Rising Stars 2016 - February 27, 2016 @ 7:30pm

With only one week to go before our Rising Stars concert, the concerto competition winners from the Richmond Music Festival will have their first dress rehearsal with the Richmond Orchestra on stage at Richmond Pentecostal Church this coming Tuesday.

This concert not only features incredible works by Frédéric Chopin, Felix Mendelssohn, Camille Saint-Saëns and Ludwig van Beethoven, but also local Rising Star composer Bruno Cavalca, who's composition "In Storms" will be performed by the Richmond Orchestra.

Few concerts are more exciting than those which feature up and coming young musical talent. ROCA is proud to present Richmond Music Festival winners violinist Isabel Lago, and pianists Sue Wang, Helen Yu and Matthieu Foresi performing on stage with the Richmond Orchestra.  

Advanced tickets for this event are available: 

• Online through our website http://www.roca.ca/2015-2016-concert-season/2015/12/30/rising-stars
• Calling Richmond Orchestra and Chorus office at 604-276-2747
• In person at Long and McQuade (6760 No 3 Rd in Richmond)
• In person at Tom Lee Music (3631 No 3 Rd #150, Richmond)

DOOR PRICES:

Adult: $20.00
Senior/Student: $18.00
Children (under 13): $10.00

ADVANCED TICKETS: 

Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00

 

Rising Stars 2016 - Artist Feature - Isabel Lago

Isabel Lago – Violin

On February 27, 2016 at 7:30pm, Isabel Lago, one of four winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Competition will be performing the first movement from Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64.  In our weekly artist feature, we asked our Rising Star to answer a few questions:  

How long have you been playing the violin?

I have been playing the violin for fourteen years now, since I was two.

Why did you choose to play the violin?

This is probably a lame answer, but I started playing the violin because of my parents. I was quite young so I didn’t really know of anything otherwise. As why I continued it out of my own decision and not my parents, I honestly don’t know remember. I guess I just fell in love with it, and still do love it. 

 What other instruments do you play?

 I play piano, viola, guitar, and ukulele. 

 Why did you choose to perform this concerto?

The Mendelssohn concerto has been my favourite concerto for as long as I can remember. It was also one of the first pieces that I fell in love with as a kid. I remember listening to Itzhak Perlman playing it live and thinking to myself “one day I’m going to learn this”. So when my teacher asked me what concerto I would like to learn, I immediately knew the answer. 

What were the most challenging aspects of learning your concerto and why?  And how did you overcome them?

I think the most challenging aspect of this concerto would be the different technical skills that one must develop in order to play this. It is quite physically demanding with many double stops and octaves, and require not just physical practice but mental practice as well. For me, improving those skills were the hardest. Really analyzing and ripping apart the piece in the practice room for hours on end helped me overcome the challenge, and allowed me to learn so much. 

 Who is your favourite composer and why?

This would probably be the hardest question a musician could be asked. For me, it changes all the time. One day I could say “Brahms is my favourite!” and the next I could really hate Brahms. I think as of right now it would be Bach. All his work is beyond perfection. Take his violin sonatas and partitas for instance; all the layers of harmonies and emotions are truly incomparable. 

When you are not practicing the violin you are probably ____(Fill in the blank)_____                 
Painting, drawing, reading, singing. Definitely not doing math. 

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RISING STARS 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Highway Richmond, BC, V6X 1B1 Canada

ADVANCED TICKETS: 

Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00

Advanced tickets can be purchased online or in person at Long and McQuade in Richmond (6760 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C2).

For detailed event information please visit: http://www.roca.ca/2015-2016-concert-season/2015/12/30/rising-stars

ROCA helps celebrate the Lunar New Year!

The Richmond Chinese Community Services brought in the Year of the Monkey in fine style on Saturday at Lansdowne Mall.  And ROCA was there to help celebrate!  While an exciting and entertaining selection of music and dance from around the world was performed on stage, ROCA members distributed information at our booth about our organization and our upcoming concerts.  Many thanks to Teresa, Leah, Graeme, Lilian, Esther, Julia, Liz, Heather, Lavonne, Bernadette, Genny, Soyoung, Lilain and Don for volunteering to help throughout the afternoon.

