Oratorio Society of New York Stated time is approximate. Although program lists Holst's work as a New York premiere, the New York Times review by Olin Downes (11/20/1924, p.20) says the work was "performed for the first time in America." Another Times article (Nov. 18, 1924, pg. 23) notes that Holst was expected to attend this performance. U.S. PREMIERE of Gustav Holst's THE HYMN OF JESUS, OP.37 choir and orchestra performance 1924-11-19T20:00:00