Sussex Oratorio will present holiday concert

Newton — The Sussex County Oratorio Society will conclude the holiday season with “Winter Celebrations” on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church on Main Street in Newton. A variety of choral pieces highlighting the festivals of the season will be featured with a chamber orchestra including Latin and African percussion. The traditional audience sing-along is also a part of the program. Oratorio members hailing from all walks of life and musical backgrounds continue a tradition of over 50 years of presenting quality choral concerts in Sussex County. Al Kopaka of Hackettstown has directed the 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. Rehearsal accompanist, Joan Tracy has been with the oratorio society since 1995. She accompanied Harmonium for four years under Kopaka’s direction and continues to be the accompanist, and a singer, for Harmonium. She has also accompanied the Sussex County Youth & Prep Orchestras as well as the Suzuki Strings, since 1987. She is a piano teacher and lives with her husband Paul in Cranberry Lake. General admission at the door for Sunday’s concert is $12. Seniors and students are admitted for $6. For more information, call 908-850-1179 or visit www.sussexoratorio.org.