornaments, clothing and delicious Norwegian food.
     For more information, please visit www.kjerka.com, or call 212-319-0370.

Carole Swaim
The society offers condolences to alto Carole Swaim. Carole's one-year-old granddaughter, Maddie, passed away on Nov 10.

Ted Stent
The society offers prayers and good thoughts to Jean Stent, wife of tenor Ted Stent, who underwent surgery recently.

Kent Tritle
     Kent will conducting two upcoming concerts and you are of course invited!
     The first is on November 11th at St Ignatius and the second is November 13th at Manhattan School of Music
     The St. Ignatius program is Purcell’s gorgeous Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day (1692) along with Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” and two stunning a cappella motets of Herbert Howells. Howells’ “Take him earth, for cherishing” was written on the death of JFK.
     Click here for the SMSS Flyer.
     Please visit the SMS Website, or call 212-288-2520 for more info.
     The MSM concert features the MSM Sinfonia (orchestra) with the MSM Symphonic Choir and Chamber Choir performing Schubert’s Mass in G and the Mozart’ Requiem. OSNY Choral Scholar baritone Daniel Schwait is featured in the MSM concert, singing baritone solos in the performance of Schubert’s Mass in G!! Tickets for that concert are available from the MSM concert office. That number is 917-493-4428.
     Click here for the MSM Flyer.
     Please visit the MSM Website for more info.

Sandy MacDonald
OS soprano Sandy MacDonald will be joining Coro Allegro in the world premiere of Robert Stern's "Shofar" at Harvard's Sanders Theater in Cambridge November 15, 2009 please tell any friends in the area. (A recording is planned for January.) The program also includes world-renowned baritone Sanford Sylvan performing Vaughan Williams’ "Five Mystical Songs". Details at the Color Allegro website.

Chad Cygan
OS tenor Chad Cygan is running the Nov. 1, 2009 ING NYC Marathon in his lovely green singlet and needs to raise money for charity in the process. Join him by donating to the Team for Kids (program which he is running for) and making the bouncy miles softer on Chad! He's got to get to $2,500 by November!
Visit this website and enter his name and/or entry number:
Visit this website, and you'll need this - here is his entry number: 425990

Jim Taratunio
     OS tenor Jim Taratunio invites you to A Fashionable Taste of New York:
          Monday, November 9th, 2009
          6:00pm – 9:30pm
          The Prince George Ballroom
          27th Street (between Fifth and Madison)
     As the President of AYUDA for the Arts, this year’s gala brings great excitement and fun for a great cause.
     An evening of Food, Fashion and Fun
     For those who are not very well acquainted with our vision and mission – we, Alliance for Young Urban Design and the Arts (AYUDA for the Arts) were created to provide educational opportunities to financially disadvantaged youth in metropolitan areas, initially New York City.
     Joining us is Bruce Seidel, SVP programming for Food Network and Executive Producer for “Iron Chef of America” as part of our gala committee. This year will be honoring three artists we have chosen for this year’s Guiding Star Awards.
     Tina Ramirez: Founder of Ballet Hispanico
     Chef Art Smith: Celebrity Culinary Chef for Oprah and President Obama/
     Kent Tritle: Master Choir Conductor/Doctoral Professor at Juilliard/Organist - New York Philharmonic
     In addition to Chef Douglas Rodriguez who appeared on “Top Chef Masters” as well as Chef Alex Garcia, our Event Chairman, we have three chefs that are currently competing on the “Next Iron Chef” including Chef Roberto Treviño from Puerto Rico.
     There will also be thousands of dollars in auction items available.
     We hope you will join us for this delightful evening of culinary pleasures. Please go to our website www.AyudaArts.org and take advantage of the advance internet discounted ticket prices. We hope to see you there.
     And ask for me when you get there.
James J. Taratunio
President, Board of Directors
AYUDA for the Arts
www.AyudaArts.org

October 2009

Shirley Medwick
The society offers condolences to OS soprano Shirley Medwick. Shirley's sister Lilian passed away in early October.

September 2009

Emily Crawford and Chad Cygan

Congratulations to OS members Emily Crawford and Chad Cygan! Emily and Chad were married on September 26, 2009.
Click the image for a larger view.

Sandy MacDonald
Laurel Devaney, the daughter of OS soprano Sandy MacDonald, will be participating in a 300-mile Boston-to-NY bike ride to benefit the AIDS services offered by New York's LGBT Center. Should anyone wish to learn more about the ride (and perhaps contribute?), please visit her site.

August 2009

Jennifer Rosa
     OS soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of Music Forum and The Stoop Concert Series.
     On Saturday, August 15, 2009, The Stoop will present Jazz Underground featuring the acclaimed Greg Tardy on saxophone with Jaimeo Brown, Joel Weiskopf, and Chris Haney. Mr. Tardy has been praised by Jazz Weekly as, "a monster tenor saxophonist."
     Doors open at 7:30pm with show time at 8pm. 417 West 57th St. (b/w 9th & 10th Aves.) - Venue Provided by Church For All Nations. This is a free event open to the public with a suggested donation of $12 to support the efforts of Music Forum events at The Stoop.
     For more info about The Stoop, visit www.TheStoopNY.com.

July 2009

Robin Ludwig
The society offers condolences to OS alto Robin Ludwig. Robin's mother, Blanche Ploeger, passed away last week.

Jennifer Rosa
      OS soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of Music Forum and The Stoop Concert Series.
     On Saturday, July 18th, Music Forum of Church For All Nations will present a concert featuring world renown, Emmy-nominated harp guitarist, John Doan in a concert featuring his original pieces as well as some classics.
     The afternoon will be hosted by Chris MacIntosh (a.k.a. Grandfather Rock) of WCWP Radio. A pre-concert lecture will begin at 3pm with the concert following at 3:30pm. Doors open at 2:30pm. Mr. Doan’s pre-concert lecture will showcase the highly unique harp guitar as well as highlight the Christian aspects of the works to be performed. While the concert is free, Music Forum will be accepting suggested donations of $12.
     Church For All Nations; 417 West 57th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues. Saturday, July 18th. Doors open at 2:30pm; Pre-concert lecture at 3pm; Concert at 3:30pm. Suggested donation $12. More info: (212) 333-5583 or www.TheStoopNY.com.

Philip Drury
The society mourns the death of former OS member, Philip Drury. A long-time member of the tenor section, Phil died on Friday, July 3, at the age of 88. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 2:00 pm, at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street.

June 2009

Betty Allen
The society mourns the death of Betty Allen. Ms. Allen, a long time member of the OSNY Board of Directors and a great advocate for music and musical education in New York, passed away on Monday, June 22.
There are obituaries on the Harlem School of the Arts website, and the NY Times website.

Paul Zorovich
The garden of OS bass Paul Zorovich and his wife, Karen Dixon, is famous! At one of the OSNY Service Auctions, Paul and Karen were the winners of garden coaching services offered by Ellen Spector Platt, who is the wife of OS bass Ben Platt. An article about their garden has been published on the Garden Bytes website.

Jane Franklin
     The society mourns the death Jane Franklin, a long-time member of the alto section. Jane passed away on April 11, at the age of 92.
     A memorial service for Jane will be held on Friday, June 26th, 11:00 am at the 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, in the Chapel. (The church is located at 53rd Street and 5th Avenue.)

Sandy MacDonald
     Chelsea Opera presents "Suor Angelica", June 4-7, 2009, with OS soprano Sandy MacDonald as Sorella Dispensiera.
          Thursday, Friday and Saturday,
          June 4th, 5th & 6th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
          Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
          St. Peter's Church in Chelsea
          346 W 20th Street, NY (btwn 8 & 9)
          Tickets General Admission: $30 advance/$40 at door
          Preferred Seating $35 advance/$45 at door
          $20 seniors/students ($25 at door)
          Matinee Performance: $20 advance/$25 at door
For more info, visit the Chelsea Opera website. Click here for tickets.

