Collaborations, Commissions & Other Cool Stuff Archives
John Patrick Rakes, Artistic Director
Hope you enjoyed
Spirito! Ragazze
in concert with
The Downers Grove Choral Society
For Love of Song
Eric Whitacre
Five Hebrew Love Songs
James Mulholland
Four Robert Burns Ballads
Plus more songs of love
William Ferris Chorale & Bravura soared with "Heaven Bound"!
March 12 & 13, 2016
The (William Ferris) chorale has made supporting the coming generation of choral singers part of its mission, and in several brief American pieces it was gratifying to hear French's group performing shoulder to shoulder with the young Spirito! Bravura chorus, which is made up of 76 female high school students under the direction of Molly Lindberg. Whether singing on their own or with the Ferris contingent, they made a splendid showing.
John von Rhein, Classical Music Critic, Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2016
The (William Ferris) Chorale was joined for some selections by the 76 girls of the Spirito! Bravura ensemble…. The consolatory harmonies (of Poulenc’s Litanies a la Vierge Noire) were given a soothing performance by the Chorale and the young women of the Spirito ensemble, (Paul) French drawing impressively refined and well-blended singing from the combined groups….
The teen singers showed impressive cohesion and polish under artistic director Molly Lindberg. The young chorus handled the soaring phrases of Pablo Casals’ Nigra Sum with confidence and brought agility and elan to the up-tempo gospel of Rollo Dilworth’s Make a Joyful Noise. Matthew Gemmill was a worthy piano accompanist.
Lawrence A. Johnson, Chicago Classical Review, March 12, 2016
Thanks to all who attended "Surround Sound II" with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra on November 17, 2013! Hope you enjoyed the thrilling array of sonic experiences combining brass, percussion, and strings with the vibrant voices of the Spirito! Singers and The Agape Ringers, Chicago's premier handbell ensemble.
Please enjoy this video of Spirito! Ragazze's collaboration with the Elmhurst Choral Union on April 21, 2013. Ragazze fans might want to take special note of around 52:00 and 1:40:00 where Ragazze is featured.