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ABOUTUS

MISSION STATEMENT

Established in 2013, the Metropolitan Choral Festival is Denver’s only non-auditioned summer chorus that provides volunteer singers the opportunity to perform Choral Masterworks with the Denver metro area’s best professional symphony orchestra musicians. We believe that this collaboration of musicians from all walks of life and musical levels is a powerful force for good. It brings people together in harmony, builds community, and inspires hope.

After seven weeks of rehearsals, the annual festival culminates in a spectacular one-night-only concert presented free of charge to the community.

We achieve our mission by welcoming singers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds; offering affordable registration fees, and discounts for students; securing partners to provide scholarships and financial assistance; creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all singers; and presenting our concert free of charge to the public.

RICKI VORRATH-MOYER

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ricki Vorrath-Moyer attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, then received her Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She went on to receive her Master of Music degree in Organ Performance, with minor emphases in choral conducting and piano pedagogy. She is currently Organist/Accompanist at First Plymouth Congregational Church, Cherry Hills Village and serves as the Principal Accompanist for the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. Ricki is a new business underwriter at Pinnacol Assurance.

HISTORY OF MCF

The Metropolitan Choral Festival (MCF) was formed after the passing of Ronald J. Williams (1947-2013), Founder and Director of the Broomfield Choral Festival which preceded MCF. The mission of both organizations was based on presenting a free concert of major choral works to the public annually. Mr. Williams was an active conductor, musician, teacher and avid composer, arranging over 130 hymns for small band ensemble, piano and organ. His vocal works have been performed in concert by many area chorales. MCF is honored to continue his musical legacy and love for choral music.

MATT KINGHAM

ACCOMPANIST

Matthew Kingham received both his Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Matthew has been organist and associate director of music at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Kirk of Bonnie Brae since 2001. He is also a part time accompanist for the Colorado Children’s Chorale and The Aurora Singers. Since 2013, Matthew has been the full-time accompanist for all seven choirs at Denver East High School.

ERIC BERTOLUZZI

ORCHESTRA ADVISOR

Eric Bertoluzzi played cello for 42 years in the Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO). He retired in the spring of 2013 and is now the Executive Director of Englewood Arts. Englewood Arts is a community resource dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through art education, performance, and partnerships. Their ranks include many top artists and performers, including many musicians from CSO.

MEET THE BOARD

The Metropolitan Choral Festival is a registerd 501c3 nonprofit organization overseen by a board of directors, comprised of local business professionals and musicians. The board is responsible for fundraising as well as the annual planning and execution of the festival program.

Joyce Witte President

Matthew Kersten-Gray Vice President

Lucas Sorenson Treasurer

Abigail Anderson Director

Howard Brand Director

David Bell Director

Matt Kingham Director

Charlie Miller Director

Kimberly Palgrave Director

Iris Reyes Director

In addition to the many hours they spend preparing vocally for the concert performances, directors also serve many volunteer roles including: coordinating facility rentals for rehearsals and performances; planning and executing the post-concert reception; providing legal counsel to the organization; managing public relations including concert promotion and external communications; and they are responsible for annual fundraising, grant writing and donor relations.

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