Grace Matubis
     OS soprano Grace Matubis extends the following invitation and with a link for discounted tickets.
     VitiMedia (Bringing You A Culture of Excellence) is proud to present the world-renowned University of Santo Tomas Singers in their 2009 New York City performance:
          “Unending Grace:
          A Thanksgiving Concert on the 400th Year of UST”
          Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral
          263 Mulberry St., NYC 10012
          Saturday, June 13, 2009
          7:00 PM.
     Highly respected and sought-after in the international choral music scene, the UST Singers have earned a beloved global niche with their nearly two decades of impressive concerts and appearances that spanned nearly all continents.
     Please click here for discounted tickets.

May 2009

Jennifer Rosa
     OS soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of The Stoop Concert Series.
     Indie musicians, Jason Harrod and Sarah Lentz will co-headline a night of originals on Saturday, May 16th at The Stoop. Scott Alarik of The Boston Globe praises Harrod saying, “What makes his songs so compelling is their emotional eloquence.” “Lentz fills up all the white space in her compositions, writing music that pours into the soul and fills it up with colors, insight, and belief,” hails Indie-Music.com.
     Caleb Hawley, a local folk rock singer/songwriter, will kick off the evening. The event will be hosted by Chris MacIntosh (a.k.a. Grandfather Rock) of WCWP Radio. Doors open at 7:30 pm., and showtime is at 8pm. While the concert is free, The Stoop will be accepting suggested donations of $12. Receive a free gift with the full suggested cover. The concert will take place at 417 West 57th Street (Venue provided by The Church of All Nations.)
     For more info, visit www.TheStoopNY.com, or call 212-333-5583.

April 2009

Malena Dayen
     Great News! On Sunday, May 30th, Malena Dayen, our fabulous King David witch, David Rosenmeyer's wife and fab mother of Lev, is singing CARMEN in Natchez, MS and would love to have you there with her and other OSNY members.
     So here's how to do this for about $500 for a great weekend on the Mississippi River. Leave on Friday afternoon and come home on Monday afternoon and stay in a great hotel in downtown Natchez.
     Information is on http://www.alcorn.edu/opera.
     The Eola Hotel has 131 rooms, enough for everyone! Reservations can be made at 866-445-EOLA for about $248 for a double room for the weekend. There's a bar, restaurant and looks great. It overlooks the Mississippi River, is in downtown Natchez!
     Delta has a flight leaving at 9:55 a.m and arriving, via Atlanta, at about 1:44 p.m. and is only $246 roundtrip according to www.orbitz.com.
     Tickets for the opera are $20, 35 or 45 per person.
     We'll put a sign up sheet for people who are planning on going, but find a roommate and book your hotel and flight ASAP.
     Malena will be thrilled to have a local audience in Mississippi and it will be a great mini-trip to end our season!

Jane Franklin
The society mourns the death Jane Franklin, a long-time member of the alto section. Jane passed away on April 11, at the age of 92.

Anne Sandberg
The society offers condolences to OS soprano Anne Sandberg. Anne's mother passed away on April 7.

March 2009

Anne Maxwell
As we prepare the Bach Mass in B Monor, OS alto Anne Maxwell thought we might enjoy seeing some photos for Bach's church - Saint Thomas, Leipzig, Germany. These are from her trip there in May of 2008.
Click and image for a larger view.

Bronze Statue of Bach outside the church
Bronze statue of Bach outside the church
The Sanctuary

Bach's tomb
The organ
Matthias Eisenberg rehearsing

Matthias Eisenberg rehearsing
The pulpit
Stained Glass: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

Stained Glass: Fredrick the Wise, Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon

Ronnie Oliver
     OS bass Ronnie Oliver will be conducting a choral concert at Christ Church on Friday, April 3, 2009, 8:00 pm.
     Sing, Be, Live...Peace: Choral music for men, women and mixed choirs.
     More info at www.christchurchnyc.org. Click on the image for a larger view of the concert flyer.

Simon Dratfield
Simon Dratfield, OSNY bass and principal flutist of the Grennwich Village Orchestra, will be playing in an “All-Spanish” concert with the orchestra on Sunday, March 29th, 2009, 7:30 PM at Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY $15; Member, Student, Senior $10; Child $5. Da Falla – Three Cornered Hat, Alonso - Curro el de Lora. The Curro el de Lora is a zarzuela, a Spanish operetta form which originated in Spain as a court entertainment in the 17th century and is still performed today. www.gvo.org.

Ellen Davidson
     OS soprano Ellen Davidson has shared this essay, "A Contemplation on Music," which makes some important points on why we do what we do.
     This essay was the welcome address to parents of an incoming freshman class at Boston Conservatory, given by Karl Paulnack, pianist and director of the
music division at Boston Conservatory.
     Click here to read the essay.

Daniel Molkentin
OS tenor Daniel Molkentin and pianist Loretta Terrigno will be performing "Die schöne Müllerin" by Schubert on Saturday, March 28, 2009, 5:00 pm, at Steinway Hall (upstairs), 109 W. 57th Street, NY. The concert is free!
Click here to view and print the flyer.

DiAnn Pierce
OS alto (and our librarian) DiAnn Pierce would like you to know that her 9-year-old grandson's first book is being released on April 1 in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide, in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Month. Although unable to speak due to his autism, Danson recently found his voice through the use of an alphabet board, and has begun sharing his poetry (and other thoughts) by pointing out individual letters that his mother Michele writes down for him. Michele co-wrote the book, chronicling Danson's daily life and the challenges they face together. Details about the book and about their life together can be found at www.dansonsbook.com.
The book is available at Amazon.com, BN.com, and Borders.com. OSNY members can obtain a copy from DiAnn for $15, which includes a $5 contribution to OSNY. Please contact DiAnn at dpierce@barnard.edu (or at rehearsal) if you would like a copy.

Jennifer Rosa
     Soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of The Stoop Concert Series.
     Indie musicians, John Austin and Erin Echo will headline a night of originals on Saturday, March 21st at The Stoop. Paste Music hails John Austin and Erin Echo saying, “Austin Echo exudes intimacy with its warm acoustic sound. The soul of each song takes precedence.” Local fold rock singer/songwriter Andrew Rose Gregory will kick off the evening, and the event will be hosted by Chris MacIntosh (a.k.a Grandfather Rock) of WCWP Radio.
     The concert will take place at 417 West 57th Street (Venue provided by The Church of All Nations) at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30 pm.) Suggested donation $12. Receive a free tote page with full suggested cover.
     For more info, visit www.TheStoopNY.com, or call 212-333-5583.

Brian and Marianne Percival
     OS members Brian and Marianne Percival are performing in Ragtag: Or the Mayor's New Suit an original family musical, based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes."
     Performances are at St. Luke's Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills (reservations call 718-268-7772, or check out the Gingerbread Players website at www.gingerbreadplayers.org).
     Saturday March 21, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
     Sunday March 22, at 2:30 p.m.
     Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
     Saturday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m.
     Sunday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m.

February 2009

Mary-Jo Knight
The Society offers condolences to OS soprano Mary-Jo Knight. Mary-Jo's mother, Grace Keelty, passed away on Feb 5. Services will be held on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8, 2009, at East Sumner Congregational Church, Main Street, Sumner, ME 04220. Donations in her memory can be made either to the OSNY or to the Congregational Church.

Kent Tritle
     Please join Kent Tritle and the Choir of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, for the US Premiere of Gavin Bryars' On Photography. Also on the program, works by DeMonte, Ligeti, Pendericki, Rachmaninoff, Part, Lauridsen and Oldham.
     Church of St. Ignatius Loyola
     Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 8:00 pm
     Tickets $45 preferred / $35 general / $25 student & seniors (general)
     More info: http://www.smssconcerts.org/choralconcert.php?id=57
     Article about On Photography: http://www.eamdllc.com/story.cfm?story_id=313

Simon Dratfield
     OS Bass Simon Dratfield is the principal flutist of the Greenwich Village Orchestra. They will be playing a concert on Sunday, February 8, 2008 at 3:00 PM at Washington Irving High (16th & Irving Place, 1 block east of Union Square).
     The program is:
          Vanhal - Concerto for Double Bass & Orchestra, Timothy Cobb, soloist
          Sibelius - Symphony No. 5
          Sibelius Finlandia
Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors and students), available at the door.
For more info: http://gvo.org/

January 2009

David Rosenmeyer
The Target Margin Theater presents Ten Blocks on the Camino Real, by Tennessee Williams. The musical director is our own David Rosenmeyer. The show runs from January 14-31, 2009 at the Ohio Theater, 66 Wooster Street. Visit www.TargetMargin.org, or call 212-352-3101 or 866-811-4111 for more info.

