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OCC Chamber Singers to Perform Mozart’s Requiem

The OCC Chamber Singers performing Mozart’s Requiem with a full orchestra.

News Summary

The Orange Coast College Chamber Singers are set to perform Mozart’s Requiem accompanied by a full orchestra on May 10. Conducted by Eliza Rubenstein, the concert will also feature Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 performed by Teresa de Jong-Pombo. With tickets priced at $10 for students and $15 for the public, attendees will enjoy a memorable evening of music while supporting the singers as they prepare for their upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall.

Costa Mesa – The Orange Coast College Chamber Singers are set to perform Mozart’s Requiem on Saturday, May 10 at the Robert B. Moore Theatre. This concert will feature accompaniment by a full orchestra and will be conducted by choral director Eliza Rubenstein. The performance is a precursor to their upcoming trip to Carnegie Hall on June 24, where the singers will once again present the Requiem.

The concert on May 10 will also include a special feature: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, performed by OCC music instructor Teresa de Jong-Pombo. Tickets for the concert are priced at $10 for students and $15 for the general public, available through OCC Tickets. Concert-goers will have the added benefit of free parking in Lot C.

Rubenstein emphasizes the high value of the concert, stating that the quality of music is comparable to or exceeds typical offerings within Orange County. She believes that iconic compositions like Mongo’s Requiem and Beethoven’s works hold significant importance for both students and the wider audience.

Vincente Dang, a bassist who will be making his third trip to Carnegie Hall with the chamber singers, is joined by fellow performers including Taylor Cox, a blind pianist preparing for her first opportunity at the prestigious venue. Cox plans to utilize braille music for the performance and is enthusiastic about showcasing her talent in an environment free from judgment.

The trip to Carnegie Hall will follow a four-day excursion with the New York City Chamber Orchestra, a tradition that OCC Chamber Singers have maintained, traveling to Carnegie Hall every other year. The ensemble has previously performed works by composer Joseph Haydn during their visits.

While not all members of the chamber singers will travel to New York, fundraising initiatives are currently underway to assist those who wish to attend. The preparation for the May 10 concert has been ongoing since February, demonstrating the commitment and dedication of the singers towards their craft.

Rubenstein, who moved to Orange County in the mid-1990s, was inspired to pursue a career in music after attending a recital for violinist Itzhak Perlman at Segerstrom Hall. The affordability of student tickets, priced at just $5, along with a memorable encounter with an elderly couple at the event, played a significant role in shaping her journey in the music world.

Mio Romero, an alto singer with the Chamber Singers, expressed excitement for both the upcoming concert and the East Coast trip. With less than a week remaining until the performance, the anticipation of the group builds as they prepare to share their love for this timeless music with the audience.

As the performance date approaches, the students and faculty at Orange Coast College are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and a significant milestone for the Chamber Singers as they prepare to take their talents to one of the world’s most renowned concert halls.