University Singers

News: The University Singers have recently returned to Charlottesville after their 10-day, 8-concert January 2011 concert tour of the Southeastern U.S.

The University Singers is the University of Virginia’s premier choral ensemble, performing a cappella and accompanied choral literature including major works with orchestra. Founded in 1957, the group became a primarily student ensemble soon after UVa began admitting women in 1970, and celebrated their 50th anniversary with the 2007-2008 season. Recent repertoire has included Bach's Mass in B minor, Orff’s Carmina Burana, the Duruflé Requiem, and Mozart's Mass in C minor, as well as a range of shorter a cappella works. Recent trips have taken the group to Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Charleston, Chicago, Cincinnati, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, and the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., as well as the campuses of other American universities for collaborative concerts. The group has also been heard on European tours in England, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. Recordings include a CD of Mozart's Coronation Mass and Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, as well as the newest release, My Spirit Sang All Day. In past years highlights have included concerts and workshops with Bobby McFerrin and Meredith Monk, a performance for Hillary Clinton, commissioning projects with Stephen Paulus and Eric Whitacre, a performance for the 2010 VMEA Conference, and frequent collaborations with the Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra. The 2011-2012 season includes the popular Family Holiday and Family Weekend Concerts, and a performances of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah.    

Students in the University Singers come from UVa's six undergraduate schools, including Arts and Sciences, Education, and Engineering, as well as several of the University's graduate and professional schools. While approximately 25-30% are music majors, the ensemble is open to any student by audition, and is a for-credit curricular class. Together, members enjoy an esprit de corps that arises from the pursuit of musical excellence, and the camaraderie the singers develop offstage.