P O Box 426 Newton, NJ 07860 US

(201) 400-3317 sussexoratorio@gmail.com

(201) 400-3317 sussexoratorio@gmail.com

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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Director
    • Sing With Us
    • covid
    • Upcoming Concert
    • Rehearsal Schedule
    • Donations
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Director
  • Sing With Us
  • covid
  • Upcoming Concert
  • Rehearsal Schedule
  • Donations

Sussex Oratorio Society

Sussex Oratorio SocietySussex Oratorio SocietySussex Oratorio Society

Background

The Society was founded in 1952 by the late Mrs. Florence Wenzel Scudder with the purpose of performing the ‘Messiah’ annually. The group was first known as “The Messiah Choral Society of Sussex County”.  Mrs. Wenzel, who later remarried to become Mrs. Scudder, was the organizer, soprano soloist, and first director of the society.  


From a starting point of the ‘Messiah’, the society began singing other music and over the years has performed baroque, romantic and modern music. The group originally rehearsed in Sparta, first at the Presbyterian Church, later the Municipal Building. In 1960 the group moved to Newton.  

Artistic Directors over the years have included Florence Wenzel Scudder, David Anderson, Willard Newton, Richard Pugsley, R. Lee Smith, John Arnedt, Albert Dorhout, Anita Meyer, John Lawson, Al Kopacka,  Joseph Piccirillo and our current director Jeanette Hile.


See "Upcoming Concert" page for specifics.


Some quotes from members: 

“It’s harder than church music and it’s beautiful music”

“I joined the Society because it’s the only opportunity I get to sing classical music around here” 

“It’s rewarding if you do something well” 

“I sing with the group because in totally concentrating on music  I am able to retreat from the pressures of the business world. It is total immersion” 


Today, SCOS is much more than a collection of singers offering classical style music. We explore all manner of quality choral singing, employing a range of instrumental accompaniments, while endeavoring to educate and enlighten our audiences and ourselves throughout the northwest corner of New Jersey.
The Society meets Monday evenings, September through May at Christ Church, 62 Main St Newton, NJ  from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Auditions for new members are held at the start of each Semester in September and January.
Dues are $50 per semester which includes the ownership of all music.

New members are also required to purchase concert attire of a dress or jacket at a cost of $70.
Concerts are performed in December and May.

We hold our annual fundraiser event in the Spring where each member is required to contribute at least $100 by direct payment or by placing ads in our program from local merchants.

The works chosen are both varied and challenging.  Rehearsals, are very enjoyable in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Periodic social gatherings allow members to get to know each other and many friendships have been forged over the years.

As a form of community outreach, we volunteer to sing at area nursing homes and hospitals, and have performed at other events throughout the area.

The Society, which is a non-profit organization, is run very efficiently by a Board of Directors which meets regularly to review and set policy and goals. We welcome new members and look forward to exploring new musical challenges.


Funding has been made available, in part, by the New Jersey Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Block Grant Program, as administered by the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council.



Board of Directors

President:                                        Tom Yates


Vice President:                             Kathleen Marshall


Treasurer:                                        Gary Hogue II 


Recording Secretary:                Colleen Tosti


Corresponding Secretary:     Linda-Jean Euler 


Artistic Director:                        Jeanette Hile


Members-at-Large:                    Mary Bowers

                                                                Alicia Cruz 

                                                                Gene Provost

                                                                Don Rutsch  

            ​                                                         






Performance History

Dec 2022 - Songs of the Season

Jan 2020 - Rejoice and Sing

May 2019 - The Key of Sea

​January 2019 - The Mystery of the Season

May 2018 - A Little Night Music
January 2018 - Merry & Bright
May 2017 - Journey in Song Part II, selections from the last 20 years
January 2017 - Journey in Song Part I, Christmas selections from last 20 years
​May 2016 - I Can Sing A Rainbow
January 2016 - Jesus The King Is Born

May 2015 - Beethoven Mass in C Major

January 2015 - Joyeux Noel,  A French Christmas 

May 2014 - In Songs Of Joy - The Music of Beethoven

January 2014 - Emanuel: "God With Us"
May 2013 - American Folk Songs: Our Musical Heritage
January 2013 - Christmas in the British Isles
May 2012 - Opera Favorites (with The New Sussex Symphony)
January 2012 - Joy of Christmas
May 2011 - Opera Favorites (with New Sussex Symphony)
January 2011 - Buon Natale! Christmas Italian Style
May 2010 - Let Us Have Peace
January 2010 - Holiday with Handbells
May 2009 - The Wonder of his Work
January 2009 - Winter Celebrations
May 2008 - Songs of the Spirit
January 2008 - Epiphany's Here
May 2007 - An A+ in Music
January 2007 - Christmas in the Western World
May 2006 - Saturday Night at the Opera II
January 2006 - A Bach Family Holiday
May 2005 - Saturday Night at the Opera
January 2005 - A 19th Century Christmas
May 2004 - Sacred Music in Classic Style


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