Benefit Concert for Survivors of Sexual Assault
In light of the growing accounts of sexual assault on campuses across the nation, the Virginia Women’s Chorus is presenting a benefit concert to increase awareness of resources available to survivors and to promote support and raise consciousness concerning this issue. The concert, “Women Against Violence: Rise Up”, will feature various a cappella groups from the University and community, as well as the Chorus, offering reflective and uplifting music. Contemporary popular music favorites include Rise Up, Fix You, and Til It Happens to You. A band will intensify the positive energy in the collaborative gospel piece, Still I Rise, based on the poem by poet laureate Maya Angelou. Speakers, including Anne Coughlin, Professor at the UVA School of Law, will talk briefly about issues and resources available to survivors of sexual assault. A generous grant from the UVA Parents Fund makes this event possible.
The concert is planned early in the semester because it is a particularly vulnerable time for students. Members of the Student Council Community Service committee including chairs Liam Wolf and Melissa Wu, Seth Hesser, volunteer at the Women’s Center, and members of the VWC have been working with Katherine “KaeRenae” Mitchell during the summer months to organize this event. Following the concert there will be a variety of organizations available to answer questions and provide information in the lobby of Old Cabell Hall.
First-year UVA students are admitted free. However, a ticket must be reserved through the Arts Box Office 24 hours in advance. Unclaimed tickets will be released 30 minutes before the concert.
All other student tickets are $5 and general admission is $10. Proceeds will benefit The Women’s Center at UVA and SARA (Sexual Assault and Resource Agency). For more information and to purchase or reserve tickets, please visit www.virginiawomenschorus.org/WAVriseup.
The Chorus is most appreciative of the Parents Fund for its substantial assistance. We hope to see you Saturday, September 17, at 7 PM in Old Cabell Hall. Be a part of this inaugural event at UVA and support these effective organizations on grounds and in the community!