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Biography
In 1997, composer Charles Osborne asked his friend and colleague, Aryeh Finklestein, to write a libretto for his new oratorio, Souls on Fire, a work based on the book by Nobel Prize Laureate, Elie Weisel. The oratorio premiered in Boston in 1998 to critical acclaim, and was soon recorded by the Bulgarian National Symphony and Chorus, with narration by Leonard Nimoy. Since that time, Mr. Osborne's numerous vocal, instrumental and orchestral pieces have brought him national attention. In July, 2001, his composition, Proclaim Liberty, was premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in celebration of Independence Day. Souls on Fire, performed in Detroit and Philadelphia in 2003, will be performed in Boston and New York in 2004, and Los Angeles in 2005, all narrated by Leonard Nimoy. Newly commissioned works, including his latest collaboration with Mr. Finklestein, This Flower, are scheduled to premiere in Boston and at Lincoln Center, New York in Spring, 2004.
Among Mr. Osborne's works scheduled for production and recording in 2004-2005 are his Concerti for Guitar and Orchestra, Flute and Orchestra, and Viola and Chamber Orchestra, as well as his cantata, Golden Liberty, and his oratorio, Kings and Fishermen.
The long and distinguished musical career of Charles David Osborne began at the age of five, when he commenced his piano studies, and by the time he was 12, he had already enjoyed his first singing engagement as a boy alto. After receiving a Voice Performance degree from the Hartt College of Music in 1972, Mr. Osborne, a tenor, enjoyed an international singing career, appearing in Europe and Israel, and at major concert venues in the U.S., including Avery Fisher and Carnegie Halls in New York, and Symphony Hall, Boston.
In 1983 Mr. Osborne entered the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. There, through his study with two leading 20th century composers, Miriam Gideon and Hugo Weisgall, he discovered his passion for composition, graduating with honors in both Musical Composition and Conducting. Upon graduating in 1987, Mr. Osborne accepted the position of cantor at Temple Emanuel, Newton Centre, Massachusetts, the largest Conservative congregation in New England. He has since established himself as one of the most prominent cantors in North America.
Through his dedicated devotion to composition, Charles Osborne has won a reputation as a gifted creator of compelling, lyrical music. With progressive recognition for his work, he receives numerous offers for commissions, both liturgical and non-liturgical. His catalogue, which initially included many sacred choral works, has grown to encompass a broad range of Classical, secular pieces which have received widespread praise. His Symphony in A Flat, the sister composition to Souls on Fire, continues to receive favorable reviews in the international Classical community.
Productions
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Artist Information
All information is derived from OPERA America's Season Schedule of Performances and titles databases which date back to 1991. OPERA America is constantly updating this data. If you feel that a work or an artist has been omitted or that information is incorrect, please use the linked forms below. Title Information Form Artist Information Form
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