Whiffenpoofs Of Yale Returning By Popular Demand

RIDGEFIELD — In what is becoming a delightful autumn ritual, The Whiffenpoofs of Yale University will present their special brand of a cappella singing as part of the St Stephen’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series on October 26 at 4 pm. The church is at 351 Main Street (Route 35) in Ridgefield.

Founded in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs are the oldest collegiate a cappella singing group in America, and they remain the nation’s premier undergraduate men’s chorus. The group is made up of 14 senior Yale men, who are chosen to continue the Whiffenpoof tradition based on their vocal ability.

On their annual world tours, the Whiffenpoofs have performed for audiences from Nantucket to Hong Kong as well as at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. This fall they were featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes and on November 11 will appear on ABC’s Jeopardy. Their newest CD, Supernatural, has just been released.

The Whiffenpoofs present a wide and varied repertoire, ranging from fast jazz to melodic ballads, musical theater to the blues. Composers include Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Stephen Sondheim, whose works are arranged by members of the Whiffenpoofs.

Some of the most important figures in American music have been associated with the Whiffenpoofs. Cole Porter, Yale class of 1913, was a Whiffenpoof. Ella Fitzgerald was made an honorary member of the group at a 1979 concert, and Louis Armstrong recorded his own original version of “The Whiffenpoof Song.”

The concert is expected to last one hour. Donations are invited; a $10 contribution is suggested. Call 203-438-3789 for additional information.