Photos & Write-Up by: Bailey Guinigundo
(Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; Orlando FL) There are few musical ensembles who can make the human voice sound like an orchestra, but for Orlando-based a cappella group Voctave, that’s exactly the magic they’ve mastered over the last decade. Celebrating their 10th anniversary concert inside the Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the group delivered a dazzling evening of nostalgia, humor, and unshakable vocal brilliance — a homecoming worthy of the milestones they’ve achieved on stages around the world.
Formed in 2015 by arranger and producer Jamey Ray, Voctave has become synonymous with mind-bending harmonies, Disney medleys, and musical versatility that defies categorization. Just days after returning from a tour in Japan, the ensemble — featuring powerhouse voices like EJ Cardona, Tiffany Coburn, and Ashley Espinoza — took the stage with their trademark precision and warmth, immediately reminding the packed Orlando audience why their sound continues to captivate millions online and off.
The evening was filled with both music and memories. Early in the program, Ray shared that October 18 marked the group’s official 10-year anniversary, setting the tone for a show that balanced reflection with celebration. From their signature take on “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” — which they gleefully performed backward to the audience’s amazement — to tender renditions of “Tuppence a Bag (Feed the Birds)” and “When I Dream” from Newsies, the concert was a joyful tour through Voctave’s rich repertoire.
One of the night’s most touching moments came when Kurt von Schmittou, an original founding member recovering from surgery, made a surprise in-person appearance — a brief but emotional cameo that drew a standing ovation from longtime fans.
Video messages from musical luminaries filled the interludes, underscoring just how far Voctave’s reach has grown. Appearances included Kristin Maldonado of Pentatonix, Mark Lowry (who wrote “Mary, Did You Know?”), Jody McBreyer of Avalon, David Phelps, Rachel Potter, The Swingles, and Liz Callaway, among others. Each tribute carried both admiration and affection for a group that has managed to blend technical excellence with sincere artistry.
The program’s first act culminated in a stunning Disney Princess Medley, showcasing each of the female vocalists’ strengths — from the ethereal “Someday My Prince Will Come” to the soaring “Colors of the Wind.” It was here that Voctave’s ability to honor original arrangements while layering in their own harmonic twists shone most clearly.
Following intermission, a lively Christmas medley set the stage for a mix of humor and storytelling. Ray, ever the genial host, shared behind-the-scenes tales from the road — including a now-legendary moment involving a stage curtain and a stagehand’s kilt that sent the audience into laughter.
Later, the men of Voctave took center stage with a Vintage Disney Medley, charming the crowd with nostalgic favorites like “Little April Shower” and “Bella Notte.” Between songs, video collaborations and international partnerships — such as a nod to their Japanese fans with an unexpected Pokémon theme cover — highlighted the group’s global resonance.
The night’s most poignant live collaboration came when Grammy Award–winning artist Sandi Patty took the stage. In an emotional introduction, she shared that as a young singer, she once dreamed of performing at Disneyland but was never chosen. “Tonight,” she said, turning to Jamey Ray, “you’ve given that high school girl her chance.” Her rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” was a masterclass in grace and gratitude, earning one of the night’s loudest ovations.
The Q&A session offered fans an intimate glimpse into Voctave’s process. The group revealed they only rehearse together about six or seven times a year, using soundchecks as micro-rehearsals to maintain their razor-sharp blend. They’ve performed in 39 U.S. states so far and hope to eventually reach all 50. A live demonstration of their soundcheck process — alternating between male and female lines before merging into full harmony — gave the audience a sense of their technical craft.
The finale brought the concert to a soaring close with a medley of cinematic classics: “Moon River,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” Each song built upon the last, culminating in a thunderous standing ovation.
For the devoted fans who filled Steinmetz Hall, the evening was more than a concert — it was a retrospective celebration of community, artistry, and perseverance. In a decade marked by viral success, international tours, and personal challenges, Voctave’s greatest triumph remains their unwavering commitment to vocal excellence and emotional authenticity.
Ten years later, Voctave continues to prove that with creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of harmony, the human voice can still astonish. Wishing this group all the best as we look forward to at least another ten years of delightful performances!
(Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; Orlando FL) There are few musical ensembles who can make the human voice sound like an orchestra, but for Orlando-based a cappella group Voctave, that’s exactly the magic they’ve mastered over the last decade. Celebrating their 10th anniversary concert inside the Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the group delivered a dazzling evening of nostalgia, humor, and unshakable vocal brilliance — a homecoming worthy of the milestones they’ve achieved on stages around the world.
Formed in 2015 by arranger and producer Jamey Ray, Voctave has become synonymous with mind-bending harmonies, Disney medleys, and musical versatility that defies categorization. Just days after returning from a tour in Japan, the ensemble — featuring powerhouse voices like EJ Cardona, Tiffany Coburn, and Ashley Espinoza — took the stage with their trademark precision and warmth, immediately reminding the packed Orlando audience why their sound continues to captivate millions online and off.
The evening was filled with both music and memories. Early in the program, Ray shared that October 18 marked the group’s official 10-year anniversary, setting the tone for a show that balanced reflection with celebration. From their signature take on “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” — which they gleefully performed backward to the audience’s amazement — to tender renditions of “Tuppence a Bag (Feed the Birds)” and “When I Dream” from Newsies, the concert was a joyful tour through Voctave’s rich repertoire.
One of the night’s most touching moments came when Kurt von Schmittou, an original founding member recovering from surgery, made a surprise in-person appearance — a brief but emotional cameo that drew a standing ovation from longtime fans.
Video messages from musical luminaries filled the interludes, underscoring just how far Voctave’s reach has grown. Appearances included Kristin Maldonado of Pentatonix, Mark Lowry (who wrote “Mary, Did You Know?”), Jody McBreyer of Avalon, David Phelps, Rachel Potter, The Swingles, and Liz Callaway, among others. Each tribute carried both admiration and affection for a group that has managed to blend technical excellence with sincere artistry.
The program’s first act culminated in a stunning Disney Princess Medley, showcasing each of the female vocalists’ strengths — from the ethereal “Someday My Prince Will Come” to the soaring “Colors of the Wind.” It was here that Voctave’s ability to honor original arrangements while layering in their own harmonic twists shone most clearly.
Following intermission, a lively Christmas medley set the stage for a mix of humor and storytelling. Ray, ever the genial host, shared behind-the-scenes tales from the road — including a now-legendary moment involving a stage curtain and a stagehand’s kilt that sent the audience into laughter.
Later, the men of Voctave took center stage with a Vintage Disney Medley, charming the crowd with nostalgic favorites like “Little April Shower” and “Bella Notte.” Between songs, video collaborations and international partnerships — such as a nod to their Japanese fans with an unexpected Pokémon theme cover — highlighted the group’s global resonance.
The night’s most poignant live collaboration came when Grammy Award–winning artist Sandi Patty took the stage. In an emotional introduction, she shared that as a young singer, she once dreamed of performing at Disneyland but was never chosen. “Tonight,” she said, turning to Jamey Ray, “you’ve given that high school girl her chance.” Her rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” was a masterclass in grace and gratitude, earning one of the night’s loudest ovations.
The Q&A session offered fans an intimate glimpse into Voctave’s process. The group revealed they only rehearse together about six or seven times a year, using soundchecks as micro-rehearsals to maintain their razor-sharp blend. They’ve performed in 39 U.S. states so far and hope to eventually reach all 50. A live demonstration of their soundcheck process — alternating between male and female lines before merging into full harmony — gave the audience a sense of their technical craft.
The finale brought the concert to a soaring close with a medley of cinematic classics: “Moon River,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” Each song built upon the last, culminating in a thunderous standing ovation.
For the devoted fans who filled Steinmetz Hall, the evening was more than a concert — it was a retrospective celebration of community, artistry, and perseverance. In a decade marked by viral success, international tours, and personal challenges, Voctave’s greatest triumph remains their unwavering commitment to vocal excellence and emotional authenticity.
Ten years later, Voctave continues to prove that with creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of harmony, the human voice can still astonish. Wishing this group all the best as we look forward to at least another ten years of delightful performances!
RSS Feed