Tickets are now available for the Westchester Oratorio Society's third annual gala spring benefit, which is being held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 1 at the elegant Le Chateau restaurant in South Salem. The very special evening of fine dining and beautiful music promises to be the group's best ever. The evening will feature the celebrated violinist Ani Kavafian of North Salem, who is an internationally-renowned musician, and a featured performer in the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Series at Alice Tully Hall. Ms. Kavafian will be accompanied by her friend and fellow local resident, Hélène Grimaud of South Salem, who is herself an internationally renowned star.

Dinner will be preceded by cocktails (open bar with hors d'oeuvres) and a much-anticipated silent auction featuring fine art, collectibles, vacation homes, and much more. Music throughout the evening will be provided by the Hal Baron Trio (Black Tie is optional).

The Westchester Oratorio Society is a non-profit arts organization founded in 1997 with a commitment to perform choral masterworks from the 18th to 20th centuries with full professional orchestras and soloists, and to bring this music to local audiences. The 90-voice oratorio society, headquartered in South Salem, comprises amateur singers from throughout northern Westchester and surrounding counties. While the group's concerts receive strong local support, ticket sales cover only 40% of costs. The gala benefit is a critical source of the organization's funding.

Last season was particularly rewarding for WOS. The group performed with the Westchester Symphony Orchestra at the SUNY Performing Arts Center in Purchase and one of its two local concerts was very favorably reviewed by the music critic of the Journal News. In addition, the group made its debut appearance with the Brooklyn Philharmonic at the Brooklyn Academy of Music under the direction of Robert Spano. This performance was critically-acclaimed by The New York Times, the critic noting that the chorus "brought celestial glory and strength to the close."

Tickets for the event are $150 each, (including a $75 tax-deductible contribution) and can be reserved by calling (914)763-8740. Seating is limited. For more information, visit the group's Web site at westchesteroratorio.org

Contacts:

Harold Rosenbaum 914-763-3453

Liz McDonald (Board of Directors) 914-763-8740