Yale Women Perform at Blair

The sometimes sultry, sometimes saintly singers from Yale warmed up one of the coldest nights on campus so far this winter. The performance by Whim ’n Rhythm – Yale University’s premier, senior all-women’s a cappella group – took place in front of a cozy fire in Annie Hall’s common room on January 20, all thanks to the fact that Liz Brandwood ’03 is among its talented members.

Yale’s Web site explained, “Delighting audiences from Maine to Hong Kong and from California to the White House, Whim ’n Rhythm brings professional musicianship, a sophisticated spirit, and an elegant presence to every memorable performance. Whim ’n Rhythm’s repertoire ranges from upbeat jazz standards to classic show tunes; contemporary pop favorites to traditional ballads and occasionally a Whim ’n Rhythm original. Bill Allen of the Chicago Tribune wrote of the group, ‘They’re singing all the songs I asked for . . . for older people, it’s nostalgia, for young people, it’s just good music!’ ”

The Web site added, “Founded in 1981, Whim ’n Rhythm was created by seven Yale women who came together to form what had long been absent from Yale’s a cappella tradition: a senior women’s group. The original members combined their musical talent with an abiding interest in the equal role of women. In the past 25 years, the group has quickly achieved international renown. Every new concert season, 14 Yale senior women, hand-picked at the end of their junior year for outstanding vocal ability, continue the Whim ’n Rhythm tradition. All women carry a full course load, perfecting their music and performance skills in their spare time. Because they receive no financial backing from the University, Whim ’n Rhythm is a non-profit organization and uses the money they make in concert fees to cover the cost of bringing their music to audiences throughout the United States and the world. Along with the joy of sharing their music, group members take a special pride in keeping Whim ’n Rhythm’s founding spirit alive. Whim ’n Rhythm performs throughout the academic year at college campuses, private parties, clubs, corporate functions, preparatory schools, restaurants and resorts across the United States. The concert season culminates in a World Tour following the group members’ May graduation. This year, Whim ’n Rhythm will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a six-week world tour of Asia, Europe, South America and Hawaii.”

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Posted 1/22/07

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