Jennifer Rosa
     Soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of The Stoop Concert Series.
     On Saturday, January 17, 2009, The Stoop will present the Boston vocal trio Maeve, with opener Brooke Campbell. An evening of acoustic pop originals, the concert will take place at 417 West 57th Street (Venue provided by The Church of All Nations) at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30 pm.) Suggested donation $12. Receive a free tote page with full suggested cover.
     For more info, visit www.TheStoopNY.com, or call 212-333-5583.

Joseph DeMerit
On Friday, January 2nd at 8pm, the third annual benefit performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” will be held at St. Augustine Church, 116 Sixth Avenue in Park Slope Brooklyn. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the restoration of the bell tower of the landmark Gothic Revival, High Victoria style church built in 1892. The volunteer cast includes OS tenor Joseph DeMerit (Kaspar). Suggested donations at the door are $20 General Public, $10 Students and Seniors.

December 2008

Chad Cygan
The Society offers condolences to OS tenor Chad Cygan. Chad's father died on Thursday night; the funeral will be on Tuesday in Chicago.

Alan Meltzer
The Society offers condolences to OS bass Alan Meltzer. Alan's mother, Jacqueline Meltzer, passed away. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at 11:30 am at Boulevard-Riverside Memorial Chapel, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, NY. (516-295-3100)
The family has asked that those wishing to make donations in her memory should direct them to: Hospice By The Sea, 1431 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486-3395.

Mary-Jo Knight
OS soprano Mary-Jo Knight has work in an art show at The National Academy of Fine Arts Student Exhibit from 12/12/08 to 12/20/08. The exhibit is at 1083 Fifth AVenue (at 89th Street.)

Helene Kirschner
The society sends get well wishes to OS alto Helene Kirschner. After her hip fracture over the summer, Helene has suffered a set-back and will shortly be having hip-replacement surgery. While she's not up to taking phone calls, she'd love to get some cards and notes from the chorus. Her address has been mailed to the chorus - if you missed it, write to Liz at ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org and she'll provide it.

November 2008

Jennifer Rosa
     Note: This concert does conflict with our Kaddish rehearsal, but the venue is close by and the concert will go until at least 11pm, so feel free to stop in after rehearsal.
     Soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of The Stoop Concert Series.
     Christopher Williams will headline a night of folk/acoustic on Saturday, Nov. 22 at The Stoop, a new music venue in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. An accomplished songwriter, storyteller, and entertainer, Williams has been described as a “hard-touring singer-songwriter and a master at spreading his personal energy out into a live audience.” Colin McGrath, a well-respected and eclectic songwriter/composer, will kick off the evening. The event will be hosted by Chris MacIntosh (aka Grandfather Rock) of WCWP Radio.
     The performance is at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30), at 417 West 57th Street, between 9th and 10th Ave. (Venue provided by Church for All Nations.) Suggested donation $12. Free tote bag with full admission. Call 212-333-5583, or visit www.TheStoopNY.com for more info.
     Click here for the pdf flyer. Click the image for a larger view.

Alfreda Haaland
     OS alto Alfreda Haaland invites you to attend the Norwegian Christmas Fair, Thursday-Saturday November 20-22, 2008, at the Norwegian Seamen's Church, 317 East 52nd Street (between 1st and 2nd Aves - just down the block from Turtle Bay.)
     Enjoy Norwegian handicrafts, wood crafts, nisser, knitwear, jewelry, Norwegian fashion items, decorations, ornaments, table cloths and much more! Large selection of Norwegian food. Cafeteria with Smogasbord. (Great food!)
     Stop by before rehearsal on Thursday, or before heading over to Juilliard on Friday or Saturday.
     Thursday, 11/20: 4:00-9:00 pm
     Friday, 11/21: 12:00-8:00 pm
     Saturday, 11/22: 12:00-7:00
More info: Click here, or call 212-319-0370

Isa Loundon
     OS alto Isa Loundon has recently joined the Junior Board of a phenomenal nonprofit called Step Up Women's Network, which brings together professional women to get involved in the community. The organization has four key program areas - Professional Development, Women's Health, Teen Empowerment and Social Networking - all of which women can get involved in as little or as much as they like.
     Isa would like to invite our female Oratorio Society of New York members to attend the holiday membership event, coming up on November 18th at Mansion in West Chelsea. The event includes a cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres, a multimedia presentation on Step Up, and a keynote speech by Ann Shoket (editor-in-chief of Seventeen and frequent guest on America’s Next Top Model).
     Admission to the party is complimentary. Please click here to register online.

Simon Dratfield
     OS Bass Simon Dratfield is the principal flutist of the Greenwich Village Orchestra. They will be playing a concert on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 3:00 PM at Washington Irving High (16th & Irving Place, 1 block east of Union Square).
     The program is:
          Saint Saens - Cello Concerto
          Dvorak - Silent Woods, Edward Arron, soloist
          Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique
Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors and students), available at the door.

Ben Platt
     News from Ellen Spector Platt, wife of OS bass Ben Platt:
     With another writer I've just started a garden blog, 'Garden Bytes from the Big Apple'. Ellen Zachos and I share city gardening tips, visit public and private gardens, green roofs, vertical gardens, rooftops, backyards, and, secret treasures and community gardens. We¹ll explore everything from foraging to formal; in ground, in containers and indoors. If it's growing and it's in NYC.... you¹ll find it here.
     We hope you visit us, leave your comments or questions at the bottom of any story, maybe even subscribe to get updates once or twice a week. (Free of course.)
Go to: http://www.gardenbytes.com.
Ellen has donated her Garden Coaching services twice to the OSNY auction.

Jim Taratunio
     OS Tenor Jim Taratunio is the president of AYUDA For the Arts – a non-profit organization providing scholarships to financially disadvantaged city youth who wish to pursue careers in the arts. AYUDA’s annual fundraiser, “A Fashionable Taste of New York”, will take place at Cipriani on Monday, November 10, 2008. Special discount tickets are available to OSNY members – only $100 per person. To purchase the discounted tickets, please send a note to Liz at ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org. She will give the password and instructinos to chorus members. For more information about the event, please see the AYUDA home page at http://www.ayudaforthearts.org.

Sasha Cooke
     Sasha Cooke, who was a third place winner in the Society’s solo competition, and has performed with us, is appearing in the Metropolitan Opera performance of “Doctor Atomic”. The Saturday, November 8, 2008, 1:00 pm performance will be simulcast to movie theaters around the country and around the globe. Sasha plays the lead female role, Kitty Openheimer. Conducted by Alan Gilbert.
For more info:
http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/broadcast/hd_events_next.aspx
and
http://www.fathomevents.com/details.aspx?eventid=732

October 2008

Dennis Chung
     New member, Dennis Chung, has a friend singing with the Orchestra of St. Luke's - here is the info:
     Wednesday, November 5th at 8p
     Congregation Shearith Israel at 70th and CPW.
He will be singing four Handel arias and also on the program is Bach's 5th Brandenburg concerto, Orchestral excerpts from Jeptha and a Flute concerto by C.P.E. Bach.
     The Orchestra of St. Lukes Home Page lists the concert program, time
and ticket info. http://www.oslmusic.org/home.

