Our Crowdfunding Groups
Although this project has concluded, if you would still like to make a donation to support the Heinz Chapel Choir International Tour, you may always do so here
The Heinz Chapel Choir has filled the Heinz Memorial Chapel with its beautiful choral music since 1938 and proudly keeps the HCC flame alight through traditions that have been practiced since Theodore “Pop” Finney first conducted “Brother James’s Air.” This year, we’re excited to sing for and make connections with new audiences and each other, fostering HCC’s distinct spirit of camaraderie. This vibrant, diverse group of students is dedicated to ensuring that HCC’s tradition of excellence, sense of community, and passion for reaching the hearts and souls of its audiences continues to thrive. 
Our Project
For decades, the Heinz Chapel Choir has embarked on international tours to share our music with others and enrich the lives of those in the choir. None of our current members have had the opportunity to share in one of these international tours, and some have never traveled outside the United States. We are excited and proud to announce that the long wait is over! In May 2023, we will travel to Northern England, Scotland, and Wales for a 12-day educational/performance tour.
We’ll begin our visit in Northern England, where HCC will learn what it’s like to sing as a member of a cathedral choir when we spend time with Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster. We’ll perform recitals in Yorkshire; Edinburgh and St. Andrews (Scotland); and will share a concert in Llandudno (Wales) with a Welsh male-voice choir. We were thrilled to learn that we’ll be in England on the day of King Charles III’s coronation (time to learn “God Save the King”!), and we’re looking forward to comparing castles in England, Scotland and Wales, taking a boat trip in the Lake District, and riding a mountain railway in Wales! 
How You Can Help
Donate: Your entire contribution goes directly to the choir members in the form of a scholarship to make tour participation more accessible for every singer. In the same vein, it’s an HCC tradition to never leave a member behind if financial considerations are a barrier for them. However, we need your help to make both of those things a reality. We greatly appreciate every contribution we receive – they, and you, make our tours possible! Your gift will allow us to restart our international touring tradition and join in song with the people of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Spread the Word: We understand that not everyone is able to contribute financially to our tour, but we hope you’ll support us by spreading the word and sharing the link to this page over email, social media, or a warm beverage. If you know of an individual, corporation, or foundation that might like to support our campaign, please encourage them to visit our EngagePitt campaign page!
As always, we thank you for your continued generosity and support. Because of you, we have made music.
Formal photos by Nadine Sherman/Nadine Photography.
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Contributions received for this project shall be used in accordance with the purpose described herein, the terms in the FAQs and applicable law. For questions that cannot be answered in the FAQs, please call 412-648-4658 or email engage@pitt.edu.
The Heinz Chapel Choir planned a tour to Scandinavia for spring 2020, but we were unable to make that trip. We’re so excited to tour internationally again and your donation makes it possible.
The Heinz Chapel Choir was established in 1938 with the dedication of the Heinz Memorial Chapel. Since our founding, there has always been a strong bond between our members. Because of your donation, we will be able to strengthen that bond through travel and cultural immersion.
It’s the 84th anniversary year of the Heinz Chapel Choir! Fun fact - our choir started touring internationally in the 1970s under the only other name we’ve ever had, the Heinz Chapel Concert Choir (HCCC). Although we didn’t keep that extra C, we’re thrilled to carry on the tradition of international tours.
During our travels, we’ll visit Edinburgh Castle. This historic castle stands 130 meters above sea level on Castle Rock and is a recognizable symbol of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.
While in England, we’ll attend Evensong at York Minster. Though we love our own Cathedral of Learning here at Pitt, we’re excited to experience one of the biggest cathedrals in North Europe. York Minster's highest tower is 235 feet tall!
There are 427 castles in the country of Wales and we’ll be visiting one on our tour! We are going to Conwy Castle to learn more about Welsh culture. Your donation helps us get there! Diolch! (that’s thank you in Welsh)
We may not see Ryan Reynolds (or “the football”) while we’re in North Wales, but we will share a concert with a local male voice choir! This campaign helps the members of HCC directly and a gift of this size adds $25 to each singer's tour scholarship. We’re truly grateful for your generosity.
