The Virginia Women’s Chorus presents A Celebration of Women and the University on Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 pm in Old Cabell Hall. The concert will highlight women artists, including composers, arrangers, and lyricists. Additionally, short vignettes highlighting distinguished women in UVA’s history will be presented by prominent women at the University throughout the concert.

This concert will feature the world premiere of Bluebell, an original work composed by the popular contemporary composer Ola Gjeilo, commissioned by the Chorus with funding from the Jefferson Trust. The work, in two parts, will be accompanied by harp, a string octet, and clarinet. Taking place on Jefferson’s birthday, the concert will commemorate not only the University’s Bicentennial but also the important role women have served in its history. As the oldest women’s musical ensemble on Grounds, the Chorus is honored to participate in the community’s celebration by sharing this lovely music. We hope you will be able to join us for this momentous event!

From vivacious percussion to ethereal wine glasses, from a cappella to numerous instrumentalists, from the sweet strains of Sing Me to Heaven to an upbeat popular African song, this concert delivers and promises to delight the audience! Come see the Chorus create magic with the choreographed Arabic world-fusion piece Sih’r Khalaq, which literally means creative magic!

In addition to the Jefferson Trust, the Chorus is grateful to the Parents Fund for assistance with producing this concert and to the Office of the Dean of Students for their contribution.

The Virginia Women’s Chorus, conducted by Katherine “KaeRenae” Mitchell, is committed to excellence in the performance of classical, contemporary and diverse music from the challenging choral literature for women’s voices.  The Chorus seeks to inspire in the choral art form through the celebration of women’s repertoire. Composed of devoted and talented young women, this ensemble is student-run and continues to uphold its tradition of exceptional music.

Mitchell elaborates on the diverse music of the VWC: “The Chorus has an amazing span of versatility in its repertoire over the years, and I intentionally program different genres of music to ‘stretch’ the singing styles of the young women. I believe performing a wide variety of styles of music enriches the students and contributes to the process of becoming a fuller person.”

Accolades come from many concertgoers and include comments such as this: “The concert was stunningly beautiful, sensitively programmed and a musical treat of the highest order.  It really was quite amazing.”    

Tickets are $18 for general admission, $12.50 for seniors (65+), and $5 for students. They may be purchased through the UVA Arts Box Office (434-924-3376), or in the lobby of Old Cabell Hall thirty minutes prior to the concert.  For more information, visit our website at www.virginiawomenschorus.org. The Virginia Women’s Chorus is affiliated with the McIntire Department of Music.

Come and enjoy this special concert that is guaranteed to inspire long after the music ends!