Music in the Movies at Ebertfest 2023 | Festivals & Awards

VIVECA RICHARDS, Soprano

Houston, Texas native Soprano Viveca Richards is currently pursuing her Master’s in Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign under the vocal direction of Yvonne Redman. Recently, Viveca made her role debut as Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro at Krannert Center in Champaign, Illinois. As a previous student in attendance at Stephen F. Austin State University, she received the role of Monica in The Medium. 

An avid competitor, most recently, she was awarded the Strauss Award at the Orpheus Vocal Competition and the notable accomplishment of receiving the Congressional Black Caucus Performing Arts Scholarship. While at Stephen F. Αustin, Viveca obtained her Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance. Viveca loves to engage in activities to gain experience in developing her artistry, such as attending vocal workshops and pushing her students to succeed in their musical endeavors. 

AMBER RUBARTH, actor/singer

In her unassuming yet beguiling way, Amber Rubarth draws you into a world where wonder and high-minded concepts weave into a poetic tapestry, a world where space and time can come screeching to a halt with “songs so strong they sound like classics from another era,” (Acoustic Guitar).

Rubarth has toured throughout the world from South Africa to Japan, numerous times across Europe and North America including CarnegieHall, opening shows for legendary artists including  Emmylou Harris, Kenny Loggins, Richie Havens, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Jason Mraz. Grand Prize winner for songwriting and performance in NPR Mountain Stage new song contest, Rubarth’s newest album ‘Wildflowers in the Graveyard’ explores the cycles of life, death and renewal in nature and relationships. All songs are self-penned and recorded to 2″ tape “like forgotten and rediscovered sound treasures from the past,” (Stereo) co-produced by Rubarth and Matt Andrews (Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings) in Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to touring, Rubarth’s music has also woven deeply into the film worlds, debuting her acting starring in the feature film ‘American Folk’ alongside folk artist Joe Purdy. After winning various film festivals, it released in theaters early 2019 to great acclaim, with Rolling Stone praising the soundtrack as “two wondrous new voices steeped in the folk tradition” and was picked up by Hulu and Amazon. Rubarth has scored and composed for numerous other films as well, including Sundance Festival winner ‘Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work’ (with Paul Brill) and the award-winning documentary ‘Desert Runners.’ 

You can view the original article HERE.