Oratorio Singers Of Charlotte

The Oratorio Singers of Charlotte was organized in May of 1951 by a committee of interested Charlotte musicians and the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. To maintain a high standard of excellence, only two concerts a year were planned. Earl Berg, now [1972] on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary, New York City, served as the first musical director. The first concerts were held in local churches with free-will offerings taken to cover expenses. As the reputation and popularity of the Singers grew, they decided to move to Ovens Auditorium and continue the two concerts on a subscription basis. They have performed over fifty choral-orchestral masterpieces. Highlights of past years are: the first Charlotte performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem", the World premier of "Joseph", by Wilmer Hayden Welsh, presentation of Johann Sebastian Bach's "B Minor Mass" and "St. Matthew Passion", performance of Arthur Honegger's "King David" in Raleigh, NC at the invitation of Gov. Terry Sanford, and the appearance at the White House for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. The Singers are unique: the members pay dues, purchase their own music, and serve as officers and members of the Executive Board. Financial support is realized from the United Arts Council, subscription sales, and projects of the Oratorio Guild.