Rising Stars 2016 - Artist Feature - Matthieu Foresi

Matthieu Foresi - Piano

On February 27, 2016 at 7:30pm, Matthieu Foresi, one of four winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Competition will be performing the first movement from Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15.  In our weekly artist feature, we asked our youngest Rising Star to answer a few questions:  

How long have you been playing the piano?

I have been playing the piano for 7 years, since I was three and a half years old. Lucky to be born in a family of musicians my grandparents, Tanya & Victor Shevtsov, have been my mentors since the very beginning.

Why did you choose to play the piano?

Since my mom is a flautist and both of my grandparents are pianists, I heard flute and piano since I can remember. However I chose to play the piano because I was fascinated by the fact that a piano can play so many notes at the same time, both melody and harmony. The piano also has seven and a half octaves versus three to four octaves on most melodic instruments.

What other instruments do you play?

I only play the piano, but I also started composing recently. When I will be in grade 7 in school, I want to play the drums in the band.

Why did you choose to perform this concerto?

I have heard this concerto many times played by my grandparent’s students and on youtube. I liked it a lot, so I asked to play it. My most favourite part of the concerto is the cadenza.

What were the most challenging aspects of learning your concerto and why?  And how did you overcome them?

The most challenging part of learning this concerto was playing fast passages. I worked on these passages using different practicing exercises suggested by my piano teachers.

Who is your favourite composer and why?

My most favourite composer is Sergei Rachmaninov. I love how he artfully changes dynamics in his compositions. Rachmaninov composed mostly in minor keys, and minor keys are my favourite.

When you are not practicing the piano you are probably ______(Fill in the blank)________  

 When I am not practicing the piano I am usually composing, writing stories or playing video games.

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RISING STARS 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Highway Richmond, BC, V6X 1B1 Canada

ADVANCED TICKETS: 

Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00

Advanced tickets can be purchased online or in person at Long and McQuade in Richmond (6760 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C2).

For detailed event information please visit: http://www.roca.ca/2015-2016-concert-season/2015/12/30/rising-stars

YOMP - Young Orchestra Mentorship Program

Michelle Poon - Violinist

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. 

Rising Stars 2016 - Artist Feature - Helen Yu

Helen Yu - Piano

On February 27, 2016 at 7:30pm, Helen Yu, one of four winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Competition will be performing the second movement from Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11.  In our weekly artist feature,  we asked Helen to answer a few questions:  

How long have you been playing the piano?
I've been playing for 8 years since 3 years old.

Why did you choose to play the piano?
Out of all the instruments, the piano was my favourite, so that's why I chose it.

What other instruments do you play?
No, I only play the piano

Why did you choose to perform this concerto?
I really like Chopin's melodies, harmonies, and colours, and I had already also played the Chopin 2nd Concerto, so I thought it'd be good to also do the 1st concerto.

What were the most challenging aspects of learning your concerto and why?  And how did you overcome them?
The most challenging aspects of this concerto were understanding the story, or the meaning behind the music, and to also produce a sweet, innocent-like sound, and at times, a sparkling sound. I learned that as long as you played it from your heart, the piece would at least have some meaning to it. I also overcame the sound obstacle by using my ear to listen to if the sound is too thick, harsh soft, or not projected enough, etc.

 Who is your favourite composer and why?
My favourite composer is Frederic Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven. I chose Chopin because his music speaks so deeply from the heart and soul itself, and Beethoven because his story behind a piece is so fascinating once you uncover it, and also very puzzling when you're trying to figure it all out.

When you are not practicing the piano you are probably _______(Fill in the blank)_______
I would probably be reading, or listening to music.

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RISING STARS 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Highway Richmond, BC, V6X 1B1 Canada 

ADVANCED TICKETS: 

Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00

Advanced tickets can be purchased online or in person at Long and McQuade in Richmond (6760 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C2).

For detailed event information please visit: http://www.roca.ca/2015-2016-concert-season/2015/12/30/rising-stars

#ThrowbackThursday - The Tall Ships Festival 2002

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! 

Local Musicians Featured in Upcoming Concert

Two leading Richmond church musicians, Jonathan Der and Alex Gowans, are featured soloists in the upcoming season-opening concert from Richmond Orchestra and Chorus.

The concert presents music by French composers Gabriel Faure and Maurice Ravel – “warm and appealing Romantic music”, says Chorus conductor Brigid Coult.

