News and Updates from 2014

October 19, 2014.  The Richmond Symphony Chorus 'shakes the rafters' in Mahler Second Symphony.  
The Richmond Symphony Chorus joined the Richmond Symphony and soloists for a thrilling performance of Mahler's Second Symphony.  Gene Harris of the Richmond Times Disptach wrote "the Richmond Symphony, soprano Michelle Areyzaga, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Feinstein and the Richmond Symphony Chorus filled the stage of the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage, and their combined sound shook the rafters."  Read the full review here.

September 10, 2014.  Members of the Richmond Symphony Chorus perform at the State Capitol at the National Speakers' Conference.  

 Surrounded by official portraits of former VA Governors and underneath the iconic Capitol Dome, designed by Thomas Jefferson, Members of the Richmond Symphony Chorus performed for Speakers of the Houses from all 50 States.  Invited by the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, William J. Howell, the ensemble performed the National Anthem, a spiritual by William Dawson, "Virginia" by Jimmy Dean, and John David's inspiring "You are the New Day."  In addition, they gave the performance premiere of "Our Great Virginia," a new version of the beautiful "Shenandoah" tune with lyrics by Mike Greenly.  The Richmond Symphony Chorus has now not only impacted the community of Central Virginia, but it now holds an historic place in the Commonwealth of VA and across the nation.

May 18, 2014.  The Richmond Symphony Chorus was joined by the Virginia Symphony Chorus to perform Berlioz' Damnation of Faust under the direction of Steven Smith.  Sung in French, the work required the amassed chorus to become peasants, drinkers, soldiers, students, pilgrims, and demons.  They sang in French, Latin, and a made-up language worthy of the underworld.  Music critic Clarke Bustard called the performance "dramatically potent as any staged opera seen and heard here in recent years" and described the chorus as "consistently characterful and dramatically charged."  Read the full review here.

March 8, 2014.  Members of the RIchmond Symphony Chorus sang the National Anthem at the VCU basketball game!  Several members of the Richmond Symphony Chorus sang the National Anthem for the final home game of the VCU Men's Basketball team.  A sold out crowd cheered on the singers before honoring the senior players of one of the best basketball teams in the country.  Go RAMS!  And Go RSC!

To the left, Richmond Symphony Chorus Director Erin Freeman poses with RSC Tenor AND famed VCU RAMS icon, Chris Crowley (aka VCUPav). 
January 8, 2014: Second annual appearance at the VA General Assembly opening session.  For the second year in a row, the speaker of the house of delegates requested that the Richmond Symphony Chorus perform the National Anthem at the opening session.  25 members of the chorus braved frigid temperatures to sing in the historic space.  Watch the video on the Richmond Times Dispatch site here.

To the right:  Members of the Richmond Symphony Chorus with Thomas Jefferson in the entrance to the VA State Capital building. 
January 1, 2014:  A new year means new members!  Happy New Year from the Richmond Symphony Chorus.  We welcome the following new members to the chorus:  Sopranos Colleen LaButta, Louise Daraskevich, and Leslie Maloney; Altos Chelsea Cockburn, Ida Girma, and Kayla Robbins; Tenor David Brown; and Basses Arthur Grant and Don Irwin (who is a returning member!).