YOMP - Young Orchestra Mentorship Program

YOMP - Young Orchestra Mentorship Program

ROCA is deeply passionate about our community outreach and education program. That is why we are thrilled to introduce our newest endeavor, the Young Orchestra Mentorship Program, or YOMP!  YOMP is a scholarship program that aims to encourage young musicians who have a strong interest in developing their musical potential and artistry. They will be auditioning to join the orchestra for our Beethoven and Brahms concert. 

I've played in ROCA's orchestra since I was in high school, and I remember how exhilarating it was to be able to make music on such a large scale. What I remembered most was the kindness and direction that the orchestra members provided me, and the musical knowledge and life tips that they generously passed on to me. This is the kind of environment that I want our new musicians to be experience and to be part of.  

We hope to develop future talents by exploring the potential of these students in this musical environment. This music adventure also aims to connect new musicians our wonderful community members in our orchestra, and we look forward to introducing these talented musicians at our next concert.  We hope that you are able to join us in welcoming these musicians in this new journey with ROCA!

If you would like more information on how to be part of YOMP as a mentor or would like to contribute to this program, please email us at roca@roca.ca. 

#ThrowbackThursday - The Tall Ships Festival 2002

Tall Ships - August 2002 001.jpg

It’s been almost 15 years since we performed at the Tall Ship Festival in 2002 and I can still clearly feel the awe and wonderment of watching those majestic ships from around the world sailing into Steveston Harbour.  The ROCA Chorus sang for its biggest audience ever!!  They say about 400,000 people came out to greet the ships as they arrived, and of course listen to ROCA’s fabulous repertoire of maritime songs.  Anchors aweigh! 

Christmas With Friends - Join us at Fraserview Saturday, Dec. 5th 7:30PM!

We had so much fun singing with Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brody, Councillor Bill McNulty and other Richmond City Councillors at the tree lighting ceremony at City Hall last week.  

Join us tonight, Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:30PM as we get together with more Richmond Friends, the fabulous Richmond Singers, to perform songs you'll want to sing along to as well as new Christmas songs sure to become your favourite..We're also very pleased to announce that Councillor Bill McNulty will be joining us as concert MC.   

Ho! HO! HO! 

Fawlty Towers Returns! ROCA's Fundraising Night at the Theatre

Wednesday, November 4th, 2015   8:00PM

The Metro Theatre is  presenting the next three episodes of the hilarious British comedy Fawlty Towers.  Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a fun filled night at the theatre with Basil, Sybil and Manuel and support the Richmond Orchestra and Chorus at the same time.  

Tickets are only $20 each.  

Order on-line at Fawlty Towers Tickets or from any ROCA member.

Conductor's Thoughts on Operatic Gems

Doing an opera program was something James and I had on our to-do list for some time, and this felt like the right season for it. 
I shaped the program by selecting the choruses that would form its pillars: the great “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Verdi’s Nabucco; the “Wedding Chorus” from Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, the delightful “Villagers’ Chorus” from Rossini’s William Tell. No “Pilgrim’s Chorus” by Wagner or “Triumphal March” from Verdi’s Aida this year – we’re too short of men to do multiple divisi, unfortunately.  I looked at the chorus-and-solo repertoire, and added the “Brindisi” from Verdi’s La Traviata and the Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen – knowing that our MC, mezzo Rebecca Hass, would make a wonderful Carmen!
Turning to our soloists, I asked them for some curtain-call specials, and they produced – Chloé Hurst with the exquisite “Dove sono” from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro and “O mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and Martin Sadd with “Che gelida manina” (La Boheme) and “Nessun dorma” (Turandot) – both by Puccini.
Then it was time to massage it all into shape, adding overtures in both halves (by Mozart and Bizet) and ending with the lovely “Lippen Schweigen” from Lehar’s Merry Widow, and offering everyone a chance to join in singing one of the loveliest operetta tunes in the repertoire.
You’re going to love this concert!

We gratefully acknowledge our partners and sponsors for their generous support: