Ensemble con Fuoco was born not out of institution, but out of inspiration. In 2019, conductor David Castillo Gocher, then completing his doctorate in conducting at Northwestern University, was living in Cincinnati and needed to mount a recital as part of his final degree requirements. With the support and collaboration of artistic associate Krista Cornish Scott, a group of Cincinnati’s finest professional singers came together to perform the music of James MacMillan, the subject of David’s dissertation.

 

What began as a one-time concert sparked something lasting.

 

From that first performance, it was clear that there was both a hunger from audiences and a joy among singers for high-caliber choral music performed with passion, purpose, and precision. And so, Ensemble con Fuoco – with fire – was born. 

 

Today, we are proud to be based on the West Side of Cincinnati, bringing bold, expressive, and artistically ambitious performances in this region and throughout Cincinnati. Our singers are accomplished vocal artists and educators from across the community who share a love for the choral tradition and for one another’s artistry. Together, we’ve shared powerful performances of Brahms’ Requiem, Duruflé’s Requiem, Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Macmillan’s Cantos Sagrados, and multiple other works that lift the spirit and deepen the heart. 

​

What began as a doctoral recital has become a movement – a flame sustained by community support, artistic collaboration, and the shared belief that great music belongs everywhere. 

​

We’re just getting started.