Oratorio Society of New York

OSNY brings together a diverse community of avocational singers who share a passion for choral music. Our mission is to contribute to the cultural fabric of New York City through public performance of both classic and contemporary choral works at the highest musical standards. We are committed to the musical development of members, audiences and artists.

The Oratorio Society of New York (OSNY) is one of the oldest musical organizations in the United States and has become New York City’s standard for grand choral performance. Founded in 1873 by Leopold Damrosch, the Society has played an integral role in the musical life of the city.

The Society continues to perform several times each season at Carnegie Hall. Its annual performances of Handel’s Messiah, a tradition unbroken since 1874, have become a holiday favorite with New York audiences. In addition to its collaborations with the New York Philharmonic and The Orchestra of St. Luke’s, as well as other performing arts institutions, the Society performs internationally every few years – including recent concerts in Japan, Uruguay, Germany, Italy, and Brazil. The Society is also committed to commissioning and championing new works, including most recently Pulitzer prize-winning composer, Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road, recording available from Naxos Records.

The OSNY membership, numbering more than 200, consists of amateur and professionally trained singers as well as non-singing members. OSNY is governed by a volunteer board of directors with a professional music staff. Volunteers do many of the tasks necessary to operate the organization.