Tournament of Voices at Symphony Hall

The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, or ICCA, is run like a sports competition—and demands a similar level of stamina. A cappella groups have long thrived at Boston University, and three of its ensembles have made it to the ICCA semifinals, at Symphony Hall this Sunday, April 17.

The honor marks a major rung in an ascent that began in January with the Northeast quarterfinals, held here at BU. Founded in 1996, the ICCA today includes 450 groups competing in nine regions in the United States and Europe. Finals will be held April 30 at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.

A cappella, which means “in the manner of the chapel,” is a term first used to describe church music composed for unaccompanied voices, but now refers to any vocal music performed without instruments.

The ICCA is the only international tournament showcasing the art of student a cappella singing. “We are dedicated to providing top-notch collegiate a cappella groups with valuable feedback…and the opportunity to perform in world-class venues across the country,” according to its website.

In Achord participates annually in ICCA competitions and has received awards for its arrangements, soloists, vocal percussion, and choreography. Founded in 1990, it is the University’s oldest coed a cappella group. Over the past two and a half decades, In Achord has built an impressive fan base with its creativity. The group also hosts the Beanpot of A Cappella, an annual fundraiser that brings together Boston-area college a cappella groups to benefit Franciscan Children’s hospital, which serves children with special health needs.

“The majority of us have never experienced ICCA prep,” says In Achord vice president Sali Diakité (COM’18). “It allows for all members to become leaders at some point in the process, whether that means directing music, teaching choreography, or keeping the group motivated throughout an eight-hour rehearsal. Our journey to ICCA semifinals not only strengthens our musicality, but also brings us closer together as friends. We cannot wait to perform on the Symphony Hall stage.”

Melissa Primrose (Questrom’16), BU Bostones president, says that members are excited and anxious to share the stage with other talented groups. “We are so thrilled to be performing at Boston Symphony Hall, one of the most beautiful performance halls in the world,” she says. “The Bostones have been doing ICCAs for quite a few years now, and this is our first time placing at regionals, so it is truly an honor to be moving on to semifinals.” Founded in 1996, the BU Bostones say they bring “a new dimension of soul, sweetness, and sass to the Boston a cappella scene.” They describe themselves as “a coed group of undergraduates focused on delivering the sickest solos, most awesome arrangements, and ballin’ beatboxing during each of our performances. Not to mention we’re great with alliteration.” The Bostones perform a winter and spring concert each year, in addition to benefits and other gigs.

A coed group with two albums to their credit and myriad original arrangements of the music of Michelle Branch, Queen, Coldplay, and other artists, the Treblemakers, or Trebs, as they call themselves, were also formed in 1996, around what they call the three fundamental ideals of fun, love, and music. The group has made many ICCA appearances. The Treblemakers are known for their diverse repertoire and energetic performances, and their trip to Symphony Hall represents a milestone for them. “This year is the first time that the Treblemakers have advanced from quarterfinals to semifinals,” says Tyler Beresford (CFA’19), one of the group’s music directors. “Preparing for the competition has been a lot of hard work, but we have really put a lot of time and love into our set and just can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on with the audience. No matter what the outcome of the competition, I know that all of the Treblemakers feel truly proud of what we have created together.”

The ICCA tournament is Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m., at Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Seating is general admission. Purchase tickets, ranging from $35 to $60, in advance here, at 617-266-1200, or in person at the box office.