The Ricciotti is deeply convinced that an in- depth communication with the audience is only possible through a high artistic quality. Therefore each tour starts with an intensive period of rehearsals. Conductor and artistic leader Leonard Evers works up to nine hours a day with the orchestra to study an average of 25 compositions for the tour. Professional teachers support him by taking over parts of the rehearsals to work with the separate sections of the orchestra. Also the musicians get the chance to get experience at playing solo, either improvising or playing from a score and to get the feel of playing on a stage.
Part of the artistic and educational mission is the ongoing wish to work together with professional and non-professional institutions and ensembles. For example youth orchestras, all sorts of ensembles specialised in classical music, jazz, pop music or dance or any group that fits the profile of making a cross-over with the Ricciotti.
New compositions and arrangements are a major part of the Ricciotti repertoire. Some of the premieres come to be through a module in cooperation with the composition classes of Martijn Padding from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague, Paul van Brugge from the CODARTS Conservatory in Rotterdam and Wim Hendriks from the Conservatory of Amsterdam.
During the preparations of a tour, the students get an outline on their music stands. After feedback from the Ricciotti and its artistic staff, the completed version will be played in the next tour. This way, students get the chance to try out their ideas with the orchestra in an informal setting. After feedback from their teachers, the orchestra, and the conductor, the students get to work on the piece to have it ready to be played in the next tour.
Despite its short existence, this module has already proven to be a welcome supplement to the regular composition classes. Students get the chance to write for a complete orchestra and to experiment freely with sounds, orchestration and the (im)possibilities of the individual instruments.
The new pieces are played about six times for very diverse audiences and the Ricciotti musicians learn about how a composition comes to be. Also they have the unique opportunity to get involved in composing the piece by asking questions, giving suggestions etc. Teachers and students as well as the Ricciotti are very pleased with this set up and will continue to work this way.
Participants
Fall 2015
(Outlines, played during the spring tour of 2016)
Celia Swart (from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague ) new piece
Miguel Santaella ( CADARTS) new piece
Spring 2015
(Outlines, played in the summer tour of 2015)
Aftab Darvishi (from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague) Toranj
Ivo Paunov ( CODARTS) Miniatuur
Fall 2014
(Outlines, played in the spring tour of 2015)
Jan-Peter de Graaff (from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague) Rotondes
Simone Botasso (CODARTS) Mediamarkt
Spring 2014
( Outlines, played in the summer tour of 2014)
David Awotwi (from the Royal Conservatory in the Hague ) Entarte to Charter
Efthymios Stavropoulos (CODARTS) Sweet Anger
Winter 2013-2014
(Outlines, played in the winter tour of 2013-2014)
Hinse Mutter (CODARTS) Piece for orchestra
Joao Artur Moreira (CODARTS) Structures
Celia Swart
The Hall of Fame is a brand new project that will map the enduring power of the Ricciotti and offers advantages for those ex-members that still propagate the Ricciotti philosophy. To start it off, the following people/ couples/groups will share with you where they are now and what they still practice from their experiences with the Ricciotti.
The Hall of Fame will be extended in the near future. All suggestions and ideas are welcome. Share them with us at info@ricciotti.nl