International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Tickets

The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, or ICCA for short, is an annual competition that allows collegiate a cappella groups from around the world to showcase their vocal skills. The participating teams perform without the use of any instruments, relying solely on their voices to create their music.

Although a cappella may seem like a modern phenomenon, the roots of this form of singing can be traced back to classical vocal traditions. One of the earliest examples of a cappella music is Gregorian chant, a style of plainchant used in Christian liturgical services. This chant was typically sung by monks and priests, who sang in unison without instrumental accompaniment.

Throughout history, a cappella singing has continued to play a vital role in many different musical genres, from religious hymns to popular music. In recent years, this form of singing has seen a resurgence in popularity as a result of shows like NBC's "The Sing-Off" and the hit movie series "Pitch Perfect," which feature talented vocal groups showcasing their abilities in a cappella performances.

At the ICCA, participating groups put their unique spin on a variety of musical selections, including classical pieces. While many people associate classical music with orchestras and soloists, a cappella groups can also bring a fresh and exciting interpretation to works from the classical canon.

For example, the Harvard-Radcliffe Opportunes, winners of the 2019 ICCA, performed an a cappella version of "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's opera "Gianni Schicchi." The group rearranged the original vocal lines to suit their own vocal strengths and added percussive elements to give the performance a modern feel. Similarly, the University of Rochester YellowJackets performed a stunning rendition of Mozart's "Lacrimosa" at the 2020 ICCA.

While some purists may prefer to hear classical music performed in its original form, a cappella groups offer a unique perspective on these works. By rearranging the music and using their voices as instruments, a cappella singers can create entirely new interpretations of classical pieces that are both inventive and exciting.

Overall, the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella offers an amazing platform for talented vocal groups to showcase their skills and creativity. In addition to providing a stage for pop and contemporary music, it also presents an opportunity for these groups to explore and reimagine the classical vocal repertoire. Whether you're a fan of classical music or modern a cappella performance, there's something truly awe-inspiring about watching talented singers come together to create beautiful music with nothing but their voices.