Voices Of Lee To Present 20th Anniversary Concert

Twenty years of Voices of Lee history will culminate on the Conn Center stage as current and former Voices members perform in a reunion concert on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

"Over 100 members past and present will take the stage, reliving past highlights and making new music together. The 15th anniversary concert was a smashing success making this a must-see vocal music spectacle of epic proportions," officials stated.

Since their debut performance in the Dixon Center in September 1994, Voices of Lee has performed for audiences worldwide. Under the direction of Danny Murray, they have performed at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Ely Cathedral in England, Christmas at the White House, conventions in Israel, Ontario, Hawaii, and Montreal, and were featured at the international “Sing Conference” for a cappella at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. They were highlighted at the Shanghai International Music Festival in China this summer.

"Voices of Lee was thrust into the international spotlight in 2009 when they appeared on the debut season of NBC’s Sing-Off competition for a cappella groups. Out of thousands of auditions, Voices was selected as one of eight groups to compete. After nationwide voting, the Voices of Lee finished as second runner up. In 2010, they were voted Religious Group of the Year by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America," officials said.

The ensemble has appeared on “Good Morning America,” Bill Gaither’s video series, the Gaither Family Fest,  and at the Miracle Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. They have recorded 12 CDs and two DVDs.

Following a brainstorming session with Lee President Dr. Paul Conn in 1994 about creating an elite musical group, Mr. Murray set out to do just that. Mr. Murray wanted a group small enough to travel light, with diverse repertoire and a distinctive sound.

“The result was electrifying,” said Dr. Conn. “Sixteen handpicked voices, energetic, focused, superbly trained, singing in a style that required few musical props. Everyone that heard their first performance knew we were present at the creation of something special and permanent.”

"Mr. Murray has coached collegiate-aged musicians for more than 25 years. He is a choral clinician who brings practical instruction, humor and dedication to inspire singers to new levels of understanding their musical gifts. Having spent the last 20 years as director of Voices, Murray holds the record for the longest running directorship of any vocal ensemble in the history of Lee University," officials stated.

 

“These alumns are like family,” said Murray. “I cannot wait to hear all of their singing on the stage together.”

 

Tickets for the Sept. 20 performance are available by calling (423) 614-8320.

 

For more information about Voices of Lee or the anniversary concert, visit www.voicesoflee.com or call (423) 614-8320.