Woonsocket native featured soloist at R.I. Philharmonic show Dec. 16
PROVIDENCE — Nicholas Laroche’s passion for music, theater and singing stretches back to his childhood growing up in the city of Woonsocket, where he currently lives. He is passionate about local music, and for the second year in a row, Laroche, who graduated from Woonsocket High School in 2003, will be one of four featured soloists appearing in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Providence Singers’ joint performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at The VETS.
Says Laroche, a baritone, the perennial beloved holiday concert, which features the Hallelujah Chorus, “For Unto Us a Child Is Born and I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,” “has always spoken to me. It is a treat to get to perform it, especially with such fantastic musicians,” Laroche added. “One of the most beautiful things about Messiah is that, even if you may know the piece or have heard it many times, each performance offers a fresh and nuanced approach which makes it new again. That, to me, is the key to great music — being able to tell a story over and over again, while still making it seem new and exciting to the audience.”
Laroche has been a featured soloist in many oratorio and opera engagements. He is the music director for The Chorus of Kent County. He was an adjunct voice faculty member at Rhode Island College, and was the conductor and director of the Rhode Island College Men’s Chorus.
“For 11 seasons – and counting – our community has enjoyed this holiday masterpiece with the Philharmonic Orchestra, Providence Singers and wonderful soloists. We are thrilled to be able to work with so many gifted musicians including Nick, an incredible local talent,” said David Beauchesne, executive director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. “Christine Noel conducts a powerful and inspiring Baroque performance of Handel’s masterpiece, to warm the heart at this festive season.”
Tickets are $15–$100, and can be purchased online at tickets.riphil.org or from the RI Philharmonic Orchestra Box Office in East Providence – in person or by phone 401-248-7000 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). On concert day, tickets are available at The VETS Box Office 3 p.m.–showtime. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Questions can be emailed to boxoffice@riphil.org.