History

 

The Princeton University Tigressions was founded in 1981 by a group of undergraduate women eager to add a bold, new sound to Princeton's rich - but largely all-male - a cappella tradition. (Women had only been on campus since 1969.) The first Tigression performance was in 1879 Arch during Houseparties. The group's earliest songs, arranged by then-Music Director Deborah Gobetz '83, included "Get Happy'' from Gypsy and "Easy Street."

Over the years, while developing a wide-ranging repertoire, the group has established a reputation for great music, originality, style and fun. In addition to Broadway show tunes, pop, folk and jazz, the Tigressions, who arrange most of their own music, also sing original songs, including "Look Into Your Heart'' and "Try it Like This'' by Deborah Hurwitz '89 (now an acclaimed professional singer/songwriter) and "Sing On, Sister'' and "The Tigression Song'' by Mary Whitaker Blalock '86.

In addition to making regular recordings, the group tours extensively in North America, Central America and Europe. Tigressions have performed for audiences of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties to audiences of thousands. Whether entertaining alumni or school groups, serenading dignitaries, singing the National Anthem for sports events, or harmonizing under Princeton's gothic arches, Tigressions love to sing. Tigression alums, many of whom perform after college, make up one of Princeton's strongest alumni groups in terms of service and financial support. The group also has its own Graduate Board, an advisory board of Tigression alums, which meets twice yearly. This provides the group with a solid financial footing, extended music and touring resources, and a strong networking foundation.