MY STORY

My name is Ellen Cockerham Riccio. I have served as Principal Second Violin of the Richmond Symphony since 2009, but recently, we’ve had to cancel all of our concerts in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Performing solo violin concerts in backyards is not something I would usually have time to do, but suddenly, I have all the time in the world! I’m charging a lot less than I normally would because I recognize that this is a tough time for many of us, and I want to bring the joy of music to as many backyards as possible.

CONCERT DETAILS

All concerts are 45 minutes, but you can choose whether you’d like a serious concert (think Bach), a more light-hearted one (think Kreisler), background music while you eat dinner, or a fun, educational performance for your kids! Let your neighbors know that they can listen in, too.

SAFETY

Your safety is important to me. I will not come into your house--I will enter your backyard through a side yard or alleyway. If possible, I'd like to set up at least 10 feet away from the audience. And I'll be wearing a mask! In the event of rain, the concert will be rescheduled. We will not move the concert inside.

RATES

From now until August 31, 2020, I have decided to charge $100.* This is a special, low price that I am able to offer because I currently have the luxury of time. I can make virtually any time work! Please note that I require one week's advance notice, and payment is due at the time of booking.

*There's an added travel fee if your house is more than 30 minutes away from my house in Church Hill

HOW TO BOOK

Check calendar below. Broadly speaking, I am available morning, noon, or night! One week's advance notice is required. I will consider taking last minute requests, but they will be subject to a rush fee.

Please keep in mind that I cannot perform in direct sunlight. Sunlight causes irrevocable damage to the varnish of the instrument. If you don't have a shaded area in your yard, I recommend choosing a time when the sun is very low in the sky. 

Fill out the booking form questionnaire. Once you do, I will get back to you with a final quote and payment information.

AVAILABILITY CALENDAR

Dark gray dates are not available; other dates are not necessarily wide open, but I should be able to fit you in.

OTHER REQUESTS

For all matters other than booking requests, please e-mail backyardviolinist@gmail.com.