University of Michigan Women's Glee Club

University of Michigan Women's Glee Club is a prestigious University of Michigan ensemble that has been a part of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance since its founding. The club has a long history of performing with renowned groups such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. As a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the club has had the opportunity to perform with notable conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Gustav Meier. The club's performances have been praised by critics from The New York Times, Detroit Free Press, and Ann Arbor News.

● History

The University of Michigan Women's Glee Club was founded in 1880 by a group of female students who were passionate about singing and performing. The club's early years were marked by performances at University of Michigan events, including Michigan Union gatherings and Hill Auditorium concerts. Over the years, the club has had the opportunity to perform with famous musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Aretha Franklin. The club has also toured extensively, performing at venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center. In 2001, the club performed at the National Collegiate Choral Organization conference, alongside other notable choirs like the Harvard University Choir and Yale Glee Club. The club has been recognized for its contributions to the University of Michigan community, receiving awards from the University of Michigan Alumni Association and the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce.

● Organization

The University of Michigan Women's Glee Club is a student-run organization, with members from a variety of academic backgrounds, including University of Michigan College of Engineering, University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and University of Michigan School of Public Health. The club is led by a board of directors, which includes positions like President of the University of Michigan, Vice President for Student Life, and Director of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. The club also has a faculty advisor, who is typically a member of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance faculty, such as Jerry Blackstone or Julie Skadsem. The club's members are also involved in other University of Michigan organizations, such as the Michigan Daily, University of Michigan Debate Team, and Michigan Student Assembly. The club has collaborated with other student groups, including the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, Michigan Pops Orchestra, and University of Michigan Musical Society.

● Performances

The University of Michigan Women's Glee Club performs regularly throughout the year, with concerts at Hill Auditorium, Rackham Auditorium, and other University of Michigan venues. The club has also performed at events like the University of Michigan Commencement, Michigan Football games, and Ann Arbor Art Fair. In 2010, the club performed at the National Association of Teachers of Singing conference, alongside other notable choirs like the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and Northwestern University Bienen School of Music. The club has toured internationally, performing in countries like Canada, China, and South Africa. The club has also collaborated with other ensembles, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre, and Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The club's performances have been reviewed by critics from The New York Times, Detroit Free Press, and Ann Arbor News, who have praised the club's talent and dedication.

● Repertoire

The University of Michigan Women's Glee Club has a diverse repertoire, including works by famous composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, and George Frideric Handel. The club has also performed contemporary pieces by composers like Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, and Ola Gjeilo. In addition to classical music, the club has performed a range of popular music, including songs by The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Adele. The club has also commissioned new works by composers like Jennifer Higdon and Caroline Shaw. The club's repertoire is selected by the club's music director, who is typically a member of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance faculty, such as Jerry Blackstone or Julie Skadsem. The club has performed with notable guest artists, including Renée Fleming, Joshua Bell, and Yo-Yo Ma.

● Notable_alumni

The University of Michigan Women's Glee Club has a long list of notable alumni, including Renée Fleming, Jessye Norman, and Cecilia Bartoli. Other notable alumni include Marin Alsop, JoAnn Falletta, and Giancarlo Guerrero, who have gone on to successful careers in music. The club's alumni have performed with ensembles like the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The club's alumni have also been recognized for their contributions to the music world, receiving awards like the Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize, and National Medal of Arts. The club's alumni network is active, with many alumni returning to University of Michigan to perform with the club or work with current members. The club's alumni have also been involved in other notable organizations, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Category:University of Michigan