WAYNE, PA — Music lovers will have the opportunity to experience a unique pairing of classical tradition and modern reflection when the Wayne Oratorio Society presents Mozart & Hagenberg on November 8 and 9 at Wayne Presbyterian Church.
Under the direction of conductor John Grecia, the 160-voice choir and a 50-piece professional orchestra will perform Mozart’s timeless Requiem alongside Illuminare, a contemporary choral work by composer Elaine Hagenberg. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. both evenings at 125 East Lancaster Avenue in Wayne. Admission is free, with a free-will offering accepted to support the Society’s mission.
“The Mozart Requiem dates from 1791; Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare was written in 2020, nearly 230 years apart. Both works share a profound spiritual resonance to form a dialogue between darkness and light,” said Grecia. “They traverse time and emotion, from tradition to transcendence.”
Mozart’s Requiem remains one of the most celebrated works in Western music, balancing solemnity and drama through its intricate choral and orchestral interplay. Hagenberg’s Illuminare, written during the pandemic, explores the journey from distress to hope using sacred Latin, Greek, and English texts. The piece has drawn international attention, with 100 performances scheduled globally in 2025.
Soloists for the performances include soprano Melanie Sarakatsannis, alto Raffaella Lo Castro, tenor David Price, and bass John T.K. Scherch.
Beyond its artistic value, the event reflects the enduring vitality of community-based classical performance. The Wayne Oratorio Society’s annual concerts bring together professional musicians and dedicated volunteers to make major works of sacred music accessible to all. For audiences, Mozart & Hagenberg offers not only an evening of musical excellence but also a reminder of how timeless art continues to connect emotion, faith, and humanity across generations.
For directions, parking information, and recordings of past performances, visit waynepres.org or the Wayne Presbyterian Church YouTube channel.
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