'Conqu'ring' Heroes Back Where It All Started To Honor A Friend

SOUTH SALEM, NY — In the quarter century since its inception, the Westchester Oratorio Society has grown into a Hudson Valley institution. Now the group is returning to where it all started in memory of one of their own.

The group will celebrate its 25th Anniversary Season with a performance appropriately entitled, "Conqu’ring," on Sunday afternoon April 23, at 4 p.m. at South Salem Presbyterian Church.

The concert, which features Bach, "Cantata" BWV 2 and "Cantata" BWV 5; Mozart, "Vespers" K. 339; Handel, "See, that Conquering Hero Comes!" from Judas Maccabeus HWV 63; and Haydn, “Insanae et vanae curae,” is being performed in memory of longtime Westchester Oratorio Society friend and supporter Don Harder.

Attendees are invited to join the chorus for a 25th Anniversary celebratory reception immediately after the performance in the Church’s community room.

The chorus will be accompanied by professional soloists and the Westchester Oratorio Society Anniversary Orchestra.

The performance is made possible with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation.
For its 25th Anniversary Concert WOS is returning to the South Salem Presbyterian Church where the group was originally formed by church members and neighbors. Now in his 16th season as Artistic Director and conductor, Benjamin Niemczyk, praised the support the group has received which has enabled him to contract some of the most talented young soloists and instrumentalists in the metropolitan area. He enthusiastically assures that those who attend the concert will not be disappointed.

Advanced tickets, available through the group’s website, www.westchesteroratorio.org, are $25 general, $40 preferred and $10 student ($30/$50/$10 at door). Children 12 years and younger are admitted free if reserved in advance. Seating is limited.