What is Virginia Beauty?
- a Love Song for the Commonwealth?
- heirloom apple first grown in Carroll County, VA in the early 1800s?
- a pretty lass from the Old Dominion?
- one song, many voices?
- All of the Above!
Since its first performance in 2007, Virginia Beauty has now been heard across the state in many styles. Recordings of the bluegrass, Americana, choral and instrumental format play in regular rotation on multiple radio stations around the state. Choral societies, concert choirs, schools and churches have enjoyed learning and singing various arrangements. Of particular note are the Highland Camerata, Virginia Choral Society, and Wytheville Community College Choir performances on their recent concert schedules.
The composer, educator and performer was inspired to create Virginia Beauty by her desire to preserve the best of the Commonwealth. Named for a heritage apple originating in Pipers Gap, Virginia in 1810, Virginia Beauty is a love song to the Commonwealth, an anthem designed to reflect the natural beauty, the diverse landscape, and the people of our historically significant home state. Written to be easily ‘singable’ by children and adults across the Commonwealth in many styles, it is a way to unite our voices, our knowledge and pride for our home state. She hopes that it inspires other citizens of the Commonwealth and the world to recognize and appreciate the wonders of Virginia.
The composer of Virginia Beauty, Joyce Rouse, lives a happy and Earth-friendly existence in the community of Independence Virginia, nestled between the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, the New River and Grayson Highlands State Park in the heart of Grayson County.
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