About Us

The University Singers are celebrating their 50^th anniversary with the 2007-2008 season, which includes performances with the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra, a Stephen Paulus commission, and a Gala Anniversary Concert in April 2008. Founded in 1957, the group became a primarily student ensemble soon after UVA began admitting women in 1970. Today, the group is the University's premier SATB ensemble, performing a cappella and accompanied choral literature ranging from Medieval chant to the works of contemporary composers. Past repertoire has included Handel's Messiah, the Brahms Requiem, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, and Mozart's Mass in C minor, as well as shorter a cappella works. Recent trips have taken the group to Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston, 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. Recent highlights have included concerts and workshops with Bobby McFerrin and Meredith Monk, as well as performances for Senator Hillary Clinton, the UVa Capital Campaign Gala, and UVa President’s Convocation. Most recently, the Singers gave two sold-out performances of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra.

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. Together, they enjoy an esprit de corps that arises from the pursuit of musical excellence and the camaraderie the singers develop offstage.

Past Repertoire