Sussex Oratorio presents “An ‘A' in Music Class”

Newton -“An ‘A’ in Music Class” is the theme of the Sussex County Oratorio Society spring concert, on Saturday, May 5, at 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church on Main Street, Newton. All of the pieces for the performance were written by composers whose last names begin with A, from the beautiful “Ave Maria” by Jacques Arcadelt to the rousing “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” by Dominick Argento. Two pieces will be sung in Russian: “Serenade” by Arensky and “Praise the Name of the Lord” by Arkhangelsky. The chorus will be accompanied by piano, organ, and a 12-piece orchestra composed of string and brass instruments which will also play an instrumental piece by Albinoni. Oratorio members from all musical backgrounds continue a tradition of more than 50 years of presenting quality choral concerts in Sussex County. Al Kopaka of Hackettstown is the group’s director. He received his B.M.E. from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA, in 1976, and has continued to hone his knowledge through numerous studies at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, implementing his abilities with Harmonium, Centenary College, and church music programs in Chester and Washington, for more than 30 years. He has directed the Sussex County Oratorio Society since 1996, expanding repertoire and attracting a growing membership of talented singers while enlarging audience membership as well. He and his wife, Vicki, own What in the World, a fair trade retail business in Hackettstown. General admission at the dor for Saturday’s concert is $12. Seniors and students are admitted for $6. For more information, call 973-383-0221 or visit online at www.sussexoratorio.org.