80 years of music

BY JESSICA LYONS

Thursday, May 3, 2007 4:47 PM EDT

For the last 80 years, the Oratorio Society of Queens has been filling the borough with the sounds of music. It will be celebrating this achievement during a special concert on Sunday, May 20.

“I just love being a part of this serious and dedicated group of singers,” said bass Alan Sultan.

The Oratorio Society of Queens, which was initially founded as the Flushing Oratorio Society in 1927, “is the borough’s oldest on-going performing arts institution.” It currently has 101 members who are all from diverse backgrounds, including educators, lawyers, health professionals, writers, actors and students, among many others.

“I can’t believe that I’m part of a group that produces such a beautiful sound,” said president Patty DeCiccio-Franke.

For the upcoming commemorative concert, Maestro David Close will direct the Oratorio Society as they sing choral works, opera choruses and Americana. It will also include professional soloists and The Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens.

The concert, which will begin at 4 p.m., will take place at the Queensborough Community College Performing Arts Center, which is located at 222-05 56th Avenue in Bayside. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $18 for seniors and students with ID. Children 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult will be admitted for free.

For more information on the Oratorio Society of Queens, visit www.queensoratorio.org or call 718-460-0726.