Virginia Women's Chorus
The Virginia Women’s Chorus
In 1974, four years after women were admitted without restriction into the University of Virginia, the Chorus was founded as the University of Virginia Women’s Chorus of the McIntire Department of Music under the direction of James Dearing. Three years later Douglas Hargrave followed as Director, with Katherine Mitchell serving as Assistant Director. In 1977, the Candlelight Christmas Concerts began and Katherine also founded the Virginia Belles, who continue today as the oldest female a cappella group at UVA. Edmund Najera directed the Chorus for one year and the University hired Katherine to direct the UVAWC in 1982. However, in 1989 when the University moved to no longer maintain single-sex organizations as part of its curriculum, the Chorus chose to disband due to insufficient funds and logistical support. It was not until 1994 that the group was re-founded through the dedicated efforts of two fourth-year students, Elizabeth Noseworthy and Elizabeth Wynne Krause, and conductor Katherine Mitchell as the Virginia Women’s Chorus.
Since its revival in 1994, the Women’s Chorus has flourished in the University community and beyond. Along with one full concert each semester, the Chorus also performs at numerous University events throughout the year. Such events have included joint concerts with the Virginia Glee Club, the University Singers, and the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra, as well as performances at Relay for Life and the Take Back the Night ceremony. The Chorus has also traveled to perform in places such as Boston, Atlanta, and Richmond, as well as at the National Cathedral and the National Shrine. The Chorus also enjoyed a successful international debut in Spain and Portugal in 2002 and most recently toured France and Italy in January of 2005.
KaeRenae Mitchell returned as the director of the Virginia Women’s Chorus in the fall of 2006. Now in its eighth year under her direction, the Chorus continues to grow musically and to gain prominence in the University and Charlottesville communities.
The Virginia Women's Chorus is publicly affiliated with the McIntire Department of Music at the University of Virginia