DiAnn Pierce
     A special request from alto DiAnn Pierce:
     To my friends at OSNY:
     I would like to ask your help in starting a music program in a special school where my autistic grandson is a student. Danson, who is 9 years old, is non-verbal but in the last couple of years has learned to communicate by spelling out words on a letter board. In addition to writing some very profound poetry (which will soon be published in his first book) Danson is very interested in music. As you may know, many autistic children are musically gifted, and music can be very beneficial in their treatment programs. Danson's teacher is a professional musician -- a former concert pianist turned special education teacher who has a piano in her classroom -- and they have a music therapist on staff (see http://www.celebratethechildren.org).
     As you can imagine, schools for special-needs children require a great deal of special equipment. Such schools are very expensive to run, and the parents and teachers often have to beat the bushes for the tools they need. There is no room in the budget at Celebrate the Children for musical instruments, so they are looking for donations of used (or new) instruments to start their program.
     If you have a musical instrument that you no longer use, would you consider donating it to Celebrate the Children? If you have access to other musicians, would you make the request for us? Or if you have ideas where we might solicit a donation, would you let me know? We'll be glad to make the request, if we know where to turn. The donations would, of course, be tax deductible. Please contact me directly at dpierce@barnard.edu. Danson, his friends at Celebrate the Children, and I would be very grateful.
DiAnn Pierce

September 2008

Ellie Grasso
     The society mourns the death of former alto Ellie Grasso. According to Ellie's son, she died peacefully in her home in Connecticut on Sep. 28, after a battle with cancer. Ellie sang with the society for many years and frequently went on the summer trips. She will be remembered as an elegant, fun and gracious lady.
     Please click here to read her obituary.
     A service in celebration of Ellie's life will be held at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, Shore Rd., Old Lyme, CT on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 am. All donations in her memory should be made to the Hartford Choral, The Oratorio Society of New York, or to Mystic Seaport.

Ylisa Kunze
Congratulations to alto Ylisa Kunze. Her dog Karma, won her AKC Championship at the Cape Cod Kennel Club. She is a 2 ½ year old Portuguese Water Dog whose registered name is CH. Stargazer One W’The Universe. Ylisa's family had been involved with the breed since the early 80’s but this is the first time she has had her very own champion. The photo is of Karma and her handler receiving the ribbon from the judge at the show on Sept. 11th. (Click on the photo for a larger view.)

Carol McMillan
Alto Carol McMillan has shared information about a job opening: Active Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) 8 miles from Manhattan seeking a part-time Director of Music. Please click here to view a PDF file with all the details and contact information.

Emily Crawford & Chad Cygan
Tenor Chad Cygan proposed to Soprano Emily Crawford on August 31st during a weekend trip to San Francisco. Emily and Chad met two years ago after an OSNY Rossini rehearsal and have been together ever since. They are hoping for a fall '09 wedding but right now are just enjoying being engaged and sharing their love of music every Thursday night.

Rena Ceron
     Soprano Rena Ceron is running the Marine Corps Marathon to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association!
     Please help Rena raise funds that will help those with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones. The Alzheimer's Association is the largest non-government provider of Alzheimer's research. Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
     Please click on the link below if you would like to make a donation. Thank you in advance for your support!
     http://alz.kintera.org/run/renakateceron

Jennifer Rosa
     Soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of The Stoop Concert Series
     On Saturday, September 20, world renowned jazz vibraphonist Bryan Carrot will set the stage for the headlining act, the Deanna Witkowski Quartet. It's going to be a night of stellar jazz performed by some of the city's finest live musicians.
     The performance is at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30), at 417 West 57th Street, between 9th and 10th Ave. (Venue provided by Church for All Nations.) Suggested donation $12. Free tote bag with full admission. Call 212-333-5583, or visit www.TheStoopNY.com for more info.
     Click here for a pdf version of the concert flyer.

August 2008

Brian Murphy
Congratulations to OS tenor Brian Murphy on the birth of his daughter Amelia Dellinger. Amelia was born July 30, 2008, 7 lbs. 12 oz.
Click on the photos for larger views.

Mady Buchbinder
The society offers condolences to OS soprano Mady Buchbinder. Mady's mother passed away on August 4, 2008.

Jessica Reed
     Congratulations to OS soprano Jessica Reed on the birth of her son Eric Alexander. Eric was born June 21, 2008, 8 lbs. 14.5 oz, 21".
     Click on the photo for a larger view.

July 2008

Karlyn Smith
The society sends get well wishes to OS alto Karlyn Smith. Karlyn has recently had hip surgery and anticipates resuming her normal activities in the fall.

Jennifer Rosa
     OS soprano Jennifer Rosa is producing a new concert series: The Stoop Concert Series. The kick-off concert is this Saturday, July 19th. (Click here for the flyer PDF.) The show will be featuring some stellar talent.
     Singer songwriter Reid Maclean will kick off the evening with an eclectic mix of songs blending jazz, Celtic and Nashville influences. To get a sampling of what you may hear, visit www.reidmaclean.com. Featured act, Rhett Tyler and the Early Warning are known to deliver a scorching hot set of blues, featuring Tyler's distinctive guitar playing. Rhett Tyler has been critically acclaimed by John Swenson of Rolling Stone as "a powerful front man, in the tradition of Johnny Winter [and] Jimi Hendrix. Rhett Tyler is the certain face of future blues." This is one show you will NOT want to miss! Check out more about Rhett at www.rhetttyler.com and www.myspace.com/churchforallnationsnyc.
     Jennifer Rosa, Founder, Producer: Music Forum & The Stoop
       www.TheStoopNY.com
     @ Church For All Nations
     417 West 57th Street
     New York, NY 10019
     (212) 333-5583
      musicforum@cfan.net
     www.cfan.net

Helene Kirschner
The society sends get well wishes to OS alto Helene Kirschner. Helene recently fractured her hip, and is currently undergoing physical rehabilitation. She should be home soon, and back on her feet in a couple of months.

May 2008

Ben Platt
An invitation from OS bass Ben Platt:
     A very interesting opportunity just came and found me. A neighbor of mine, Albert Ahronhein, a professional music arranger and Broadway director, is working on a play called "Explicit Vows" to be presented at the off-Broadway "Flea" theater. It is a one man show about a middle aged man about to be married and reviewing his entire life and how he got to this point. The show will end with a chorus, all male, that will fill the stage completely, singing "Hard Times Come Again No More," the Stephen Foster melody dated 1854.
     Jeff Menaker, the producer, asked my help in putting together such a chorus. His goal would be to have about 20-25 voices such that not everybody would have to be at every performance. All further information will be found on the attachment.
     This sounds to me like a fun project, certainly completely different from the usual oratorio performances I've been in. I would be very happy if you would join me onstage in support of this project. Please check your calendar and let me know if you can attend. If you know of any other singers that might be interested, please forward this email to them.
     Best personal regards,
     Ben Platt
Please click here for a PDF file with all of the rehearsal and performance dates (June and July 2008) as well as contact information for Ben.

Janet Laidman
The society offers condolences to alto Janet Laidman. Janet's mother, Margaret Oliver, passed away May 3, at the age of 98.

April 2008

Carole Swaim
Congratulations to alto Carole Swaim. On April 28th, Carole welcomed her 18th grandchild - Emily Grace.

Florence Long
Alto Florence Long is raising money for Parkinson's Research by walking with and for her friend who has this disease. It is Saturday April 26th in Central Park, and she requests anyone willing to support her in the walk to see her at rehearsal this Thursday (4/24/08). Checks can be made to "Parkinson's Unity Walk" and cash is happily accepted. Cash donations will be matched.......Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Chieko Yamaguchi
The society offers condolences to alto Chieko Yamaguchi. Chieko's mother passed away in Japan.

Lorraine DelliCarpini and Brian Fisher
Congratulations to OSNY couple Brian Fisher (tenor) and Lorraine DelliCarpini (alto currently on leave of absence) on their recent engagement!

Lydia Good
     A concert recommendation from Lydia Good - one of Lydia's colleagues is performing:
          Charis Chamber Voices - Scott Turkington, Artistic Director
          Love's Language: The Song of Songs
     May 3, 2008, 8pm, St. John's Catholic Church, Stamford, CT. May 4, 2008, 4pm, Bedford Presbyterian Church, Bedford, NY. May 9, 7:30pm, St. Agnes' Church, 143 E 43 St NYC. $25 ($20 senior/student). 914-931-6575. Web: CharisVocals.com
     Click here for a PDF flyer.

