Viva Acappella is a vibrant harmony group based in Bickley, Kent.
We sing a range of repertoire from jazz standards to 21st-century pop, spirituals to rock, but most importantly we sing a cappella.
We are a proud member chapter of Sweet Adelines Region 31 Quartet of Nations, the UK & the Netherlands branch of the international organisation Sweet Adelines International. We compete in the national Region 31 barbershop contest every May. Our aim is to qualify for the international contest, and we have been fortunate (and hard-working!) enough to qualify three times, allowing us to compete in Hawaii in 2013, Las Vegas in 2016 and New Orleans in 2019!
Additionally, we have competed in various other competitions, from local events such as the Maidstone Music Festival and Top Choir of Kent, to European contests. In 2024 we competed in The Barbershop of Iberia International Contest, in Calpe, Spain where we won the Gold medal, and the Irish Association of Barbershop International Chorus competition, in Killarney, where we secured the Silver medal.
We are proud to be an award-winning a cappella group!
2024 Silver Medallists, International Contest, Irish Association of Barbershop Singers
2024 Gold Medallists, International Contest, Barbershop of Iberia
2023 Sweet Adelines Region 31 Midsize Chorus Gold Medalists & overall Bronze Medallists
2022 Sweet Adelines Region 31 Midsize Chorus Silver Medallists & overall Bronze Medallists
2019 Sweet Adelines International Semi-Finalists - ranked 19th in the World
2018 Sweet Adelines Region 31 Midsize Chorus Champions & overall Silver Medallists
2017 European Women's Bronze Medal Chorus
2016 Sweet Adelines International Semi-Finalists - ranked 20th in the World
2015 Sweet Adelines Region 31 Midsize Chorus Champions & overall Silver Medallists
2014 Sweet Adelines Region 31 Midsize Chorus Silver Medallists & Fourth Place overall
2013 Sweet Adelines International Semi-Finalists - ranked 22nd in the World
2012 Sweet Adelines Region 31 Champion Chorus
2011 Top Choir of Kent
2011 Sweet Adelines, Region 31 Small Chorus Champions
2010 Sweet Adelines, Region 31 Small Chorus Silver Medallists
Founded in 2009, Viva Acappella has had the privilege of performing at numerous events and occasions, and for a wide variety of audiences. Some members have dressed in builder and waiter disguises for surprise flash mob acts, we've sung alongside numerous quartets and choruses in collaborative concerts, entertained guests at award ceremonies and corporate functions, and we have been part of some very special moments at weddings, birthdays and parties. The chorus celebrated a milestone in 2017 with its inaugral central London concert on Oxford Street, featuring World Mixed Quartet Champions, Double Date, and BABS Champions, Portobello Road. In 2018, our members even began a busking campaign to help our fundraising efforts. Viva loves every opportunity to sing, whenever, wherever and for whomever!
It may be a cliché, but being in a chorus like ours feels like having a huge, supportive extended family. Our group encompasses a range of ages and backgrounds. While some members have been immersed in barbershop since childhood, others bring diverse musical expertise from playing instruments, backgrounds in theatre or dance, and some have embraced the joy of singing later in life or without the ability to read music.
Our camaraderie extends beyond the singing, whether we're celebrating achievements at conventions, engaging in inventive fundraising activities, or sharing laughter and jokes during weekly rehearsals, we relish the fun times together!
Take a look at our Viva Acappella YouTube Channel to see us in action!
