From ancient times down through the present day, people who worship God have never stopped singing. Singing claims the singer, body and soul. It is not possible to sing challenging music while giving anything less than all of yourself. Sacred singing is full-bodied prayer, an act of worship demanding head, heart, and sinew.

Since 1951 the Wayne Oratorio Society has glorified God through the performance of great choral masterworks. The choir is made up of singers from the church and community who rehearse Tuesday evenings from September to May. Over 250 singers sing each season. Singers are responsible for purchasing their own scores, but choir membership is free. The choir is joined in performance by the finest professional soloists and musicians in the area.

Admission to all concerts is free. A free-will offering is received. The ministry of the Wayne Oratorio Society is made possible through offerings and through The Friends of the Wayne Oratorio Society, individual patrons who ascribe to the choir's purpose and share in their vision of ministry through music. There is but one fund drive at the beginning of each season.

Whether you are a member of our audience, a Friend of the Wayne Oratorio Society, or a member of the choir, we joyously anticipate worshipping God together in music, recreating timeless sacred choral art.

Click for Wayne Oratorio Society Performance History

Pete Hyser, one of our techie basses, put together a short YouTube style video about what it takes to put together an oratorio like the St. Matthew Passion of Bach. Click here to see it!

The Wayne Oratorio Society 2009 / 2010 Season

 J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio
December 4 & 5, 2010

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, September 14 to November 30
Saturdays, 9:00 am to Noon, October 9 and December 4
Thursday, December 2, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
New Novello Edition (in English)
The work will be cut.  The choir will perform the following numbers:
1, 5, 9, 12, 17, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 36, 42, 43, 45, 46, 54, 59, 64.

 Antonin Dvorak: Requiem
March 19 & 20, 2011

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, January 4 to March 15
Saturday, 9:00 am to Noon, January 29 and March 19
Thursday, March 17, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Kalmus or Old Novello Edition (in Latin)

 Franz Josef Haydn: Creation
May 14 & 15, 2011

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, March 22 to May 10
Saturdays, 9:00 am to Noon, April 9 and May 14
Thursday, May 12, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
G. Schirmer Edition (in English)