The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (RICCO) is excited to present Essential Voices, a concert that explores the timeless and essential nature of choral music through works spanning centuries.
Performances will take place on March 30th, at St. Sebastian’s, on Cole Street in Providence.
This unique concert will showcase essential composers from different eras, from Renaissance masters, to living composers, offering a dynamic program that reflects the core of choral music.
“What we’re presenting in Essential Voices isn’t just a survey of important composers throughout history,” says Joshua Rohde, artistic director of RICCO. “We’re also asking, what is truly essential about singing and making music? It’s about expressing ourselves, connecting with others, and communicating emotions that go beyond words.”
Audiences can expect to hear choral classics from composers like William Byrd, J.S. Bach, and Hildegard von Bingen, paired alongside new works by contemporary composers, such as Elaine Hagenberg, Dale Trumbore, and Caroline Shaw. This thoughtful juxtaposition of old and new will create a concert experience that is both timeless and contemporary.
“The program will weave together early chants, Renaissance motets, and works that have been composed in just the past few years,” says Rohde. “It’s about highlighting how these essential voices from the past are still speaking to us today, and how today’s composers are adding their voices to that tradition.”
RICCO’s audience has grown to trust the organization to bring them innovative programs that expand their musical horizons, and Essential Voices continues in this tradition.
“Our audiences show up regardless of whether they know the music on the program or not, because they trust that it will be high-quality and moving,” Rohde explains. “We’re excited to share this beautiful repertoire and take our audiences on a journey that spans centuries.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.RICCO.org.
The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (RICCO) last performed in November and December with three performances of Handel’s Messiah, bringing this timeless masterpiece to audiences across the state. The full-length Messiah was performed on Block Island on November 6 at the Block Island School, at St. Sebastian’s Church in Providence on December 7, and at St. James Church in Manville on December 8. A first for the organization, the Chorale was thrilled to work with the Block Island Chamber of Commerce and the town to hold a unique performance on the island. In December, the Chorale performed to a standing-room only sell-out crowd in Providence and a final performance in Manville.
RICCO has a distinguished reputation for presenting the great choral-orchestral masterworks that most audiences know and love, and is a vital part of the state’s thriving arts community. Dr. Joshua W. Rohde believes in encouraging new singers join the organization so they can experience the joy of performing choral music at a high level with a professional orchestra and soloists.
According to Dr. Rhode, “It is my goal to continue this tradition, while bringing a fresh perspective to these classics, and presenting new works that in their own right should receive equal acclaim.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.RICCO.org.
