With 14 a cappella groups on Grounds, the University of Virginia supports a thriving tapestry of local talent. These ensembles offer an environment for dedicated performers to showcase their voices and creativity. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend two a cappella concerts, one hosted by the Sil’hooettes and the other by the Virginia Gentlemen. From well-known classic hits to recent pop tracks, both groups gave it their all on stage and stunned the audience with their vocals.
A capella is defined by Merriam-Webster as “without instrumental accompaniment,” requiring singers to use their voices in lieu of instruments. It demands endless practice hours and great skill because the performers have to replicate instrumental sounds while harmonizing with others. The a cappella groups at UVA have gained national and international recognition, with one group called the Hullabahoos even featured on the iconic 2012 Pitch Perfect movie.
The first show that I attended was the Virginia Sil’hooertes, an all-female group founded 1989, since then releasing 18 albums that can be found on Apple Music and Spotify, which earned them numerous accolades for their work, including but not limited to several Contemporary A Capella Awards (CARAs) by the Contemporary A Capella Society, such as Best Female Collegiate Song. The Sil’hooettes, or Sils, hold fall, spring, and holiday concerts each year; this past Thursday, October 24, the Sil’hooettes held “Sils and the City” in McLeodHall. As suggested by the name, this concert was inspired by the popular show “Sex and the City” (SATC), and the theme was spot-on. The show began on a big screen with a video highlighting each of the Sils, mimicking the introduction of SATC, including the familiar theme music. Then the Sils themselves ran out onto the stage to cheers and applause. With members dressed in glittery outfits, the energy and spirit of the Sils was immediately palpable.
Starting off, the first song in the lineup was “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, a song that many are familiar with now because of Roan’s stellar rise to fame earlier this year. This upbeat start set the cheery tone for the show, making the Sils’ work ethic immediately apparent. Other song highlights were “Put YourRecords On” by Corinne Bailey Rae, “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls and “Graceland Too” by Phoebe Bridgers. The song selection was perfectly curated to match the fun and feminine energy of SATC while showing the Sils’ impressive range and versatility. Be sure to check out the Sil’hooettes’ website or Instagram to tune into their next concert and prepare for a memorable night.
The second show I attended was The Virginia Gentlemen’s Family Weekend concert on Saturday, October 26 at Old Cabell Hall. The Virginia Gentlemen (VGs) are the oldest a cappella group at UVA, having been around since 1953. While the VGs started out with eight members, the group has since grown in both membership and recognition over time. With a history of performances at the White House and on international tours, the VGs are a highly esteemed group that has captivated audiences for decades.
At the VG concert, there was also a versatile selection of songs such as “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” by Paul Anka, and “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Suede. Each of the songs had the crowd nodding to the familiar tunes. There was a touch of comedy after intermission, with several VGs acting out a humorous skit about playing the song “Wonderwall” by Oasis around a campfire. In a nod to tradition, the VGs invited their alumni up to sing and then wrapped up with the “Good Old Song,” inviting the audience to get up and join in the song. Overall, all of the singers performed beautifully and passionately. The concert was sold out, and for good reason. Be on the lookout on the VG website or Instagram to catch their next show and experience their exceptional skill!
In both the concerts, the Sil’hooettes and Virginia Gentlemen embodied the hard work, tradition, and dedication of the a cappella community at UVA. The shows were entertaining and a reminder of the talent that is around. With such commitment, everybody should go and support UVA’s numerous a cappella performances that happen all throughout the year.
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