2008 - 2009
Edward Markward, Music Director
Founded by Dr. Louis Pichierri ~ 1957
Who are we?
The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra was established in 1957 and consists of approximately 90 men and women from 27 different towns in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. The orchestra that accompanies the chorale is made up of professional musicians, including members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Soloists who perform with the chorale are highly respected professionals in the world of opera and classical music. The Chorale's mission is to provide artistic enrichment to the public and the singers through presentation of at least three concerts of major choral works per year. The 2006 - 2007 season celebrated the Chorale's 50th anniversary season with works by Handel, Verbalov (World Premiere) and Brahms. Click here to view the concert schedule from our past season.
What do we sound like?
Click here to listen to short sound clips from previous concerts.
Who can sing in the RICCO?
An audition is required for membership in the RICCO. If you have experience singing in large choral ensembles, please read this note from our Music Director, Edward Markward. More specific information about auditions appears on the auditions link on this web site.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals begin in September and are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 10:00 PM. On some Wednesday evenings, section leaders will hold sectional rehearsals prior to the 7:30 general rehearsal time. Rehearsals are held at Rhode Island College in the Nazarian Center for the Arts - Room 198. On occasion, Saturday morning rehearsals are scheduled by the director. Updated rehearsal schedules are available in late August and early January of each concert season.
Each member is expected to work on his or her part outside of Wednesday evenings. If you do not play the piano or read music, there are rehearsal CDs for music as well as pronunciation as necessary.
What is the concert schedule?
The RICCO usually performs three concerts per year: late November, mid to late March and late May or early June. Please refer to the home page for our current season schedule. Dress rehearsals are generally held on the Friday evening before each Saturday evening concert. On occasion, a second performance is held at a different venue.
Are there dues or other fees that I will be expected to pay?
Although the Chorale is funded primarily through grants, donations, program ads, and ticket sales, the following fees are required from members:
| Annual Dues | $90.00 per year or $30 per concert. Membership is never based on your ability to pay dues. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you should speak to one of the assistants at your audition. All information will be kept strictly confidential. |
| Music Purchase | Each member usually purchases the scores/music for each concert. Prices vary, but are typically anywhere from $5 to $12. Rehearsal CDs may be included in the pricing, otherwise, they are usually $2 per CD. |
What else do I need to Know?
There are many, people 'behind the scenes' who contribute to the day-to-day operations of the chorale. Volunteers are always needed to help with one or two events during the season, or to be part of a committee. Information for the coming season will be made available at the first rehearsal in September.
| Concert Dress | Men wear black tuxedos - black tie; Ladies wear black, long sleeved, modestly scooped neck dresses, and small pearl earrings and a strand of pearls. You can speak to your section leader about specifics on where to buy a dress. |
| Ticket Sales | We rely heavily on singers to promote our performances; Singers are asked to sell 5 tickets to each concert and may obtain tickets at discounted prices. |
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Rhode Island Civic Chorale and
Orchestra Email: info@ricco.org |
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Last update: 07/25/08 ©2006 RI Civic Chorale & Orchestra |
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