Marti Torn
The society offers condolences to alto Marti Torn. Marti's brother passed away in Maryland.

Susan Shelhart
The society offers condolences to soprano Susan Shelhart. Susan's father passed away on April 2, 2008. If you would like Susan's parents' address, please write to ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org.

Shirley Medwick
The society offers condolences to soprano Shirley Medwick. Shirley's son, Lonnie, passed away on April 4, 2008. If you would like Shirley's address, please write to ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org.

Helen Travis
     Alto Helen Travis discovered a flyer and score that add three previously unknown performances to the Society's total—856 performances in 135 years, and still counting!
The materials were found in a house that has been in Helen's family for many years. She has donated them to the Oratorio Society Archives on behalf of the Nichols/Taylor/Travis families.
     The flyer and score pertain to the three-day Ocean Grove Summer Music Festival, August 12-14, 1896. The concerts were conducted by Walter Damrosch and featured the Oratorio Society of New York, the New York Symphony Orchestra, and a chorus of 1,000 children conducted by Tallie Morgan, a leading music teacher and temperance orator. Tickets were sold through the OSNY office and cost 25¢.
     The flyer and score came from the estate of Olivia and Martin Travis (Helen’s parents) and was found in the basement of a 200-year-old house known as “The Homestead.” They were found in the cellar, in a file of old librettos, flyers, piano/cello/violin music, etc. that was compiled by Helen’s mother. As a child studying piano at the Mannes School, she heard Walter Damrosch give a children’s lecture on Wagner’s Ring, with members of the orchestra illustrating it. She wrote, “we all piled out to the auditorium during one of my lessons to listen to little Lenny Bernstein from Boston, age 11, play Clementi! I was 12." Her mother was also a member of Frank Damrosch’s People’s Chorus Union, founded in 1892 for the working people of New York City. Given the age of Helen’s documents, her grandparents were most likely also involved in Oratorio Society related activities.
     The house was purchased in 1809 by Helen’s great-grandfather, John White Treadwell Nichols, from Samuel A. Jones. It had been built by his great-uncle, Maj. Walter Jones, a descendent of Major Thomas Jones of "keeping up with the Joneses” and Jones Beach fame.

Lester Wigler
OS Bass Lester Wigler serves on the Board of Directors of the Westchester Philharmonic and chaired the search committee which has secured the services of Itzhak Perlman as Artistic Director for their 2008-2009 Season. For a sneak peak at what's in store, please visit the Westchester Philharmonic Website.

Darren Lougee
     A request from OS Bass Darren Lougee:
     SEEKING ACTORS-WHO-SING
     ActorCor
          Building Bridges between Muslims, Christians and Jews
          Seven 30-Minute Concerts in Times Square
          The Actor’s Chapel @ St. Malachy’s Church
          West 49th Street, across from Spring Awakening
     May 5, 7, 10 and 11
     Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 1pm & 7pm; Saturday 7, 8 and 10:20pm
     Sunday @ 1pm
     FREE
          Sponsored by over 50 of NYC’s Falafel Vendors
     10 hours of rehearsal
          Monday, April 14 8-10
          Monday, April 21 8-10
          Sunday, April 27 8:30-10:30
          Monday, April 28 7-9
          Sunday, May 4 7-9
     Dress Rehearsal
          Monday, May 5 5:30-6:30 8pm First Performance
     CALL DARREN @ 917-445-2816 or e-mail: ActorCor@gmail.com
Click here for a printable flyer. (PDF)

Kent Tritle
An invitation from Kent:
You are cordially invited to come to two concerts which I am conducting this month. The first, April 8^th, is Bach’s Mass in B Minor, which we will be singing next year! Information is available on the Musica Sacra website. The second, which I am also very excited about, is on April 16^th at St. Ignatius. We are singing Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater (singing in Polish, even!) and performing Saint-Saens’ glorious Organ Symphony. For that Sacred Music in a Sacred Space concert, please visit www.smssconcerts.org or call 212-288-2520 for tickets. I hope you’ll celebrate Spring with one or both of these events!

March 2008

Kent Tritle
An invitation from Kent:
I invite you to come hear J.S. Bach's Jesu, Meine Freude at St Ignatius this Wednesday March 12th! Also on the program: Heinrich Schutz's German Requiem (a precursor of our Brahms!) And Buxtehude's Cantata on Jesu , Meine Freude. For tickets call 212-288-2520 or visit www.smssconcerts.org. Nanci Parrella plays a fabulous pre-concert recital at 7 pm, for those of you who love this genre and want to immerse in the glory of it.

Hilary Maddux
     The brother of OS alto Hilary Maddux, Compton Maddux, is a finalist for the Listener's Choice Award from Country Music television. Hilary has provided the following details:
     Dear Friends: My wonderful brother, Compton, is in the final running for the Listener's Choice Award from Country Music Television. It's a prestigious award and he is one of 15 finalists from tens of thousands of entries. The winner gets a lot of goodies -- most important of which is recognition by others of his talent. His song, The Black Violin, which he wrote and performs with great back-up, is toe-tapping and fabulous! But he needs your help to make it to the top of the charts.
     Please click here to go to the CMT.com website and scroll down to the 9th finalist, listen to The Black Violin and then VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO VOTE AS OFTEN AS YOU WISH -- go figure -- so please join the masses who are lining up to hear The Black Violin. And please tell everyone you know to do the same BEFORE MARCH 8TH -- THE DEADLINE FOR VOTING.
     No hanging chads here!
     Thanks for helping to give birth to a STAR!!!! Vote, Vote, Vote.......and then Vote again. Who needs American Idol when we have our own?

Robert Schartoff
A request from OS bass Bob Schartoff;
I am looking for a part-time job (2 or 3 days a week) to supplement my present financial status and to find a way to stay active and involved.
Here is my background:
*I am a graduate of The Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, and continued with classes at NYU.
*I worked as a graphic artist in both advertising and publishing eventually becoming a Creative Director (in charge of both graphics and editorial) and a Senior Vice President at Sterling Magazines.
*I have written reviews of classical music for a now defunct on-line company.
*I published a newsletter called "Chorale" for approximately a year.
* I was on the board of the OSNY and did the graphics (posters, flyers, etc.) for several years.
*I have travel far and wide (England, France, Italy, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Africa) and been on a couple of trips with the OSNY. My favorite country is Italy where I have been on at least a dozen occasions. I speak the Italian language to a degree. If anyone in the OSNY is interested, or knows of a position, please contact me at 718-499-1872.

February, 2008

Chuck Hamilton
The society mourns the death of OS bass Chuck Hamilton. Chuck's friend and partner Reva Grossfield called to let us know that Chuck died on February 17, 2008. Details of memorial services will be posted when available. Chuck is survived by his two children, Kevin Hamilton and Karla Jones. Notes of condolence may be sent to:
3850 Hudson Mannor Terrace 1B East
Riverdale NY 10463

Richard Pace
Richard Pace sends greetings to all. "We have had a great vacation in Barbados, despite the fact that I slipped and fractured the arm bone just above the wrist, early this week. I am sending this posting in the hope of not having to explain why I am wearing a cast 180 times on Thursday."
The society wishes Richard a speedy recovery and thanks him for the lovely 'postcard' from Barbados:

Mary-Jo Knight
     Mary-Jo Knight extends the following invitation:
          The Roadmap to Your Retirement
     The choices you make 5-10 years before retirement can shape the entire course of your retirement lifestyle. What are the critical decisions all pre-retirees need to make? You and two guests are invited to create a retirement roadmap customized specifically for you.
     Mary-Jo P. Knight, Retirement Planning Specialist and Robert A. Dryzgula, VP and Regional Manager, Alliance Bernstein Investments, present a 60 minute seminar on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 6:00 pm, at Alliance Bernstein, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10105. Please call 212-408-9047 by February 15 to reserve. Seating is limited. Refreshments will be served. Please click here for a flyer with complete details.

Pearl Shapian
     The society mourns the death of former OS alto Pearl Shapian. Pearl retired from the society a few years ago, after having sung with us for over half a century! Notes of condolence may be sent to William Leggio, 2 Charlton Street, Apt. 11K, New York, NY 10014.
     As posted in the Bergen News:
     Pearl Lucy Shapian died of natural causes on February 3rd , 2008, at the age of 87. A Ridgefield resident for the last 65 years, the daughter of Zvart Halfa and Berj Shapian, Pearl is survived by her sister, Victoria Leggio, and nephews, Robert Leggio and William Leggio.
     Pearl enjoyed traveling with her sister Rose after retirement from 30 years of a civilian administration position with the US Navy. She was a member of the Oratorio Society of New York for 51 years. Her intelligence, leadership and musical talents will be missed.
     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America (201-265-2607).
     Viewing on Tuesday, February 5th, 5 PM to 9 PM, at McCorry Brothers, Cliffside Park. Funeral service at the funeral home Wednesday, February 6th, at 10:30 AM. Committal service at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, will follow. (McCorry Brothers, 780 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, (201)945-1220)

January, 2008

Bob Unterman
The society mourns the death of OS bass Bob Unterman. Bob passed away on January 25, 2008.

David Rosenmeyer
David Rosenmeyer has composed the original music (only one song but truly loved)
in a play presented by Target Margin Theater. The play is called 'AS YET THOU
ART YOUNG AND RUSH' (AYATAYAR) and is based on Euripides 'The Suppliant Women'.
The performances will be on Friday Jan 11th @ 7pm, Saturday Jan 12th @ 3pm,
Sunday Jan 13th @ 7pm, Monday Jan 14th @ 3pm. The theater is at 311 W 43rd St.
Check out www.targetmargin.org for more details.

December, 2007

Kathleen Flaherty and Chad Cygan
Christ Church United Methodist will present its annual Christmas Concert on Friday, December 14, 2007 at 8:00 pm. The program is orchestra, brass, organ, handbells and choir (which includes OS soprano Kathleen Flaherty and OS tenor Chad Cygan.) Included will be parts of the Bach Christmas Oratorio, Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem, traditional carols and original works by Music Director Steve Pilkington.
Christ church is located at 60th Street and Park Avenue. (We've had rehearsals there.) $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. Information about this concert, and other Advent events can be found at the Christ Church Website.

Kent Tritle
Kent Tritle will be conducting Amahl and the Night Visitors at St. Ignatius Loyola on Friday December 14, 2007 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday December 16, 2007 at 4:00 pm. For more info and tickets, please visit the St. Ignatius Website.

David Rosenmeyer and Chad Cygan
     The Bach Society of Columbia University will present their Winter Concert on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 8:00 pm, St. Paul's Chapel, Columbia University Campus. (Amsterdam Avenue at 117 Street.)
     David Rosenmeyer will be conducting and Chad Cygan will be the tenor soloist.
     Admission is free. More info at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bachsoc/

November 2007

Dorothea Brady
The society offers condolences to OS soprano Dorothea Brady; her father passed away on November 14. Patrick Brady is being waked at Walsh-La Bella & Sons. (87-13 87th Street, Woodhaven, Queens, 718-849-1000, Sat & Sun.) The funeral will be Monday, Nov. 19, 9:45 am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. (Just down the block from the funeral home.)
Dorothea tells us that, "Dad had a good life until a couple of years ago when he broke his hip and couldn't walk. He made it to 84 and got a real kick out of seeing us perform at Carnegie Hall the last time we did the Faure Requiem. He was a big fan of the group even though he didn't get to mix and mingle with us like he would have when he was more mobile."

David Rosenmeyer, Malena Dayen and Lev
     Dear Oratorio Society members,
     We want to thank you for your great generosity and love. Malena was very excited when I shared with her the gift certificates you gave us. As for me, as you probably saw, I was truly surprised and overwhelmed. We are so happy to be part of the OSNY family and Lev is Lucky to be welcomed so warmly by all of you.
     Much love,
     David, Malena and Lev

Liz Simpson
     Soprano Liz Simpson will be appearing on "The Sunday Mass", this weekend, Nov 3-4, and next weekend, Nov 10-11.
     "The Sunday Mass" is a weekly broadcast of the Catholic liturgy, primarily for the benefit of viewers who are unable to go out to church. Liz joined with the choir from Notre Dame parish, New Hyde Park, for these two masses.
     For up to a month after the broadcast, you can see the broadcast video on the Sunday Mass Website: http://www.thesundaymass.org.

Simon Dratfield
     OS bass Simon Dratfield will be playing in the Greenwich Village Orchestra’s “Spiritual” Concert this Sunday, November 18th at 3pm at Washington Irving High School (16th and Irving Place, 1 block east of Union Square). Program includes:
     Rimsky Korsakov—Russian Easter Overture
     Lam—”Her Thousand Year Dance” World Premiere;
     Eric Jacobsen & Kojiro Umezaki, soloists
     Bruch—Kol Nidrei; Eric Jacobsen, soloist
     Strauss—Death and Transfiguration
Price: $15 Individual Tickets ($10 for Seniors and Students with ID - available at the door)

Jim Taratunio
     OS tenor Jim Taratunio, president of AYUDA For The Arts, invites you to their annual fundraiser, A Fashionable Taste of New York. The event will take place on Monday, November 12, 2007, at Cipriani 200, 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of delicious food from over 20 of New York's finest restaurants, roaming fashion models, a casino where you can win valuable prizes, and an auction.
     Tickets may be purchased in advance via the AYUDA website. Advanced ticket prices are $125 per person, $200 per couple.
     AYUDA For the Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and mentoring to creative young urban students who, due to limited financial opportunities, are unable to further their studies into college programs for design and the arts.

Alan Meltzer
OS bass Alan Meltzer shares the following:
Cantori New York is looking for tenors and basses to sing as part of Teatro Grattacielo’s next concert on November 13 at Avery Fisher Hall. The program is concert versions of Montemezzi’s L’incantesimo and Leoni’s L’Oracolo. Rehearsals do not conflict with our OSNY rehearsals. Those interested should e-mail info@cantorinewyork.com.

October 2007

Joe DeMerit and Karen Sweeney
Congratulations to soprano Karen Sweeney and tenor Joe DeMerit. Their daughter, Agnes Rose DeMerit, was born on October 27, 3:41 am, 7 lbs. 7 oz., 21". Mom, Dad and Daughter are all in good spirits and good heath. Click on an image for a larger view.

Jen Fuschetti,
Jen Fuschetti is raising money for blood cancer research by participating in the P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ, 01/13/08. Please click here to read Jen's letter, with info about how the money she raises will strike a blow against leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and myeloma. Additional information is available at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website, and the website for Team in Training. Please click here to make a donation via Jen's website.

Sue Dramm
     A request from Sue Dramm:
     My building, Alwyn Court, home of the "Petrossian", is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. This is the historic Francois I building on 7th, between 57th and 58th. We had a major celebration in May at which Arthur Fiacco and a few instrumentalists played. For the holidays, we are planning a much more modest "cocktail party", Dec. 11th, 6-8. Is there any small group of singers that anyone knows who would like to sing at this event? (Possible compensation.) Probably 8-12 singers, ?? a cappella (?) or with piano. You can reach Sue by writing to ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org; your message will be forwarded to Sue.
     Please note that this is not an OSNY event, and not something for individual OS members to "sign up" for. Please contact Sue only if you are part of, or know of, a suitable group for this event.

David Rosenmeyer and Malena Dayen
Congratulations to Malena and David on the occasion of the birth of their son Lev (Hebrew Lamed Vet), born during the Oratorio Society rehearsal on Oct 4, 7:27 pm and weighing 5 pounds, 13 ounces. Lev was anxious to come forward in the world, and made his debut three weeks earlier than expected. Mother, father and son are all doing well.
Click on an image for a larger view.

