Oratorio Society of Queens:
www.queensoratorio.org

The Oratorio Society of Queens is the oldest performing arts institution in the borough. Its inception in the Spring of 1927 preceded completion of the subway (the #7 line) in 1931 and the Triboro Bridge in 1940. Through the "Great Depression" and WWII, the chorus continued to rehearse and perform, contributing to "life as usual" in the most extraordinary of times. The founders of the organization did not think of Queens as a place to sleep when they were not working in Manhattan - but rather as a place to live. Churches, temples, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and performing arts centers were built to enhance the quality of life in the borough. Today, thousands of immigrants come to Queens because it is a vital place to live and make a life in America. Our presence as a cultural institution in this borough for over 75 years is an indication of the success with which we continue to meet the cultural needs of our fellow citizens.