Profile of The Virginians Barbershop Chorus:
The Virginians are the performing chorus of the Richmond, Virginia Chapter of The Barbershop Harmony
Society. One of 800 choruses, The Virginians recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and is one of the
oldest, continuous singing groups in the Greater Richmond area. The group competes in many society sponsored
events, and is the 2000 Mid-Atlantic District and 2005 Southern Division Chorus Champion.
The Virginians’ purpose is to provide wholesome, top-quality music, combined with enthusiastic
showmanship for a variety of gatherings, including national conventions, local civic and fraternal
meetings, banquets, and fund-raising events. The group’s repertoire blends traditional barbershop
favorites with patriotic, and contemporary music, all enhanced with precision choreography and
costuming.
Selected by the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Virginians represented the United States as
ambassadors of international harmony in St. Petersburg, Russia in August 2006. The group has sung for
the Governor and other state officials and regularly participates in public concerts at the new
amphitheater in Pocahontas State Park, the Maymont Park Christmas festival, and the Dogwood Dell
summer arts program. In addition, the chapter produces annual Spring and Christmas shows, featuring
the chorus as well as chapter and guest quartets. The chorus travels regularly to perform for community
organizations and associations throughout the state, and has entertained arts groups in Williamsburg,
Petersburg, West Point, Kilmarnock, Hopewell, Mathews, Hot Springs, and Rappahannock. Collectively,
the chorus’s music is enjoyed by an estimated 20,000 persons annually throughout Virginia.
The Virginians are a 501 (c)(3) not-for profit organization, supported in part by the Arts Council of
Richmond. Some of the proceeds from its annual events, including Spring and Christmas Shows and
Singing Valentines, go to worthy local causes. In past years, the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund and
the Alden Aaroe/Salvation Army Shoe Fund were among the beneficiaries. The Chorus’s support extends
internationally, as well. During its tour of Russia in 2006, chorus members donated 25 suitcases-full of
toys, clothing and personal items to an orphanage outside St. Petersburg.
For more information on the Virginians, please visit www.virginians.org.
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