Heinz Chapel Choir
The Heinz Chapel Choir is an internationally known[1] mixed a cappella choir from the University of Pittsburgh founded in 1938[2] which draws its members from the university's student body.[3] Performances are given in the Heinz Memorial Chapel.[4] The group was first founded as the school's A Capella Choir; it became the official chapel choir when Heinz Chapel was opened in 1938, thus changing its name accordingly.[5] The choir has been performing for over 80 years, becoming a signature part the Heinz Memorial Chapel. It is currently under the direction of Dr. Susan Rice after the retirement of John Goldsmith in 2014 following 25 years of conducting.
![](../I/HeinzChapelChoir1939.jpg.webp)
In addition to regular performances in Pittsburgh, the Heinz Chapel Choir regularly undertakes domestic and international tours. In spring of 2017, the choir embarked on a tour throughout the United Kingdom.[6] Previous international tours have included: The Balkans (2014);[7] China and Hong Kong;[8] Peru and Bolivia in 2012;[3] Brazil (2006); Italy and Croatia (2001); Spain and France (1998); Greece and Italy (1995); Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Switzerland (1992);[4] Belgium, Ireland, and a 14 city tour of France (1984),[9] France (1982, 1980 and 1978);[10][11] and England, France, and Italy (1974).[12] The choir has also toured domestically throughout the United States, airing on a national radio broadcast from Washington, D.C., and appearing at the White House.[13] Other notable past performances range from singing for world leaders Pope Paul VI and Helmut Schmidt,[2] to accompanying performances of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre,[14] and appearing in a concert with Duke Ellington.[15] In the 1950s, the choir had its own Sunday television show air for five years on KDKA-TV, and its predecessor WDTV, in Pittsburgh.[13]
Recordings
The Heinz Chapel Choir has recorded several CDs:[4][16]
- Heinz Chapel Choir Christmas, 1999
- A Cappella Music of the Americas
- 2001 Adriatic Odyssey, 2001
- Viking Adventure, 2003
- "Blame it on Rio" Tour, 2006
- Christmas in Heinz Chapel, 2007
- Great Wall Tour, 2009
References
- "Heinz Chapel choir program". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. 1986-11-28. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Thomas, Mary Ann (1986-11-16). "Heinz Chapel Choir to Celebrate 50 Year Reunion" (Press release). University of Pittsburgh Department of University Relations. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- "Heinz Chapel Choir - Homepage". University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- "Department of Music: Heinz Chapel Choir". University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
- The Owl. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh. 1939. p. 213. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
- "Heinz Chapel Choir to Tour UK | Department of Music | University of Pittsburgh". www.music.pitt.edu. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
- "We Have Made Music". University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- "Heinz Chapel Choir blog". University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Ziaukas, Tim (1984-06-01). "Heinz Chapel Choir Returns From Successful European Tour" (Press release). University of Pittsburgh Department of News & Publications. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- "Pitt Heinz Chapel Choir in French concert tour". The Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh, PA. 1982-05-03. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Chester, Dewey E. (1980-03-27). "Pitt's Heinz Chapel Choir Returns To France May 1 - June 5" (Press release). University of Pittsburgh Department of News & Publications. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Smith, Marcia (1974-04-23). "Peanut Brittle Pays Off For Pitt Choir" (Press release). University of Pittsburgh Department of News and Publications. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Demas, Vida (1959-04-07). "Heinz Chapel Choir To Go On Tour" (Press release). University of Pittsburgh University Information Service. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Vranish, Jane (1978-11-11). "Ballet theater takes on a new varied approach". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- "Duke Ellington Concert Slated". Beaver County Times. 1968-08-31. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Heinz Chapel Choir - Music
External links
- Heinz Chapel Choir - official homepage