Today, the University Chorale will make its Seattle Symphony debut in Benaroya Hall. The concert is a significant event for both the choir and the music department as a whole, as they have been contracted by Seattle Symphony to perform in five Pops concerts under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch, an award-winning conductor and composer best known for his work in theater and films.

Hamlisch is one of only two people in history to have ever received all four performance awards for his works. These include three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize. Many may recognize him for his show, A Chorus Line, for which he received his Pulitzer.

“This is Hamlisch’s first concert as the new Pops conductor of the Seattle Symphony, so for the Chorale to share the stage is quite an honor,” said Geoffrey Boers, conductor of the Chamber Singers and an associate professor in the School of Music. “It will also be a wonderful opportunity for our singers to perform in Benaroya Hall.”

The UW Chorale is a group of 60 select individuals, mostly undergrad students, who auditioned for a spot at the beginning of autumn quarter. The choir is conducted by Giselle Wyers, who is in her second year at the UW. While a few Chorale members do have music-related degrees, the majority of students are pursuing degrees unrelated to music. This makes their success even more impressive, since many choir members have to juggle a minimum of four hours of practice a week with their already full academic schedules, but it has all paid off.

“Looking back at where we were five years ago, I would have never thought we would be featured at Benaroya Hall or performing with such esteemed artists,” said Courtney Smith, an alto in the Chorale and member of five years.

“It really is a testament to our practice, energy and dedication that we’ve been asked to be part of such a significant event,” said Allison Huxtable, a fourth-year Chorale member and the Chorale vice president. “I don’t think people realize that it takes so much time and effort to put on a single event such as this, and for us to be a part of it is really special.”

“At the top of the list has been the addition of our new choral faculty person, Dr. Giselle Wyers, who has brought a tremendous life and energy to the undergraduate choral program,” Boers said.

Before Wyers came to the University of Washington, she served as the director of choral activities at Boise State University and was given tenure.

“Even though I loved my work there, the opportunity to come to University of Washington was impossible to pass up,” Wyers said. “UW has one of the best music programs in the country, and the vitality of this student body; their range of experience, ambition and intellectual rigor is truly inspiring.”

In addition to debuting at Benaroya Hall and the pressure and preparation that comes with performing for such a distinguished individual as Hamlisch, the UW Chorale has also been preparing for a separate performance of Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, which will be performed alongside the UW orchestra. The performance will be March 14 in Meany Hall at 7:30 p.m.

“This year’s Chorale amazes me with its heart and musicality. When challenged with the taxing schedule we have, rather than folding, our ensemble has blossomed,” Smith said.

The Chorale is also preparing for a tour of San Francisco this May, where they will perform with Emma-winning groups such as Chanticleer.

“I have been at UW for only a year and a half, but I have seen exciting changes already; numbers are up in all nine of our choruses, and the University Chorale is enjoying unprecedented access to perform with some of the best musicians in the world,” Wyers said.