Chanukah A Cappella Concert

Four college a cappella groups battle it out for a cash prize! Each audience member receives one vote -- you determine the winner!

A complimentary guided tour of the Vilna and its history will run approximately 45 minutes before the start of the program.

The competitors:

Brandeis University's Manginah

Founded in 1994, Manginah is Brandeis University’s premier Jewish a cappella group. Partnered with Hillel, Manginah sings a mixture of Jewish, Israeli pop, and English songs. Our mission is to share our love of Jewish music with Jewish communities across the greater Boston area.

Northeastern University's Distilled Harmony

Originally founded in 2003 in the basement of a residence hall, Distilled Harmony has grown from humble beginnings into one of Northeastern University's most recognized a cappella groups. The music they perform, which ranges from mainstream pop to indie rock, is just as varied as the interests and academic backgrounds of each of their members, forming a diverse and loving family. In recent years, they have placed several times in their ICCA Northeast Quarterfinal, the ICCA Northeast Semifinal, the ICCA Wildcard round, and received a BOCA award in 2016. They just recently released an album, HIGH DEFINITION, which can be found on all major streaming platforms! They've put their blood, sweat (literally), and tears (also literally) into sharing their cherished and unique music with the world.

Simmon Sirens

Founded in 1989 The Sirens are a women's centered a cappella group based in the Fenway, Boston. The group currently consists of 15 members who's studies range from Nursing to Communications. The Sirens put on two of their own concerts ever semester. They also perform with other a cappella groups around the Boston area.

Boston University's Kol Echad

Kol Echad, otherwise known as simply "KE," is Boston University's Premier Jewish A Cappella Group. Kol Echad's name has a double meaning in Hebrew which translates to "One Voice" and "All One." Founded in 1995, they aim to deliver a musical experience that mixes contemporary Israeli and Jewish tunes with the ever-popular collegiate a cappella sound. With a yearly weeklong national tour, Kol Echad is a mainstay in Jewish communities across the country.

Opening the Competition: Honorable Menschen

Making a special appearance and opening the show, as well as entertaining while the votes are counted, is the post-collegiate group Honorable Menschen. Honorable Menschen is Boston's Semi-Professional Jewish A Cappella Group. "Menschen" has been bringing Jewish music to the Greater Boston community for over two decades. We sing a range of Jewish music, spanning languages, centuries, and genres.

In partnership with Hillel Council of New England.