University Singers Perform Annual Commencement Concert The annual tradition for parents and families of graduating students will be held on May 28.

By Emily Innes
May 13, 2024

The Washington and Lee University Singers will present a final performance for the academic year under the direction of Shane M. Lynch on May 28 at 8 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall in the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts.

The concert is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.

“The Commencement Concert is always one of the most emotional performances of the year,” said Lynch, associate professor of music and director of choral activities. “Not only is it the final time for us to perform as this version of the University Singers in Wilson Hall, but it is also the only chance many of our seniors have for their families to hear them in person. Our livestreamed concerts are an amazing technology that allows families from far away to join us for our performances, but nothing beats being in the space for the live concert. You literally feel the energy throughout in a way that is unmatched.”

The concert will feature favorite works from throughout the 2023-2024 season selected by the group’s graduating seniors, who are rounding out a college singing experience that has been anything but ordinary. Musical styles presented will represent a wide variety of choral genres and, as always, the group will close the concert with “Shenandoah,” arranged by James Erb.

The University Singers is an award-winning ensemble and continues to be recognized as one of the finest collegiate a capella choirs in the region. They are an internationally competitive touring choir, performing a wide variety of works at major venues across the globe and serving as artistic ambassadors for W&L in concert series, music festivals, conventions and university outreach events.