The Richmond Orchestra & Chorus

In 1986 a small group of Richmond musicians came together for the first time to make music for their community. The impetus came from local music teacher, George Austin, who approached Richmond Leisure Services with the idea for a local orchestra and chorus. The result was the establishment of the Richmond Community Orchestra and Chorus Association and the formation of an orchestra and a chorus under one administrative umbrella. To this day the two groups rehearse and perform separately, and continue to come together for special concerts. In the early days members recall a 40-piece orchestra complemented by a 23-voice ensemble, struggling through fog and flood to make music together.

In the first year George Austin held the baton for both groups as the first Musical Director, until ill health forced his resignation. Always a staunch supporter, Mr. Austin continues to attend ROCA performances, bringing students and others to enjoy the varied programs. On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary, Mr. Austin was made an Honorary Life Member.

In addition, the organization was indeed fortunate that during its inaugural year Eva Baker chose to join the chorus. She so strongly believed in the organization that she did not hesitate to offer her business and financial acumen, becoming treasurer in ROCA's second year. Eva went on to volunteer for many years on the ROCA Board, including several terms as president. Though now retired from both board and performing, she continues to be one of our biggest fans and supporters, and made arrangements to leave a legacy in the form of the "Eva Baker Award".

Once established, the Orchestra went on to have a number of conductors, including Peter Rohloff, Charles Willett, Wallace Leung, Lorraine Grescoe and Chris Robertson. James Malmberg, current conductor, was appointed in 2007. The Chorus has had only two conductors since its inaugural year: Len Lythgoe (1987 to 1994) and Brigid Coult (1994 to the present).

Guided by these dedicated professionals, the Orchestra and Chorus is committed to providing an opportunity in the Richmond Community for amateur musicians to share the joy of music in practice and performance. The talented instrumentalists and singers present a variety of music throughout the season, from the beauty of the classics, through seasonal traditions and the uplifting passion of sacred and spiritual, to the delights of folk, jazz, modern and show tunes. Recent major works include Brahms' German Requiem and Handel's Messiah. Members range in age from high school students to seniors; they come from all walks of life, and welcome the opportunity to share their love of music with a wider audience.

Special performances have included singing for guest conductor Pablo Sosa from Argentina and an appearance at the opening of the new International Terminal at Vancouver Airport. The Chorus gave the first Canadian performance of “The Dragons are Singing Tonight” by New Zealand composer David Hamilton in 1998 (with the composer present), and reprised "Dragons" in 2011 with Little Mountain Brass Band. The Orchestra and Chorus commissioned and premiered “This Island” by BC composer Brian Tate in June 2000, and gave performances on the Main Stage and at the Captains’ Ball of the Tall Ships Festival in August 2002. The Association hosted the BC Choral Federation’s Chorfest in Richmond in May of both 2004 and 2010. In March, 2006, the Chorus sang in New York’s famed Carnegie Hall under the baton of BC composer Imant Raminsh, as he conducted his “Missa Brevis” and “Magnificat.

More recently, in October 2009 the Chorus sang with the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra (under the direction of Zheng Xiaoying) at the River Rock Theatre, and in February 2010, had the privilege of singing the official Olympic Torch Anthem as part of the Torch Ceremony at Richmond's "O Zone". In April of 2010 they toured in the Okanagan.

The Orchestra continues to host notable local, national and international guest soloists, and often features the winner of the Pacific Piano Competition. Both Orchestra and Chorus reach out to the community by performing in malls and senior's residences, and by hosting charity fund-raising concerts of various kinds. In 25 years, that small group from 1986 has grown to be a highly competent and dedicated organization of approximately 100 musicians.

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