WAYNE, PA — In an exciting commencement to its 2024-25 season, the Wayne Oratorio Society is set to present Ralph Vaughan Williams’ monumental work, A Sea Symphony. This choral masterpiece, poised to captivate classical music enthusiasts, will be performed at the Wayne Presbyterian Church, located at Lancaster and North Wayne Avenues. Concertgoers can immerse themselves in this symphonic journey at 7:30 PM on both Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3.
Under the baton of the esteemed conductor John Grecia, a formidable ensemble comprising a 140-voice choir, a 45-piece professional orchestra, and acclaimed soloists Melanie Sarakatsannie (soprano) and Nicholas Provenzale (baritone) will bring Vaughan Williams’ vision to life. This marks a historic moment for the Wayne Oratorio Society as they perform this choral symphony for the first time in their 76-year history.
Composed in 1909, A Sea Symphony is a profound exploration of humanity’s relationship with the sea, using the evocative words of Walt Whitman as its lyrical foundation. Grecia elaborates on the work’s thematic depth, highlighting the sea as a metaphor for the infinite and the divine, a vessel through which the human soul navigates life’s vast expanse.
The concerts promise a transformative experience, filled with rich, mystic, and spiritual elements that will resonate with both performers and audiences alike. As Grecia enthusiastically notes, “We are all very excited to present this monumental work. These concerts will be a rich, mystic, and spiritual journey for the performers and audience alike.”
In addition to A Sea Symphony, the Wayne Oratorio Society has announced upcoming performances of Handel’s Messiah on December 7 and 8, followed by John Knowles Paine’s Mass in D on April 26 and 27, 2025.
All performances are accessible to the public at no charge, with an optional free-will offering. Wayne Presbyterian Church offers convenient access via the nearby SEPTA Wayne station, with ample free parking available in designated areas. Attendees can enter the church from both the parking areas and the main entrance on Lancaster Avenue.
This event is a must-see for those who cherish the grandeur of choral symphonies and the timeless beauty of classical music. Join the Wayne Oratorio Society as they embark on this awe-inspiring voyage, sailing the symphonic seas with Vaughan Williams and Whitman as their guides.
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