Providence, RI — The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (RICCO) is proud to announce three performances of Handel’s Messiah this Fall, bringing this timeless masterpiece to audiences across the state.
The full-length Messiah will be performed on Block Island on November 16, 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.
Artistic Director Joshua Rohde emphasizes the importance of RICCO’s commitment to presenting the entire Messiah — a rare experience in today’s musical landscape.
“Many performances around the state only present the Christmas portion and the Hallelujah Chorus, which are of course well-loved. However, by performing the entire work, we’re able to deliver a more complete and profound musical journey,” Rohde said. “There’s so much depth and emotional power in the lesser-known movements, especially in Part Two, which tackles real, heartfelt emotions that resonate with audiences in a very relatable way.”
Rohde further explains that these performances are also an important way to connect with communities throughout Rhode Island.
“Our mission as The Rhode Island Civic Chorale is to bring high-quality music to all corners of the state, not just Providence. Block Island, Manville, and other areas may not always have access to classical music of this caliber, so we’re excited to bring Messiah to these communities,” he said.
In addition to presenting the complete work, these performances will feature RICCO’s Collegiate Vocal Competition winners as soloists. As part of its mission to encourage the vocal arts in the New England region, RICCO holds an annual Collegiate Vocal Competition, now in its 15th year, which is open to all vocal students, undergraduate or graduate, currently studying at any institution of higher learning in New England. We will again be inviting applications from all levels and from all voice parts to compete for a spot as a featured soloist in a performance during the Chorale’s 2024-2025 season along with a stipend of $500.
Soloists for the upcoming Messiah performances will include: Mara Riley, Soprano, from the New England Conservatory; Delaney Finn, Mezzo-Soprano, from Boston University; Zachary Fisher, Tenor, from the University of Massachusetts; Karen Wemhoener, a Soprano from Dallas, Texas and currently located in Boston; and Ziqi Fang, Bass, from Brown University.
Soprano Mara Riley is recognized for her compelling musicality, having a particular affinity for music, song, and ensemble singing. She is a 2024-2025 Voces8 US Scholar, and sings regularly with Ensemble Music and Nightingale Vocal Ensemble. This season, she joins the Boston Early Music Festival’s production of Telemann’s Don Quichotte, and will be a featured soloist with the Colorado Bach Ensemble and the Boulder Bach Festival.
Delaney A. K. Finn is a Mezzo Soprano, educator, and arts administrator based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is completing an undergraduate dual degree at Boston University in Music Education and Vocal Performance, where she was recently ‘tapped in’ to the Scarlet Key Honor Society. Finn is a private teacher and choral educator in the greater Boston area dedicated to creating warm, safe spaces where students grow and express themselves. Delaney continues to develop her musicianship as an active performer and cantor.
Zachary James Fisher, Tenor, completed his graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he obtained a master’s degree in voice performance and a graduate certificate in choral conducting. Over the past year, Zachary has been heard as the tenor soloist in both the Arcadia Players performance of Charpentier’s Messe de minuit pour Noël as well as UMass’s undertaking of the Mozart Requiem.
Karen Wemhoener is a Soprano from Dallas, Texas and currently located in Boston. Most recently, she performed the role of Monica in the Medium with QSVI. Karen is a published composer in Modern Music for New Signers: 21st Century American Art Songs Soprano, Vol. 1., published by North Star LLC.
A native of Anhui, China, Zigi Fang is 20 years old and currently a junior at Brown University, pursuing studies in music, math and computer science. As a soloist, he has played with ensembles such as The Brown University Orchestra, Providence Baroque Orchestra, and Collegium Ancora in major works including Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Handel’s Messiah.
Rohde said the honor goes beyond the stage.
“It’s thrilling to give these young singers the chance to perform with a large choir and orchestra, often for the first time,” said Rohde. “Some of our past winners have gone on to sing in prestigious venues across the globe, so this is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to witness future stars in their early stages.”
For audiences familiar with the full Messiah, these performances offer the opportunity to experience the full emotional and musical breadth of the work. For those hearing a full Messiah for the first time, Rohde promises an exhilarating experience. “The second half is filled with momentum, energy, and emotional richness. After hearing the complete work, the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of Part Two becomes even more powerful.”
RICCO’s Messiah performances are a chance to hear Handel’s masterpiece in its entirety, performed by some of the region’s most talented musicians and vocalists. Don’t miss the opportunity to join the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra in celebrating this tradition and sharing music with all of Rhode Island.
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. Rohde, “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.