Violinist Jonathan Der,  Director of Music at St Anne’s Anglican Church in Steveston, is the soloist in the virtuoso “Tzigane” by Ravel – a piece written in flamboyant gypsy style. Der is also the Associate Conductor of the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra. He has appeared as soloist in concerts in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.  

The Orchestra, led by conductor James Malmberg, also offers “Pavane” settings by Faure and Ravel, and “Le Tombeau de Couperin” by Ravel, written in homage to friends of the composer killed during the First World War.

The second half of the program presents the magnificent “Requiem” by Faure, in which Orchestra and Chorus are directed by Brigid Coult, and joined by baritone soloist Alex Gowans. Gowans is the Director of Music at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, and has sung with Vancouver Opera Chorus, as well as with many other leading choirs in the Lower Mainland.

The soprano soloist in the Requiem is Chorus member Amy Koop. 

“This is one of the great classics of the late-Romantic period” says Chorus conductor Coult. “It’s full of wonderful melodies and gentle drama”

The concert is to be held at Richmond Pentecostal Church (9300 Westminster Highway) on Sunday 25 October at 3pm. For tickets and further information contact 604-276-2747 or www.roca.ca

Faure and Ravel: ROCA's first concert of our 30th season

ROCA Orchestra and Chorus

proudly presents

Faure's Requiem  with baritone Alex Gowan 

and

Ravel's Tzingane with violinist Jonathan Der

Sunday, October 25th     3:00PM

Richmond Pentecostal Church

9300 Westminster Hwy    Richmond

Tickets can be purchased from Long & McQuade, 6760 No. 3 Road, Richmond or on-line at

TICKETS NOW

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.

Come and join us! New members welcome!

The Richmond Orchestra and Chorus always welcomes new members to both the chorus and orchestra.    Here's a sample of our last concert from our YouTube channel.  Just listen to what you could be a part of!!  Auditions are now open. More information and applications available  here.

Uploaded by RICHMOND ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS on 2015-06-14.

Have YOU got your season tickets? Listen to us on YouTube!

Richmond Orchestra and Chorus, Richmond BC performing Brindisi from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi with soloists Martin Sadd and Chloe Hurst

The Richmond Orchestra and Chorus is 30 years young this year, and are we ever excited! This will be another wonderful season of orchestral and choral music as we perform with our young friends (Rising Stars), our community friends (Christmas with the Richmond Singers) and our new friends from over the water (Rossini with the North Shore Chorus).  In addition in October the orchestra and chorus will collaborate on a beautiful night of French music  as we present Faure and Ravel, and then for something completely different, our June concert will be Broadway favourites from the Fifties.  And of course, no ROCA season is complete without the orchestra's annual Beethoven concert.  

Don't miss out on hearing all this wonderful music.  Season tickets are now available! Buying a season's ticket not only means great savings on all concerts, but you will also receive preferred seating, one free ticket for a friend to attend your first concert, and an invitation to our year end reception.  Just click here on BUY NOW  and we'll see you at the concerts!

Operatic Gems for Your Musical Soul!

Opera is probably one of the most challenging things to be part of.  There are so many things to be aware of!  Opera singers bring the drama and flair to the music, adding that emotional depth that makes the performance pop.  But did you know, orchestra members also bring that kind of musical drama as well?

In some of these operatic gems, we are staring at pages and pages of eight notes, and eventually, they all look like the same notes, over and over again.  And if you're a percussionist, it is an exercise in patience and counting.  But when we put this together with the choir and soloists, these passages transform - from something seemingly repetitive to a lively, energetic introduction.  For example, the Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart) begins with the strings playing a bustling theme, giving imagery of a bright, Spanish countryside.  Full of life, you can Mozart's flair for the fanciful in the flutes, with their occasional bursts of music over the steadiness in the basses. With different instruments interjecting with the theme, the overall overture is reflective of the opera itself, light-hearted, playful, and full of mischief.    

These pieces in this upcoming concerts are familiar favourites, and while there might be a couple of those high notes that makes these pieces a little harder to sing along with, I promise you'll go home humming them in your head.  Join us for an evening of a little drama, as opera is just that. Drama for your eyes, drama for your ears, and drama for your musical soul.  

Michelle Poon

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!