Oratorio Society of New York Opens 150th Anniversary Season in November

The Oratorio Society of New York (OSNY), led by Music Director Kent Tritle, kicks off its its 150th Anniversary and 2023-2024 season on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 7:00pm with Bach’s Magnificat and Mozart’s Requiem, two iconic works in the choral repertoire, at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall.

Joining the Society as soloists are Laquita Mitchell, soprano, Lucia Bradford, mezzo-soprano, Eric Finbarr Carey, tenor, and Adam Lau, bass, together with the Orchestra of the Society, all led by Music Director Kent Tritle.

Bach composed the Magnificat — a hymn of praise by Mary found in the Gospel of Luke, also known as the Canticle of Mary — in 1723. At the time, it was the composer’s first work on a Latin text and Bach’s first five-part choral setting in the city of Leipzig. Magnificat received its premiere on Christmas Day the same year Bach began working on it.

Mozart began composing the Requiem when his health was deteriorating. The commission came from an anonymous patron in 1791, later revealed to be Franz von Walsegg, who had intended to pass off the Requiem as his own work. Mozart was only able to complete the Requiem and Kyrie movements before his death on December 5, 1791. Joseph Eybler orchestrated the music following the Kyrie, and Mozart’s student Franz Xaver Süssmayr ultimately finished the full work, although it is debated as to how much of the Requiem can be attributed to each composer who contributed to its completion.

Continuing its milestone season, the Oratorio Society of New York will next present its 149th rendition of Handel’s Messiah on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 7:00pm also at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. A holiday tradition for the Society since 1874, this year’s grand performance – again led by Maestro Tritle – includes soloists soprano Kathryn Lewek, countertenor Daniel Moody, tenor Martin Bakari, and baritone John Brancy, together with the Orchestra of the Society.