Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra

The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra (RICCO) is a distinguished community organization with a rich history dating back to 1957. The Chorale was established by Dr. Louis Pichierri, who served as the Director of Music for Providence Public Schools. Under his leadership, the Chorale became a gathering of singers from Rhode Island and the neighboring state of Massachusetts, all sharing a profound passion for choral music. Dr. Pichierri's tenure as conductor of the Chorale spanned from its founding until his death in 1972. Following his passing, the Chorale continued to flourish under the batons of Ronald Morris, Robert Bass, and Edward Markward. Dr. Markward notably held the position of Music Director and Conductor for an impressive 32 years, concluding his service in June 2019, after which he was honored with the title of Conductor Laureate. The current Music Director and Conductor of the Chorale is Dr. Joshua W. Rohde, who has continued the tradition of excellence in choral performance. Over the years, the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra has experienced steady growth and has consistently received support from the community. RICCO is known for its commitment to presenting a minimum of three major concerts annually. Its repertoire is diverse and ambitious, encompassing both time-honored choral masterpieces and works by contemporary composers. The organization takes pride in not only performing well-established pieces but also in showcasing original compositions by modern artists. In addition to featuring nationally recognized soloists, the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra is dedicated to fostering new talent. Its annual Collegiate Vocal Competition is a testament to this commitment, offering young, promising singers the chance to perform alongside a full chorus and orchestra. For those interested in the organization's extensive performance history, a comprehensive document detailing the concerts and activities from 1998 through the 2021-2022 Season is available for public viewing and download. The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical artistry and community engagement, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of Rhode Island and the surrounding regions.