[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE NEW HAVEN ORATORIO CHOIR ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 60TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the members and supporters of the New Haven Oratorio Choir as they 
mark the 60th Anniversary of this exceptional organization.
  The New Haven Oratorio Choir is a community-based, auditioned chamber 
choir whose mission is to provide the New Haven region with unique and 
intimate choral performances, a repertoire chosen to inspire and inform 
performers and audiences alike. Indeed, the celebration of their 60th 
Anniversary includes an upcoming performance entitled ``Blossoms, 
Beasts, and Birds: Songs About Nature'' which will feature selections 
from renowned composers such as Britten, Copland, Whitacre, Gibbons, 
Price, and others.
  The choir was founded in 1963 when Allen Wolbrink, the then music 
director of the Church of the Redeemer, wanted to expand its Senior 
Choir. He did so by inviting singers from the larger community to join 
with the goal of performing larger works. At the time, the New Haven 
Chorale was the only area chorus open to all singers and with a 
membership of over one hundred, it did not offer the more spiritual 
experience Mr. Wolbrink envisioned. Originally named the Redeemer 
Oratorio Choir, over the course of its history, choir members have come 
from Greater New Haven and all over the world, all finding a community 
of belonging while they lived, went to school, or worked in the area. 
In fact, former members still reflect on the feeling of community they 
still have when remembering their time with the choir.
  In 1990, the choir was officially incorporated as the New Haven 
Oratorio Choir and when the Church of the Redeemer closed, they found a 
new home just down the road at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Today, the 
New Haven Oratorio Choir carries on the legacy of its founder, 
performing two concerts a year, each with a unique focus.
  Over its sixty-year history, there have been changes in performers, 
musical directors, and even their home base, but two features at the 
heart of the organization remain its foundation--a commitment to sacred 
music and an openness to all members of the community. As they 
celebrate this remarkable milestone, I am honored to extend my 
heartfelt congratulations to the New Haven Oratorio Choir and wish them 
all the best for many more successful years to come. As we say in 
Italian, ``C'ent Anni!''

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