MUSIC ACADEMY

2026 Spring Session

Introducing Leonardo Ciampa

Join us for three exciting evenings with Leonardo Ciampa, composer of the Helen Keller Cantata that the Heritage Chorale is premiering this spring.

Ciampa is Director of Music at Our Lady of the Angels in Worcester, MA, Founding Director of the Organ Festival of Worcester, and Maestro di Cappella Onorario of the Basilica in Gubbio, Italy. As an organ recitalist, composer, pianist, and writer, he is a highly respected, valued, and articulate presence in the Framingham/Worcester arts communities.

  • Mondays, April 27, May 4, and May 11
  • 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time
  • Class size limit: 30 participants
  • Cost: $75.00
  • Delivered over Zoom; link will be emailed before first session
    Classes will be recorded; participants may request a recording if a class is missed.

Session 1:
The Story Behind the Helen Keller Cantata

It's not often that we can learn about a piece of music firsthand from its composer! During this session, Leonardo will share the story behind his cantata, written after encountering Keller’s deeply moving words while exploring inspirational quotations by Americans. He discusses how these texts sparked the work’s creation and offers insight into the compositional process behind his powerful musical setting.

Session 2:
Deep Dive into Mendelssohn’s Final Masterpiece, Elijah

In this session, Leonardo considers “the greatest oratorio ever written,” dramatic, lyrical, and monumental in scope. He'll explore with Music Academy participants why the piece continues to captivate musicians and audiences alike.

Session 3:
The Greatest Requiem Ever Written

Leonardo makes the case for Verdi’s Requiem with its operatic character, overwhelming power, and unequalled emotional range as “the greatest Requiem ever written.”

  • Registration Deadline Tuesday, April 14th.
  • Online payment is due with registration submission.
  • Checks must be received by Friday, April 17th to ensure enrollment.

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Choral Notes

The Heritage Chorale publishes a free monthly newsletter, "Choral Notes." Issues contain information about Chorale activities, concert music, soloists and much more. View recent issues, and then if you would like to be added to the distribution list, email webmaster@heritagechorale.org.

Choose ONE of these TWO payment options:

 #1   Use the following form to reserve and pay online.
Registration deadline:
Tuesday, April 14, 2026

 #2   Click here to reserve and pay by check.
Checks must be received by
Friday, April 17, 2026