Watch the live concert that concluded VVPP I featuring Clerestory and UND singers. It was amazing to be so far apart yet singing together!

The Virtual Voice Performance Project I (VVPP I), undertaken May through July, 2024, was the first part of a groundbreaking initiative designed by Dr. Justin Montigne to explore the possibilities of virtual vocal performance using innovative technology like JackTrip Virtual Studio. The project connected students, professionals, and audiences across diverse geographic locations, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and artistic growth. Participants included three UND student singers, a student technical assistant, a student marketing assistant, four professional performers from Clerestory, and technical and marketing specialists who facilitated the rehearsals, performance, and publicity.

The primary goal was to test and refine methods for virtual ensemble singing while maintaining the artistry and human connection traditionally associated with in-person performance. VVPP I culminated in a livestreamed virtual concert on July 5, 2024, during which audience feedback was received directly as comments in the livestream. Participant feedback was later gathered through an email survey.

Gregorian chant, renaissance polyphony, folk songs, and contemporary vocal works made up this short program. UND students rehearsed and performed live with singers from Clerestory, the Bay Area's premier a cappella men's ensemble. This concert was simulcast from JackTrip Virtual Studio.

I. "Ave Maris Stella"

Verse 1 - plainsong

Verse 2 - Guillaume DuFay

Verse 3 - plainsong

Verse 4 - Jacobus Vaet

Verse 5 - plainsong

Verse 6 - Hans Leo Hassler

Verse 7 - plainsong

II. "Gondoliera" by Clara Schumann

III. "Ca the Yowes" - Traditional Scottish, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

IV. "Quarantine Madrigals" by Reena Ismail

I. Yesterday we sang

VII. Hello

V. "Fly Me to the Moon" by Bart Howard, arr. John Bischoff

Ave Maris Stella" Translation:

Hail, star of the sea,

loving Mother of God,

and also always a virgin,

Happy gate of heaven.

Receiving that Ave

from Gabriel's mouth

confirm us in peace,

Reversing Eva's name.

Break the chains of sinners,

Bring light to the blind,

Drive away our evils,

Ask for all good.

Show yourself to be a mother,

May he accept prayers through you,

he who, born for us,

Chose to be yours.

O unique virgin,

Meek above all,

Make us, absolved from sin,

Gentle and chaste.

Keep life pure,

Make the journey safe,

So that, seeing Jesus,

We may always rejoice together.

Let there be praise to God the Father,

Glory to Christ in the highest,

To the Holy Spirit,

One honor to all three. Amen.

Translation by Allen H. Simon

"Gondoliera" (The Gondolier) Translation:

Oh come to me when the army of stars wanders through the night,

when our gondola hovers on the moonlit sea.

The air is soft, like a teasing lover, the golden moonlight plays softly [on the water],

the zither rings, and your heart is pulled along in desire.