Ellen Cockerham, executive director of Classical Revolution RVA had no idea the impact the organization would have when it started two years ago.
Ellen Cockerham, executive director of Classical Revolution RVA had no idea the impact the organization would have when it started two years ago. Classical Revolution RVA is part of an 30-chapter worldwide organization that performs classical music in bars, restaurants and galleries.
“I had no experience with putting on concerts two and a half years ago,” Cockerham. “I had no idea how people would react to having classical music in their venues, but the response has been really open and welcoming.”
With over 200 Richmond musicians, the organization has grown exponentially since it’s inception in October 2012.
Cockerham said its been ery successful in the local music scene and the group doesn’t attract the stereotypical crowd.
“Our audience is generally a lot younger,” she said. “There are people who are into going to see live shows in Richmond, and this is an easy way for them to experience classical music.”
This summer Classical Revolution RVA will continue its mission by performing in unconventional spaces throughout the city. On June 18,, Classical Revolution RVA with be performing with the 30-person St. Edward’s Chorale in the Marble Hall of the VMFA to complement the “Van Gogh, Manet, Matisse: The Art of the Flower” exhibit, on display until June 21. The two groups are joining together for this event to perform a rendition of Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and the Cantique de Jean Racine.
“The director of the St. Edward Chorale came to us and said that she wanted to put together this performance, using her church’s choir along with musicians from Classical Revolution RVA,” Cockerham said. “Her idea was for it to coincide with the exhibit. Faure was a contemporary of Van Gogh and Matisse…so she wanted to draw the parallel.”
Classical Revolution has summer plans to perform throughout Richmond, including a Musical Tour of Maymont on June 21 as well as a resurrection of its Classical Incarnation Series, performing in Northside, the West End, and Shockoe Bottom. The first performance will be at Tastebuds American Bistro on June 28.
The performance of Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and the Cantique de Jean Racine will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 7pm in the Marble Hall of the VMFA.
