Acclaim

"The CSO Chorus sang impressively in the mass, polished and full voiced across all sections and well balanced under Rivera’s direction." 

"the chorus...[sang] with great diction and precision...with considerable enthusiasm and gusto"

"The chorus sounded at their best."

"The production's fine singing and theatrical depth extend through the rest of the cast and the chorus, as well."

"The 24-member chorus is a character itself. The singers deliver vocal power, musical depth, and the ensemble cohesion of a much smaller group, contributing significantly to the production's dramatic strength."

"The Music of the Baroque concert Monday at Chicago's Harris Theater, with Johann Sebastian Bach's Easter Oratorio as its featured piece, was excellent…the chorus guest directed by Benjamin Rivera…excelled on Bach's Komm, Jesu, Komm, accompanied only by viola, cello, harpsichord, bassoon and the ensemble's now ever-present theorbo, and in the Preis und Dank (Praise and Thanks) final movement of Easter Oratorio."

"Prepared by Benjamin Rivera, the MOB [Music of the Baroque] chorus brought polished corporate tone, flexibility and well blended vocalism, exhilaratingly so in the spiritual joy of the final chorus...they sang with polish and clarity."

"during Bach’s Komm, Jesu, komm... the MOB [Music of the Baroque] choir came to the fore. A shoutout should be made to Benjamin Rivera, who serves as the chorus director."

"Excellent, consistent singing throughout the cast"

"strong cast of fine singers"

"attendees expecting a masterly performance of Handel’s Messiah oratorio at the Harris Theater Monday were not disappointed"

"Guest chorus director Benjamin Rivera worked closely with the chorale singers and brought out the best in the prose. What was particularly interesting to see was how well the choir sang with their masks on at all times...magnificent performance.”

"As prepared by guest chorus director Benjamin Rivera, the ensemble singing was technically assured, nimble in fast passages."

"The male members of the Florentine Chorus are a full and needed force to create the caverns of chorale sound essential to the story (musically stunning)."

"The men of the Florentine Opera Chorus deserve a heartfelt nod for tight, refined, ensemble singing, and for their animated presence in the production."

"The Florentine Opera Chorus adds musical and comic depth to the production."

"This was a transcendent effort, capturing first the minds and then the hearts of the audience, and carrying along the fine actors and actresses as they encounter tribulations and success. We were swept by the virtuosity of Orchestra, singers, and Conductor/Chorus Director into a universe that ranged from subdued motifs and angelic breathy vocalizations through symbolic menacing vibes."

"plaudits to guest chorus director Benjamin Rivera...a vivid season finale"