Classical Revolution RVA at Balliceaux
The day after the Anthem Richmond Marathon, Classical Revolution RVA, a performing group focused on integrating classical music into Richmond’s arts scene, will perform 26.2 musical acts in six hours. Classical Revathon will take place on Nov. 16 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Balliceaux to benefit the group’s Indiegogo campaign to become a nonprofit organization.
In October 2012, RVA started its own chapter of Classical Revolution and has been performing all over the city — in bars, restaurants and galleries — ever since. “There is so much great live music in Richmond, but classical music was confined to downtown, behind closed doors,” says director Ellen Cockerham. Originally, the group had 20 to 30 musicians; now Classical Revolution RVA is made up of about 175.
The group is now working to become a 501(c) 3 organization in order to build a “stronger framework to pull off bigger projects,” says Cockerham. She hopes that the Balliceaux event will attract a large, a diverse crowd and that the group will be able to share their music and bring in some donations.
Typically, Classical Revolution RVA draws an older audience, but at Balliceaux, according to Cockerham, the vibe is much younger, with an average audience age of 25 to 35. “We are starting on the early side, too, in hopes of getting some families to come,” Cockerham says.
The event is free and open to all ages. There will be beverages and a $10 buffet available, in addition to the live chamber music.