15 minutes old	12 hours old
1 day old	Lev

Kent Tritle
An invitation from Kent:
I have been sharing with you my excitement about the upcoming BELSHAZZAR performance at St Ignatius. (Wednesday, October 24th.) But I have neglected to tell you that on Monday night October 22 at 7:30 pm in the Church, music historian Fred Fehleisen will deliver a free lecture. Fred will be talking about Handel and this important period in his life. Importantly, he will address the recent controversy surrounding Michael Marissen's article in the New York Times last Easter. It was with our discussions of this controversy in mind that I asked Fred to present this lecture. I hope you will join us! The lecture with Q & A should last about an hour and a half. The address is Park Avenue at 84^th Street

Charley Tolk
     Charley Tolk extends the following invitation, via his sister Alice, who is acquainted with Matthew Ferraro:
     Matthew Ferraro is arranging a contemporary work written for symphony, orchestra, mixed chorus, tape and soloists using the spoke word as a musical element. You are invited to hear the piece at Dolby Sound Stage on 6th Avenue (near 55th Street), 28th floor, on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at 10:00 am. Matthew Ferraro has a date to perform with the Crouch End Festival Chorus and the London Orchestra da Camera at the Barbican in July.
     If you are interested, please write to ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org to request the contact info for Charley's sister, Alice Mitchell. She will be happy to make the arrangements for you.

Rena Ceron
Rena Ceron is raising money for the Alzheimer's Association by running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Please click here to read Rena's letter, explaining how this illness has touched her life, and how she has joined Team Memory Makers in an effort to raise funds for this worth cause. You can click here to visit the Team Memory Makers website and make a donation.

Sue Morris
     OS soprano Sue Morris extends an invitation to a concert that may be of interest to our members: A Tribute to Woody & Marjorie Guthrie, to benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America. October 17, 2007, 8pm at Webster Hall, NYC. $75 general admission, $250 and $500 VIP seating.
     Concert info is available at the HDSA website.
     Click here to purchase tickets via TicketMaster. For Sponsorships or VIP tickets please contact: Fred Taubman at HDSA, 212 242 1968 ext. 229, ftaubman@hdsa.org

September 2007

Simon Dratfield
     OS bass Simon Dratfield will be playing in a concert with the GREENWICH VILLAGE ORCHESTRA this Sunday , September 30th at 3 pm at Washington Irving High School, Irving Place between 16th and 17th Streets, 1 block east of Union Square.
     The program includes Rossin's La Gazza Ladra Overture, Rota's Tombone Concerto (Nitzan Har-oz of the Philadelphia Orchestra, soloist) and Dvorak's Symphony No. 6 . Tickets are $15 and are available at the door.
     Simon is Principal Flutist with the Orchestra, as well as one of its founding members.

Joanne Wosahla
     A message from Joanne:
     A friend of mine has taken a job as music director/organist at a Lutheran church in downtown New Rochelle. The church is looking to revitalize its music program and has the budget to hire a paid quartet. Positions are available for an alto, a tenor, and a bass. Two big plusses: the church is located right next to the train station so coming from NY would be a breeze, and the rehearsals are on Sunday morning from 9:15 to 10:15 before the 10:30 service (no extra weeknight rehearsal). The year would run from October 7th through the third Sunday in May and would require attendance at services on Sundays, Christmas Eve, and high holy days.
     If you are interested or know someone who may be interested, please email ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org and your message will be forwarded to Joanne. She will give all the responses to Philip who will then reach out to you with further details.

Susan Almasi
The society mourns the death of Susan Almasi, former accompanist and assistant conductor for the society.

Donald Malin
     The society mourns the death of Donald Malin, a long time member of the Society, and former member of the board of directors. Cards may be sent to:
      Ms. Barbara Malin
     126 Shaker Ridge Road
     Canaan, NY 12029

Kent Tritle
     Kent's annual organ recital will be at St Ignatius on Sunday, September 23^rd at 4 pm. He'll be playing Mendelssohn’s Prelude and Fugue in D Minor; Franz Liszt’s Prelude and Fugue on BACH, Franck’s Grande Piece Symphonique and including a set of Reger songs with baritone Christopher DeVage. Christopher was our second place winner in the solo competition this year.
      GET A HANDEL ON THIS
     For those of you looking into vacation opportunities for NEXT summer, Kent is pleased to be conducting Handel’s SOLOMON at the Berkshire Choral Festival the week of July 21-26, 2008. He would be delighted to see you there! It’s a beautiful location, and will be a wonderful week of immersion into this great work
     And speaking of Handel, Kent will be conducting BELSHAZZAR on October 24^th at St. Ignatius. If you don’t know Belshazzar, it contains some of Handel’s most exquisite music.
     For tickets to St Ignatius concerts after September 1^st, please call 212-288-2520 or visit www.saintignatiusloyola.org.

Ronnie Oliver
Congratulations to OSNY member Dr. Ronnie Oliver, Jr., who has just joined the faculty of Westminster Choir College ! You know Ronnie from his wonderful warm-ups last season; fortunately for us, he plans to continue with us as a member of the bass section. At Westminster Ronnie will be co-directing the Chapel Choir, directing the Men’s Choir, and teaching a conducting class.

August, 2007

Beth Turi
     Congratulations to Beth Turi and Ross Kaye on the birth of their daughter, Samantha Morgan Kaye, June 14, 2007, 7 lbs. 6oz., 19 3/4 inches.
(Click image for larger view.)

July, 2007

Kent Tritle
If you are looking for something fun to do Monday, July 2, 2007, please consider going to a concerto concert! Kent Tritle is conducting the Barber Toccata Festiva, a movement from a Rorem Concerto, the Poulenc (yes, the same concerto he played a few days ago!) Concerto and the Stephen Paulus Concerto. These are works for organ and orchestra. The concert is at 8 pm at St Ignatius Loyola, and tickets are available at the door for only $20! All seating is general. The event is part of a Regional Convention for the American Guild of Organists. The soloists are James Feddeck (a competition winner) and Kent's incredible colleagues Nancianne Parrella and Renee Louprette.

June, 2007

Beth Gilroy
Congratulations to Beth Gilroy and Bob Dawson on the birth of their daughter, Emma Kathryn Dawson, on Sunday 5/27/07 @ 12:24am, 8lbs 4.9oz. Everyone is doing fine.
(Click image for larger view.)

Ylisa Kunze
The society offers condolences to Ylisa Kunze. Ylisa's sister, Jill Grella, passed away the morning of June 28, 2007. The family has requested that no flowers be sent, but donations are welcome to the Lustgarden Foundataion for Pancreatic Cancer and the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation.

Richard Cook
     We are deeply saddened by death of Richard Cook, a long time member of our board and supporter of the Society in so many ways. Notes and cards may be sent to Rhonda Barnat at the following address:
          Ms. Rhonda Barnat
          429 East 52 Street
          New York NY 10022
     The family has requested that contributions be made to the Oratorio Society, The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York, the Hundred Year Association of New York or Calvary Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Ellen Blair has shared this obituary, which she placed in the paper on June 9:
     COOK, Richard A. The Oratorio Society of NY will always remember this gentle and brave man who graced our Board of Directors for many years. His quiet, but forceful personality was evident as he faced his final days with a serenity typical of his inner strength.

Michiyo Fisher - Request for singers for June 10
     Soprano Michiyo Fisher sometimes performs in the concert series at St. Jacobi Church in Brooklyn. They need singers for a concert on Sunday, June 10, at 4:00 pm. The program is Messiah (Part 2). There is a rehearsal on Saturday, June 9, from 3-5 pm, and on Sunday, June 10 before the concert, 3-4 pm. Being able to make either one of the rehearsals is good enough.
     If you are interested, please call St. Jacobi Church at 718-349-8978, or just show up for a rehearsal.
     St. Jacobi Church is located at 5406 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. (Between 54th and 55th Streets.) You can take the R train to the 53rd Street station.
     Click here to see the flyer for the concert. (PDF file.)

May, 2007

John Linahan
As most of you know, tenor John Linahan is the man behind all of our beautiful concert posters and flyers, as well as our website graphics. John is a graduate of University of Detroit Mercy, and he was recently featured in article in the school's alumni news. In addition to his work at ABC Television, John graciously mentions the OSNY in the article! Please click here to read all about John.

