Amsterdam Oratorio
Maria Riccio Bryce
The Amsterdam Oratorio had its premiere performance on October 5, 2001 – just three weeks after September 11. In the face of that horror, I thought perhaps I should cancel the performances. However, everyone involved felt that hearing the Oratorio —with its message of commitment and endurance and faith and courage —- would be healing. Hence, we went on.
What a triumph the Oratorio was! And how proud I was, when Mayor John Duchessi strode across the stage during the bows on opening night, and handed me the Key to the City!
The Amsterdam Oratorio was recorded at Cathedral Sound Studio in Rensselaer by my late brother-in-law, Ralph Sherry. Ralph was the preeminent sound engineer in the Capital District , and he donated his time and expertise to creating a recording of this album that was spectacularly beautiful. Amsterdam native Kirk Douglas paid for the manufacturing of the CDs.
I made a decision to re-print the original recording, and redistribute it digitally. That means that The Amsterdam Oratorio will now be able to be heard on all streaming devices: YouTube Spotify Amazon Apple Pandora etc.
I am delighted to have preserved my work in this manner! And I am so proud to talk about that chapter in my life, and the work that I created, essentially as a thank you to my City … but also, as a living reminder to myself, about the steadfast soulfulness of HOME.
