Ampersand, a Renaissance singing group, has gained recognition in Vermont since its formation in New York City in 2014. Comprised of six professional singers, the group specializes in music from 1400 to 1600, performing a cappella in Richmond’s Old Round Church about three times a year. The ensemble includes countertenor Timothy Parsons and co-artistic director soprano Madeline Apple Healey, who both bring extensive musical backgrounds and experiences from touring with notable early music groups.
This Saturday, Ampersand will perform in the Burlington Choral Society’s rendition of Handel’s “Saul,” a two-hour oratorio featuring a 50-member chorus and a 20-piece orchestra. Parsons will portray David, while Healey will take on the role of Saul’s daughter, Michal. The director, Richard Riley, sees the group as a unique asset in the area, capable of executing complex Renaissance pieces at a thrilling level.
Ampersand is also launching “Polyphonic Spree,” a concert that combines core members with 20 local singers, including participants from the Onion River Chorus. This initiative allows for community engagement and aims to integrate their complex musical heritage with local talent.
The concert’s title reflects a contemporary spirit, as Healey notes, emphasizing that Renaissance music should not be confined to historical boundaries. Parsons highlights the dynamic interplay of one-voice-per-part singing, encapsulating the essence of the Renaissance music’s “spontaneous unfolding.” Their desire to create an inclusive environment through music showcases a broader belief in community and interdependence, contrasting against the notion of isolation. The initiative has garnered funding from the Vermont Arts Council, demonstrating Ampersand’s commitment to fostering musical collaboration in the community.
