CIM Student Performs Solo Chorus Role with The Cleveland Orchestra

Cleveland Institute of Music student Francisco Prado (baritone, Southern) performed the role of Peter with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus in The Cleveland Orchestra’s Thursday performance of Bach’s Passion According to St. John. He reprised his role at concerts throughout the weekend.

Prado is a current member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, a position he auditioned for and won back in August. “Having the opportunity to perform such awe-inspiring music with a world class orchestra under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst was an amazing experience,” says Prado of Thursday night's concert. “I have also gained so much insight working with chorus director Robert Porco. I look forward to the next two performances this Saturday and Sunday.”

“Frankie has diverse musical interests, and, when he first auditioned for the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, he was so excited about the chance to be part of such world-class performances,” says Prado’s teacher, voice faculty Dean Southern. “I am thrilled he has been given the opportunity to sing the role of Peter in this masterful work with our marvelous TCO and Chorus!”

The opening concert already received great praise, cleveland.com saying that the “the chorus, tasked with playing several dramatic roles, demonstrated once again its remarkable adaptability.”

Prado was joined by CIM faculty Alicja Basinska, who was a guest artist with The Orchestra, playing the portative organ, alongside faculty and orchestra members, Joela Jones on harpsichord and Mark Kosower on solo continuo cello. Together they formed the continuo which threads together the music of Bach's St. John's Passion.

Prado continues his collaboration with the chorus and orchestra next week where he'll perform another solo on their All Stravinsky concert. Additionally, he will perform Seraphic Fire and Debussy’s Pelléas and Mélisande with both ensembles in May. 

Bravo!