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 (professional) harp, a string octet, and clarinet. Gjeilo says this about his work: “The Bluebell is set to excerpts of two poems by Emily Brontë, both about the bluebell. She has been any of my favorite writers ever since I read Wuthering Heights as a teenager and later discovered her poetry; I love the gentle but knowing melancholy of a lot of her works, and her deep connection to the beautiful Yorkshire moors.”
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 Arabic world-fusion piece Sih’r Khalaq, which literally means creative magic!
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 using this link (or call 434-924-3376) or in the lobby of Old Cabell Hall thirty minutes prior to the concert. 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!
In addition to the Jefferson Trust, the Chorus is grateful to the UVA Parents Fund, the Vice Provost for the Arts, and the UVA Office of the Dean of Students for assistance with producing this concert.
