Senate Resolution No. 1387

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMENDING the Oratorio Society of Queens, Inc.
upon the occasion of celebrating its 90th
Anniversary on May 21, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Oratorio Society of Queens, Inc. upon the occasion of its
90th Anniversary to be celebrated at its Annual Spring Concert on
Sunday, May 21, 2017, in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center at
Queensborough Community College in Bayside, New York; and

WHEREAS, The chorus began as the Oratorio Society of Flushing, and
was later incorporated as the Oratorio Society of Queens (OSQ); the
chorus is comprised of 100 members of all ages, faiths and ethnic
groups; the roster includes both active and retired educators, lawyers,
health professionals, engineers, homemakers, secretaries, writers,
librarians, computer wizards, artists and students; and

WHEREAS, The OSQ is the oldest performing cultural organization in
the borough; it was established in 1927, by a group of Flushing
residents who loved to sing; its inception preceded completion of the
subway (the No. 7 line) in 1931, and the Triboro Bridge in 1940; and

WHEREAS, For 90 years, the OSQ has strived to engage, educate and
uplift the Queens community by presenting musical programs which span
the repertoire from great choral masterpieces to popular all-time
favorites; and

WHEREAS, Through the Great Depression and World War II, the chorus
continued to rehearse and perform, contributing to life as usual in the
most extraordinary of times; the founders of the organization did not
think of Queens as a place to sleep when they were not working in
Manhattan, but rather as a place to live; churches, temples, elementary
and secondary schools, colleges and performing arts centers were built
to enhance the quality of life in the borough; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization accomplishes their mission by
providing its diverse membership of volunteer singers with joy-filled
rehearsal and exhilarating performance experiences which expand their
musical abilities; offering opportunities for local high school and
college students to learn music theory, voice production, stage presence
and civic responsibility by attending regular rehearsals and performing
with the chorus, professional soloists and orchestra; and presenting
Holiday and Spring concerts which are widely-recognized as the premier
choice for Queens audiences who want to hear excellent choral music; and

WHEREAS, The OSQ traditionally presents a Holiday Concert featuring
Part I of Handel's "Messiah" along with a selection of holiday favorites
and a Spring Concert; its vast repertoire includes many classic choral

compositions such as Verdi's "Requiem," Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony,"
Rutter's "Magnificat," Mozart's "Requiem" and Rossini's "Stabat Mater";
and

WHEREAS, The OSQ has thrilled thousands with exciting, high-quality
musical events at numerous venues throughout New York City and Long
Island including the Queensborough Performing Arts Center, Bayside High
School, St. Andrew Avellino Church, the Cross Island Y, Temple Beth
Sholom, Christ the King High School, Temple Beth-Am, Queens Terrace on
the Park, Flushing Meadow Park, Forest Park Bandshell, Trinity Lutheran
Church, Maria Regina Convent, Bethany Baptist Church, and the Reform
Temple of Forest Hills, as well as the Immaculate Conception Center; and

WHEREAS, For 45 years, the OSQ has been led by Artistic Director,
David W. Close, an all-around splendid musician, conductor, concert
pianist, organist, music director, former opera coach at Queens College,
composer, arranger and teacher; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President of the Board of
Directors, Charlene DeGregoria, the OSQ continues its cultural mission
of sharing a love of classical choral music with its friends and
neighbors throughout Queens; and

WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts
of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we
celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere
in which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the
expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Oratorio Society of Queens, Inc. upon the occasion of
celebrating its 90th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David W. Close, Artistic Director, and Charlene
DeGregoria, President, Oratorio Society of Queens, Inc. Board of
Directors.