An evening of harmony, tradition, and timeless music took center stage as The Harvard Krokodiloes and The Radcliffe Pitches came together for A Night of A Cappella at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. Attended by Harvard alumni and music lovers, the event celebrated the artistry of two of Harvard’s most distinguished vocal ensembles and offered guests a showcase of musical excellence.
Celebrating Harvard’s Vocal Traditions
The program featured two celebrated groups with deep roots in Harvard’s a cappella culture. The Harvard Krokodiloes, established in 1946, are recognized as Harvard’s oldest a cappella group. Known for rich, full-bodied vocal arrangements rooted in jazz and swing traditions, the group has built a global reputation through international tours and live performances.
Joining them were The Radcliffe Pitches, Harvard’s oldest treble-voice a cappella group, established in 1975. With a long-standing tradition of excellence, the Pitches are distinguished by tight harmonies, vocal clarity, and expressive range. Their repertoire spans contemporary pieces and classic genres, reflecting both versatility and discipline.
Key Takeaways:
- The Harvard Krokodiloes: Founded in 1946, jazz and swing focus.
- The Radcliffe Pitches: Founded in 1975, treble-voice harmonies.
- Both groups: Global recognition and enduring tradition.
(For more on Harvard’s cultural heritage, visit https://www.harvard.edu)
A Repertoire of Classics and Crowd Favorites
The Radcliffe Pitches brought energy and elegance to the stage with selections including Mercy by Duffy, You’re No Good by Linda Ronstadt, and Mr. Sandman by The Chordettes. Each piece highlighted the group’s polished blend, precision, and ability to move across musical styles while maintaining a distinct vocal identity.
The Harvard Krokodiloes complemented the evening with selections such as Sway by Michael Bublé, The Girl from Ipanema by Astrud Gilberto and João Gilberto, and My One and Only Love by Dion. Their performance reflected the warmth and sophistication of jazz-inspired arrangements, creating a refined yet engaging atmosphere for the audience.
Consequently, the program demonstrated why Harvard a capella continues to resonate across generations.
A Joint Finale to Remember
The evening culminated in a joint finale performance of Happy Days Are Here Again, associated with Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. Bringing both ensembles together on stage, the finale captured the spirit of collaboration and celebration that defined the night.
An Evening of Music and Connection
More than a concert, A Night of A Cappella served as a celebration of musical heritage, youthful artistry, and cultural connection. Through their harmonies, stage presence, and carefully selected repertoire, The Harvard Krokodiloes and The Radcliffe Pitches gave the Makati audience an experience that was both sophisticated and joyful.
From jazz standards to classic pop and a spirited joint finale, the program demonstrated the enduring appeal of Harvard a capella performance. The audience responded with enthusiasm and appreciation, and many look forward to welcoming the groups back when they visit Manila again in the future.
Specifically, the evening proved that the simplest musical instrument—the human voice—can create some of the most powerful moments on stage. Harvard a capella remains timeless, bridging tradition and modern artistry.
For more insightful stories on leadership, talent, and cultural excellence, visit the Lookingglass blog of John Clements:
https://www.johnclements.com/lookingglass/
