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As we have all come to learn, virtual concerts are a new and occasionally discouraging way to carry on events in a COVID-19-safe way. However, the Virginia Women’s Chorus has mastered the art of the virtual music experience. On April 17, the Virginia Women’s Chorus broadcasted the "Women Against Violence: Brand New Day" Benefit Concert on YouTube in support of sexual assault awareness.
The Virginia Women’s Chorus was joined by several other choruses in this inspiring event, including the Virginia Glee Club and the William & Mary Women’s Chorus. Despite the fact that the concert was a virtual event, the energy of the Virginia Women’s Chorus and the spectators in the chat was infectious. Before the start of the concert, a colorful and dynamic countdown appeared on the screen along with an uplifting pop beat. Soon after, welcoming messages and hellos flew through the chat at an encouraging rate.
The Virginia Women’s Chorus is the University's oldest women’s chorus, and the organization was established 1974. The group began its journey just four years after women were allowed into the University without restrictions, and it has been preaching women’s empowerment all throughout its presence at the school.
After a brief hiatus from 1989 to 1994, the group was revived and continued to blossom under new direction. Today, the chorus performs a wide array of music — ranging from classical to pop — for its dedicated listeners. In attending the chorus' previous events and observing this event alone, it is abundantly clear that the group takes great pride in connecting with its University fans as well as the greater Charlottesville community.
The Virginia Women’s Chorus kicked off the event with a gorgeous a cappella number titled, “How Can I Keep Singing?” Many of the subsequent performances offered an exciting contrast to the angelic rendition of this song. No Fella A Cappella sang “You Don’t Own Me,” a slow, iconic pop song originally performed by Lesley Gore in 1963.
Much to the enjoyment of the chat, The Academical Village People made an impression with their lively video and creative editing skills. The Virginia Belles performed “Rise Up,” a well-known tune by Andra Day that famously represents resilience in the face of overwhelming distress. If readers would like to experience the event for themselves, the video is still up on the Virginia Women’s Chorus official YouTube page.
During this disconnected and difficult semester, the song choices of the Women’s Chorus have been understandably lighter. The Brand New Day Benefit Concert was a great example of an event that shared its serious message with bravery and bright, uplifting music.
This concert marks the fifth Women Against Violence concert, and it also represents the fifth year of the Virginia Women’s Chorus singing ballads of empowerment and support in the name of this event. Before the singing began, viewers were encouraged to donate to the Women’s Initiative, a Charlottesville-based initiative that works to provide counseling, healthcare and general support for women in the community.
In addition to sexual assault and relationship violence, the Women’s Initiative also focuses on anxiety, depression and other forms of trauma. The Chorus' leadership emphasized that the Women’s Initiative is free of charge and there is no appointment necessary for those in need — the organization is available to help at all times.
Overall, the concert powerfully supported the messages of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April. 2021 signifies the 20th anniversary of this month-long campaign for raising widespread awareness of sexual assault and educating the public about sexual violence. Even in the times of virtual events and concerts, the Brand New Day Benefit Concert showed it is still possible to come together as a community to educate ourselves and lend a helping hand to those around us.
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