A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The snowstorm that buried our area on December 18-19 was one of the largest ever to hit our community. Its impact on all of us, including The Oratorio Society of Virginia, was great. As you may know, we were forced to cancel our Christmas at the Paramount concert scheduled for December 19.

This cancellation was a real blow to The Oratorio Society. Our great disappointment in being prevented from sharing a program that we had worked hard to prepare and knew our audience would find delightful was accompanied by serious financial impact. The afternoon performance had nearly sold out and the evening performance was approaching a full house. These strong ticket sales spoke eloquently of the community's enthusiasm for this holiday tradition, which is also a financial mainstay of The Oratorio Society.

If you purchased tickets to the December 19 concert, and have not already done so, please consider donating their value to The Oratorio Society. This will assist our financial recovery from the cancellation. Many of our concert expenses must still be paid, despite the cancellation. Should you choose this option, we would be happy to provide a written acknowledgment of your donation for tax purposes: just send email to our Treasurer, Celia Lankford. Many buyers have already donated their tickets, and we greatly appreciate their generosity. If you purchased tickets and prefer a refund, please contact our Treasurer.

Despite the financial impact of the cancellation of our Christmas program, we are committed to going forward with the balance of our concert season. Please plan on attending our March 14 and May 29 concerts: the Brahms Requiem and Three Choral Classics, respectively. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Be assured that Christmas at the Paramount will return -- Old Man Winter permitting. We have scheduled afternoon and evening performances on December 18, 2010. So, next holiday season, you will once again have the opportunity to join with us in this community holiday tradition. We also hope to present a concert in early November -- details later. Now, more than ever, your contribution in support of The Oratorio Society is needed and appreciated.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please click here or send a check payable to The Oratorio Society of Virginia at PO Box 5073, Charlottesville, VA 22905-5073.

Challenging times remind us how vital the support of our friends is. We look forward to continuing to bring the finest in choral music to our community.

 

Hugh Tobias

President, The Oratorio Society of Virginia

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