November 30, 2023

This December, the university’s acclaimed Gospel Chorale will perform at renowned venues across Europe.

Virginia State University is thrilled to announce that ARTE VIVA Associazione Culturale has sponsored the VSU Gospel Chorale to perform in various parts of Europe this December. The Chorale will tour Switzerland, Hungary, and Italy, with notable performances at Pope Francis’ Christmas Concert at the Vatican and the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival.

“I am extremely proud and excited to embark upon this tour journey with my beloved VSUGC family,” said Perry Evans II, Choir Director for the VSU Gospel Chorale. “I am humbled to lead such an amazing group of students whose hard work and commitment will be greatly appreciated by those who come from all over Europe to witness their awesome talents.”

This will be the Chorale’s tenth visit to Europe since 1998. The Chorale’s last trip was Easter Week in 2019 for the Umbria Jazz Festival, one of Europe’s most important international music festivals.

These performances have aligned with the university’s commitment to fostering the talent of its students while offering transformative educational experiences. While in Europe, members of the Chorale will be exposed to different cultures and simultaneously show off their unique blend of Gospel music intermixed with precise choreography and bright, bold attire to a global audience.

“The VSU Gospel Chorale continues to set the standard for collegiate Gospel choirs,” said Dr. Michael Rainey, Business Operations Director for the VSU Gospel Chorale. “We have a unique style that’s often imitated but never duplicated. While other small groups and ensembles with eight members or less have had such experiences, I would like to think that we created the blueprint for other college choirs to tour in this region since our inaugural European tour in 1998.”

The Chorale will begin the European Tour on December 7, 2023, and return on January 3, 2024.

“I am greatly appreciative and honored for the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale to receive an invitation from ARTE VIVA Associazione Culturale,” said James Holden Jr., Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the VSU Gospel Chorale. “This will be a great opportunity for the students to experience, learn, and share what the world has to offer.”