Art through Gathering.
Gathering as Art.
Welcome.
“The first creatures on earth to become aware of time were also the first creatures to smile.”
-Vladimir Nabokov
First Creatures is the creative, community-focused work of Ellen Cockerham Riccio. Known by many as the Backyard Violinist during the pandemic or as the founder of Classical Revolution RVA, Ellen has been actively finding new ways to inject the joy of music into everyday life since moving to Richmond in 2009 to join the Richmond Symphony as Principal Second Violinist. Through First Creatures, she continues to design and produce simple celebrations of our time together on this planet through concerts, classes, and conversation.
So Hot Right Now
Concert series powered by Rosette, a Richmond-based string quartet, highlighting music by living composers.
Backyard Concerts
Private solo violin and Orquesta Atípica concerts available for hire.
Classes & Educational Programs
In-school performances, music appreciation classes for adults, and pajama parties for kids.
How to support First Creatures
First Creatures is a fiscally-sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)3 organization, meaning that all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
The best way to support First Creatures right now is to sign up for monthly donations. If you sign up for recurring donations of at least $5, you will receive Letters From Ellen: end-of-month emails with updates on current projects, what’s coming up next, and inspirations. Monthly donors will also be invited to a special annual event beginning in January 2024!