Florence Long
The Society offers condolences to alto Florence Long. Florence's brother, Jim Long, passed away on May 19.

Ruby Morgan
The Society offers condolences to alto Ruby Morgan. Ruby's sister, Marjorie Ferguson, passed away on May 8.

Alexandra Deis-Lauby
     If you missed the Pirates of Penzance at NY City Opera, you are in luck because LaGuardia (the Fame School) is doing a fully staged production with orchestra Thursday and Friday, May 24 and 25. OS soprano Alexandra Deis-Lauby is The tickets are only $15.
     Get a leg up on the Fauré Requiem! (Alexandra is in this too!) Come to the LaGuardia performance Friday and Sat June 8 or 9th at $7:30. The terrific orchestra will play by themselves as well as playing for the Fauré. Tickets are $15 at the door.
     The school is located at 100 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York 10023 • Tel 212.496.0700.

April, 2007

Brian and Marianne Percival
     For two weekends in April and May, Brian and Marianne Percival will be performing in "Sleeping Beauty," a new family musical by William Ryden and Louise Guinther.
     Place: St. Luke's Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills (Queens).
     Times: April 28, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
                   April 29, 2:30 p.m.
                   May 4, 7:30 p.m.
                   May 5, 2:30 p.m.
                   May 6, 2:30 p.m.
For Reservations call 718-268-7772. Suggested donation is $10 per person.

Marti Torn
The Society offers condolences to alto Marti Torn. Marti's mother passed away this week, at the age of 100.

March, 2007

Chad Cygan
     Tenor Chad Cygan extends an invitation to his graduation recital:
          Friday, March 16th, 6pm
          PAUL HALL, The Juilliard School (65th and Broadway)
          (This is a FREE concert)
          MASTERS DEGREE GRADUATION RECITAL
          Chad Cygan, tenor
          Liza Stepanova, piano
          Featuring works by Faure, Duparc, Poulenc, Liszt, Britten, Schumann, Wolf,
               Rachmaninoff, Kern and Cygan!

Sewin Chan & Ron Miller
     Congratulations to alto Sewin Chan and her husband, bass Ron Miller, on the birth of their daughter Ariadne Chan-Miller on March 8, 2007. According to dad, Ariadne recognizes Messiah from rehearsal and performance!

Helene Kirshner
The Society offers condolences to alto Helene Kirschner, who’s brother passed away in March 2007.

Elaine Boxer
Vocal Coach needed: A colleague of alto Elaine Boxer's is looking for an inexpensive vocal coach for 5 – 10 sessions. He wishes "to practice and be a little less off-key next time I hit the karaoke parlor." If anyone knows of a vocal coach who might fit that description, please email ChorusNews@oratoriosocietyofny.org, and your note will be forwarded to Elaine.

February, 2007

Jennifer Ritter
Congratulations to soprano Jennifer Ritter and her husband Daniel Katz on the birth of their daughter Samantha Rose Katz on the 13th at 11:26 pm. Parents and baby are doing fine.

Joy Kotrch
The society mourns the death of soprano Joy Kotrch. Joy passed away on Feb, 19, after an extended illness. She had joined the society in 2004, but had to stop singing in the spring of 2006 due to her illness. If you would like to express sympathy to Joy's husband Steve, please see either Liz Simpson or Alfreda Haaland at rehearsal for contact info.

Dana Lawrence
     Alto Dana Lawrence is raising money for blood cancer research:
     To all my friends,
     I am training for a half ironman triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) on May 12th in Panama City, Florida and am raising money by April for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. After my first season fundraising with this society, I was inspired to commit to this worthy cause again. Many of my friends and teammates are survivors of blood cancers.
     Our training started in December and will culminate in May in our race. Each Saturday we have a mission moment where we honor those people and their families whose lives are touched by blood cancers. Personally, I am racing to honor my grandfather, Raymond Lawrence, who had leukemia, and my cousin Dean Camp, who had Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
     I have pledged to raise $4,600 for this society by April and these funds will go towards finding a cure for all blood cancers. Most of the money goes towards research. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. If you want to pay by credit card, I have an email site that allows you to make a donation online (see link below) or you can give me a check at rehearsal, made out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and then I will mail these checks into a Paycor account. Here's the link for on-line credit card payments: http://www.active.com/donate/tntnyc/danalawrence
     Thanks in advance for your generosity and support!!
With love,
Dana Lawrence

Mary-Jo Knight
Soprano Mary-Jo Knight (formerly Iacovino) will have a Solo Art Opening on February 23 at Fordham University's Center Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. (60th Street and 9th Avenue).
You can see some of Mary-Jo's work at her website: http://www.mjoartist.com/

January, 2007

Kent Tritle
I'm pleased to invite you to my next recital, which is at St Ignatius on January 21 at 4 pm. This is a recital for organ and trombone, with my friend Joseph Alessi, principal trombone of the NY Philharmonic and one of the best players in the world. We're doing an exciting program spanning from the baroque era through two world premieres. Tickets are available by calling 212-288-2520, or via the St. Ignatius website.

Paul Zorovich
     An invitation from bass Paul Zorovich: (Clarification - Paul is happy to publicize this benefit concert, but is not able to recruit volunteer singers for the event.)
     I would like to tell you about a concert for a cause I'm performing in at Carnegie Hall on Monday January 22nd at 8:00 p.m.
     The piece is none other than the Verdi Requiem, and the cause is one that sadly barely needs an introduction: Darfur. Hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced in the midst of a civil war.
     As with last year's Beethoven Ninth for South Asia, the orchestra will be made up of many incredible players (members of the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Juilliard String Quartet, and the like) but we are thrilled that the word on the street regarding our combined efforts in the last concert has created an incredible interest from orchestras all over the world -- including the Berlin Philharmonic, among others. Players are coming from many of the great American, European, and Asian orchestras to contribute artistically to the cause. Glenn Dicterow, concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, has eagerly agreed to be our concertmaster once again. Our soprano will be Alexandra Deshorties and our bass Morris Robinson (both from the Metropolitan Opera and wonderful singers). Alto and tenor are being finalized as we speak. The chorus will be made up of members of the finest choral groups in the metropolitan area, including the Oratorio Society of New York, the Russian Chamber Choir of New York, the Choir of St. Bartholomew's Church, and many others.
     As a result of the tireless efforts of Maestro George Mathew our Advisory Board has grown to include the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Ruth Messenger, and Alexander Bernstein (Leonard Bernstein's son and President of his father's foundation), among others. The board is actively spreading the word both to help fill the house and to raise funds.
     Our goal is to raise $500,000 this time and that will be possible largely due to the fact that all of the artists are again donating their services. This year the net proceeds will be going to several organizations, including UNICEF and Refugees International. A more detailed description of each organization is available at http://www.requiemfordarfur.org.
     I would love to have as many of you as possible join us again this year for what will be an incredible experience and invite you to participate in this historic event that will serve as an example of how the arts can make a difference by coming together and forgetting our own needs and political differences for a moment and contributing to something bigger than
ourselves.
     For more information, go to http://www.requiemfordarfur.org (note that portions of this site are still under construction). Ticket information is available there as well, or you can visit the Carnegie Hall website (http://www.carnegiehall.org) or call their box office at 212-247-7800.

Joe DeMerit
Tenor Joe DeMerit will be appearing as Kaspar (one of the Magi) in a production of Gian Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors at St. Augustine's Church in Brooklyn, Friday January 5, 2007 at 8:00 pm. The performance is a benefit for the restoration of St. Augustine's brownstone bell tower. St. Augustine is located at 116 6th Avenue in Park Slope. (Four blocks south of the Bergen St. stop of the 2/3 train.) Suggested donations is $20. ($10 for seniors and students.) Click here for a PDF file of the flyer.

PDF Files from Previous Years

Member Notes 2006

Member Notes 2005

Members,
If you have anything that you'd like to announce here, like performances outside of OSNY in which you're involved, life events (weddings, babies), business announcements, etc., please send a note to Liz Simpson at webmaster@oratoriosocietyofny.org, or see her at rehearsal.