The Central University Singers is an elite vocal ensemble of 16-24 auditioned singers.
Founded in 1994 by Dr. Pamela Perry, University Singers earned a reputation for excellence in choral performance through two decades of performances, tours, and recordings. The baton was passed to Dr. Drew Collins in 2013, who has continued the group's record of success. During the 2015-2016 season, University Singers was honored and recognized by Gov. Dannel Malloy for its "long-standing reputation for musical and artistic excellence".
The group represents the university in venues throughout the greater Hartford area as well as overseas. With the support of Central's Center for International Education, the ensemble has toured to: China, France, Hungary, Japan, Puerto Rico, and Spain. They recently returned from their ninth international tour to Poland & Germany.
The group has appeared at CMEA and ACDA professional conferences, on music series and music festivals, and on television. University Singers gives concerts and leads workshops for choirs in area high schools, and hosts the annual Chamber Choir Invitational Workshops on Central's campus. They have appeared in concert with the professional choirs Concora, Voce, and the U. S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, as well as the professional chamber orchestra Connecticut Virtuosi. To date, they have recorded four CDs.
Many of the students in University Singers are music majors at Central, but several come from other departments from across the University. As with all ensembles at Central, University Singers is open to any student campus-wide who can pass the rigorous audition process.
The repertoire performed by University Singers encompasses some of the finest choral music from the past five centuries. Because many of the singers are preparing to enter the music profession upon graduation, this ensemble provides important experience in singing a variety of appropriate styles. Similarly, student leadership opportunities allow these future professionals to develop organizational skills vital to their career goals.
For more information, e-mail grobinson@ccsu.edu.