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The University Singers, representing the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis, have been invited to participate the 45th International Competition of Choral Singing at the Castle of Porcia, Spittal an der Drau, Carinthia, Austria. The annual festival will be held July 3 – 6 and will include 12 choirs from Europe and abroad. Since 1964, more than 400 groups from around the globe have participated in the competition. Each year, between 60 and 80 choirs apply for participation, but few are chosen to compete. During festival performances, each chorus is encouraged to draw upon its individual heritage so audiences have a sense of a musical journey through the world’s musical cultures.

The ensemble has also been invited to perform in featured gala concerts in Graz, Austria during the 5th World Choir Games, the Chorolympiade. There will be numerous seminars, workshops, and concerts in conjunction with the July 9 - 19 competition. Participants from more than 70 nations will compete for diplomas and medals in 28 categories. The Chorolympiade began in the year 2000 in the capital of Upper Austria, Linz.  Since then the games have been celebrated in the Republic of Korea, Germany, and China.

Located in one of the nation’s most influential musical cities, The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis is a different kind of music school. Here, students and faculty are committed to the essence of performance that is so unique to the region. This essence, regardless of genre, is the creativity, originality, quality and entrepreneurial spirit that are central to the rich musical heritage of Memphis.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the School offers 20 degrees in more than 24 areas of concentration, taught by 45 world-class faculty members who are recognized from Carnegie Hall to The Grammys®.  With more than 250 faculty, student and guest performances each year, we are where the music is.