Founded in 1953 as an octet of the University's Glee Club, the Virginia Gentlemen are the University of Virginia's oldest a cappella vocal ensemble. Originally drawing members from the University Glee Club, the Gentlemen declared their independence and became their own student-run ensemble in 1987. The Virginia Gentlemen serve as the premier musical ambassadors of the University and perform at distinguished venues and events around the United States and abroad on their annual international tours. In April 2013, the Virginia Gentlemen celebrated their 60th Anniversary with over 75 alumni of the University of Virginia. 

The Virginia Gentlemen have been incredibly fortunate to perform for President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, President George and First Lady Laura Bush, Governor Bob McDonnell, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, President Sullivan, and Rector Dragas. The group performs around grounds and the world over 100 times per year including recent performances at the Sydney Opera House, Phillips Arena for the Atlanta Hawks, John Paul Jones Arena, Monticello, Sweet Briar College, The Blue Ridge School, Westminster Academy, The Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity Cruise Liners, The Hong Kong International School, and Renmin University in Beijing. Our recent travels include Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Nashville, China, Charleston, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Indonesia, Australia, Panama, Dubai, Greece, Italy, and Egypt.

The group strives to distinguish itself by offering the widest repertoire of music in the area, ranging from 1940s Sinatra hits, to 1960s Beatles singles, to the power ballads of the eighties to the chart topping songs of today. All of our music has been arranged for multiple voice harmony by current or former Virginia Gentlemen.