Our Performances

2025-2026

Saint-Saëns' "Christmas Oratorio"

Together in Song - America250

Mendelssohn's "Elijah"

2025-2026 ⋆ Saint-Saëns' "Christmas Oratorio" ⋆ Together in Song - America250 ⋆ Mendelssohn's "Elijah" ⋆

2025-2026 | 58th Season

  • Christmas at The Paramount

    December 20th at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville

    The 100-voice Oratorio Society chorus under the baton of music director, Michael Slon, and joined by string orchestra, organ, and guest soloists will present “Christmas at The Paramount.” Featuring the luminous warmth of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, as well as other holiday favorites and audience sing-along carols, you’ll want to bring the whole family for this annual Charlottesville tradition!

    *Tickets on sale beginning in September.

  • Together in Song: Songs of Democracy

    March 14th, 2026 | Choral Workshop at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Concert at 4:00 p.m.

    The Oratorio Society’s 100-voice chorus, along with community singers from the morning workshop, and guest artists will present a special program honoring our nation’s 250-year history in collaboration with the VA250 commission of America250, a nationwide bipartisan initiative to celebrate the roots of our democracy. Check back for more details about the music to be featured on this program!

    VA250’s mission closely aligns with The Oratorio Society’s mission to educate, engage, and inspire through the excellence of our choral programs: “The 250th anniversary of our country presents a unique opportunity for Virginia, where so much of what shaped us took place. With your help, we can educate Americans about our history, founding ideals, and system of government; engage with every community and locality to tell a complete story; and inspire people to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship.”

  • Mendelssohn's 'Elijah'

    May 10th, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. | Old Cabell Hall

    Join The Oratorio Society of Virginia for this breathtaking masterwork! Presented with full orchestra, outstanding professional guest soloists, and the power of 100+ voices in harmony, Mendelssohn’s masterful oratorio* brings the Old Testament story of the prophet, Elijah, to life through exquisite and timeless melodies.

    *English version

Available Online:

 
 

Beethoven’s 9th at 200 - Highlights


Recorded May 12, 2024 by Polymnia Music
Compiled and produced by Stewart Searle of Bravi Films, Charlottesville

Recorded and Produced in May 2024 at Old Cabell Hall, Charlottesville.

Available Online:

 
 

Verleih uns Frieden

Felix Mendelssohn
Recorded virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Compiled and produced by Arts Laureate Recordings

“This small piece deserves to be world famous,” said Robert Schumann of his contemporary’s brief but undeniably beautiful setting of Martin Luther’s prayer for peace. Originally slated for performance on our March 2020 Together in Song, members of The Oratorio Society recorded this performance at home. We hope to sing it for you live, very soon!

Recorded and Produced during the 2020-21 season.

 

The World Called

Music by Adolphus Hailstork
Text by Rita Dove

Commissioned in celebration of our 50th Anniversary, this work stands as one of The Oratorio Society’s proudest moments. Hear the performance on YouTube, including an interview with the poet, Rita Dove, and Music Director Michael Slon.

 

Testimonial, by David Guinn
Produced July 2020

 

Christmas at the Paramount

Compiled from archival footage
All performances by The Oratorio Society of Virginia
Michael Slon, Music Director

 

Photo credit: David Perry
Produced December 2020

“…generous and all together moving. Thank you, and your fine musicians and volunteers, for drawing together our community for an hour of wonder.”

— Former UVA president John Casteen