The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is pleased to announce the selection of Benjamin Rivera as the new director of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus.
“I’m thrilled to take on the post with the Phil Chorus this coming season!” Rivera said. “It’s going to be a pleasure to work with the ensemble as we aspire to provide the community with enriching choral experiences. When I was asked to come and prepare the Chorus for a performance of Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, I knew we were in for a challenge. The Chorus, which included members of two visiting choirs, really stepped up and the performance was just outstanding. I’m proud to continue my work with them next season.”
“Benjamin brings a wealth of high level experience and exacting standards, facets which are becoming the hallmark of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s work,” Fort Wayne Philharmonic Music Director Andrew Constantine said. “His energy, attention to detail and musical perception are a perfect match for the enthusiastic and motivated members of our chorus. I look forward to many splendid concerts in the future with Benjamin’s cooperation.”
Benjamin Rivera currently serves as the artistic director of Cantate, a Chicago-based chamber choir performing music from all genres and periods, both a cappella and with instruments. He has prepared and conducted choruses at all levels, from elementary school through adult in repertoire from gospel, pop, and folk to sacred polyphony, choral/orchestral masterworks, and contemporary pieces.
“Everyone involved with The Phil Chorus is so thrilled to have Benjamin joining us,” said Karen Allina, President of The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus. “He brings with him amazing musical talent and exuberant enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to get started working with him!”
Rivera holds degrees in voice and music theory from North Park University and Roosevelt University, respectively, and he has completed the coursework for a doctorate in choral conducting from Northwestern University. His studies also have included the German language in both Germany and Austria, for which he received a Certificate of German as a foreign language in 2001; conducting and African American spirituals with Rollo Dilworth; and workshops, seminars, and performances in early music. In 2011, he researched choral rehearsal and performance practice in Berlin, Germany.
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus, which traces its roots in Fort Wayne to 1946, will perform alongside the Fort Wayne Philharmonic throughout The Phil’s 2013/14 season, including Holiday Pops and the Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on May 10, 2014. The Chorus is made up of members ranging in age from 18 to 80, with some members performing with the Chorus for more than 30 years.
Rivera becomes the Chorus’s seventh director.
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