Chamber Singers

Founded in 2012 by Dr. William Plummer, the UL Lafayette Chamber Singers have represented the University of Louisiana at Lafayette both domestically and internationally. Composed of students from all majors and degree paths, the 32-voice ensemble has appeared as guest artists with professional symphony orchestras, premiered pieces by composers from Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Iceland, and audio recordings of the ensemble have been broadcast on Outreach Radio in the U.K.

The UL Lafayette Chamber Singers were chosen as the host choir for an international music conference (International Alliance for Women in Music, 2016). In 2021, the UL Lafayette Chamber Singers won the International Choral Festival Wales (Gŵyl Goraw Ryngwladol Cymru), achieving the Gold Award and the highest score awarded to a choir in the competition. In the summer of 2022, the Chamber Singers were invited to sing for a delegation of officials in Namur, Belgium. In fall of 2022, the Chamber Singers placed in the finals of the Michelangelo International Music Festival (Florence, Italy) with Gold Medals and top scores both in the Youth and University Choirs category and the Sacred Music category. The ensemble also won the Grand Prix award and monetary prize, achieving the highest score of any choir in the competition across all nine categories. In the spring of 2023, the Chamber Singers were selected as semi-finalists in the Petrichor International Music Competition in the "Large Ensemble" category. Competing against applicants from 51 countries, and both collegiate and professional instrumental as well as vocal ensembles including orchestras, big bands, jazz bands, wind ensembles, and choirs, the Chamber Singers were one of five choirs worldwide to receive this honor: three professional choirs and only two collegiate choirs. The UL Lafayette Chamber Singers are now considered Petrichor Recording Artists with the record label, which focuses on the music of living composers. In 2023, the Chamber Singers won 2nd place nationwide in the American Prize for Virtual Performance (college and university division).

Anyone may audition to be a Chamber Singer, regardless of their major. The ensemble is composed of students across a broad and diverse selection of degree paths, both undergraduate and graduate, at the University. The Chamber Singers typically present 4–6 performances per year plus a recruitment tour. Outside preparation and music learning is expected and proficient music reading is required. Scholarships for incoming students are available.

For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Dr. William Plummer at choir@louisiana.edu.