What kind of music do you do?

Ampersand specializes in vocal repertoire from 1400 through 1650 (give or take). This repertoire is generally referred to as “polyphony,” from the Latin “poly” (many) “phony” (voices). Composers of this music prized beautiful and sonorous melodic lines & prioritized the horizontal nature of each individual line while curating the composite harmony or verticality of the whole — independent yet interdependent. Much of this repertoire was used for the various localized forms of Christian worship in medieval & renaissance Europe & the Americas.

What are your concerts like?

Our concerts are acoustic (no amplification), a cappella (no instruments, just voices), & 60-90 minutes long from start to finish.

can you tell me a little bit about your venues?

The Old Round Church in Richmond (you can read more about the history of the space here!) is on a flat piece of land with several accessible parking spaces directly out front. The building has a ramp at the south entry, and space for several wheelchair users near that door. However, since it is a historic building, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, wheelchair access to the space is limited. There is plenty of seating and space for users of other mobility aids. The only bathroom available on-site is a rented portable restroom. The stage area is on the same level as the audience and is flat. You may want to bring a seat cushion for the pews, and perhaps some bug spray — we’ve had some mosquito audience members join us in the past.

The Richmond Free Library, where we will hold auditions and rehearsals for the Ampersand Chorus, is fully accessible. It has a flat parking lot with a ramp for no-step entry to the main floor, an elevator for accessing the second floor, and accessible restrooms. The stage area is on the same level as the audience and is flat.

How can I support you?

You can come hear us play music and invite your friends! And you can financially support us by donating via fractured atlas (our fiscal sponsor) here