INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Fourteen young men in tuxedos performing to female screams: No, it’s not a scene from the film Magic Mike, but the Ivy League singing sensations, the Yale Whiffenpoofs, in an appearance sponsored by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1 at Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th Street, 32960.
No April Fools’ joke, the Yale Whiffenpoofs were founded in 1909 and are the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. Their best-known alumnus may be Cole Porter, who sang in the 1913 line-up.
The “Whiffs” often perform Porter songs in tribute, along with a repertoire of modern popular classics. Their shows always close with the signature “Whiffenpoof Song,” written in 1909 and recorded by a bevy of recording artists beginning with Rudy Vallee in 1937 and including Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Count Basie, Perry Como, the Statler Brothers, and countless others.
The young singers compete in their junior year for one of just 14 coveted spots. Now touring the United States, the Yale Whiffenpoofs have appeared on numerous television shows, including Glee and NBC’s, The Sing-Off.
Tickets are $20 in advance and are available through the orchestra website at www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at several convenient ticket outlets, including Marine Bank & Trust (beachside and mainland branches) and Madison Avenue Consignments.
The concert is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID. Tickets at the door are $25. Call toll free to 855-252-7276 for more information.
Conductor and artistic director Aaron Collins can’t wait to welcome the Whiffenpoofs to Central Florida.
“How many musical organizations do you know that have been around for more than a century– with more fans than ever?” asked Collins. “The Whiffs are young, energetic and a blast in performance. Musically, they are the best of the best.”
For more information about the Space Coast Symphony 2015-16 season or the Symphony for Everyone discount ticket program, please visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.
