oratorioswhere

Oratorioswhere is a term used in contemporary music criticism and scholarly discourse to describe a family of large-scale vocal works that blends traditional oratorio with site-specific or location-based concepts. The term functions as a portmanteau of oratorio and where, signaling an emphasis on spatial narrative and geographic context within the musical experience. Since emerging in the early 21st century, oratorioswhere has been applied by some critics and practitioners to categorize performances that push beyond conventional concert halls while maintaining the choral-orchestral scale of an oratorio.

Form and practice

Works described as oratorioswhere typically feature chorus, soloists, and orchestra, but are designed for non-traditional venues or multi-venue or site-oriented performances. Librettos may draw from sacred texts, myths, or original texts, with structures that are episodic or segmented to align with particular places, acoustic environments, or navigational routes. Performances often incorporate spatial choreography, audience movement, and multimedia elements to evoke a sense of place and to connect the narrative with real locations or imagined landscapes.

History and reception

The concept grew from experiments that combined elements of oratorio, site-specific art, and theatre, sometimes integrating digital media and projection. Proponents argue that oratorioswhere extends the reach of sacred and secular vocal tradition into public spaces, offering new modes of storytelling and audience engagement. Critics sometimes view the approach as blending genres in ways that can blur traditional expectations of form, genre, or performance venue. The practice highlights collaboration across disciplines, including music, theatre, architecture, and media arts.

See also

Oratorio; Site-specific art; Music theatre; Spatial audio.