Collection: HARVARD GLEE CLUB: THE MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS

The Harvard Glee Club (HGC) stands as one of America's most venerable and acclaimed collegiate choruses. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest continuously running tenor-bass chorus at Harvard University and one of the longest-standing collegiate choirs in the United States. Rooted in rich tradition, the Glee Club has cultivated a reputation for musical excellence and ambitious programming for over 165 years.


Comprising undergraduate and graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds, the HGC is renowned for its versatile repertoire. While dedicated to performing masterpieces of Western male choral literature spanning centuries, the group actively commissions new works and explores a wide array of genres, including world folk music, spirituals, contemporary compositions, and cherished Harvard songs. Their performances are marked by technical precision, expressive power, and a unified sound.


Based primarily in Harvard's historic Sanders Theatre, the Glee Club maintains an active performance schedule on campus, often collaborating with other ensembles like the Radcliffe Choral Society and the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra. Beyond Cambridge, the HGC serves as a musical ambassador for the university, undertaking frequent domestic and international tours, sharing their music and traditions with audiences worldwide.


More than just a musical ensemble, the Harvard Glee Club fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and community among its members, upholding traditions passed down through generations. It remains a cornerstone of Harvard's vibrant arts scene, celebrated for its enduring legacy and commitment to the highest standards of choral performance.