Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

The Oratorio Society of Washington is a classical music organization that has been a staple of the Washington D.C. music scene for over 50 years. Founded in 1961 by Robert Shafer, the Oratorio Society has become one of the most respected and accomplished choral groups in the United States. Robert Shafer, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, had a vision to create a choral group that would perform the great oratorios of the classical music repertoire. He began by recruiting a group of talented singers from the Washington D.C. area and holding auditions for new members. The first performance of the Oratorio Society was in December of 1961, when they performed Handel's Messiah at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. From the beginning, the Oratorio Society was committed to excellence in performance. Shafer demanded a high level of musicianship from his singers and worked tirelessly to prepare them for each performance. The group quickly gained a reputation for their polished performances and their ability to tackle challenging works from the classical music canon. Over the years, the Oratorio Society has performed a wide range of works, from Bach's Mass in B Minor to Verdi's Requiem. They have collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and soloists in the world, including Leonard Slatkin, Plácido Domingo, and Yo-Yo Ma. One of the highlights of the Oratorio Society's history was their performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the Kennedy Center in 1989. This performance was part of a celebration of the 200th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration, and it was attended by President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. The performance was a triumph for the Oratorio Society, and it cemented their reputation as one of the premier choral groups in the country. In addition to their performances, the Oratorio Society has also been recognized for their contributions to the community. They have a strong commitment to music education, and they have worked with local schools to provide music education programs for students. They have also performed benefit concerts for a variety of charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Throughout their history, the Oratorio Society has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances. They have been recognized by the Washington Post as one of the top choral groups in the country, and they have received multiple awards from the Choral Arts Society of Washington. In 2011, they were awarded the Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in an Artistic Discipline by the District of Columbia. Today, the Oratorio Society continues to be a vital part of the Washington D.C. music scene. They perform regularly at the Kennedy Center and other venues throughout the city, and they continue to inspire audiences with their passion and dedication to classical music. Under the leadership of their current conductor, Dr. Stanley J. Thurston, the Oratorio Society is poised to continue their legacy of excellence for many years to come.

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