The "Whiffs" return to Hotel St Moritz

Queenstown’s Hotel St Moritz is welcoming back the world’s oldest and best-known senior ‘a cappella’ group next week.
 

For over a decade, The Whiffenpoofs of Yale University have performed at St Moritz as part of their World Tour to help raise money for Cure Kids, returning yet again to serenade guests with their inimitable style of ‘Pitch Perfect meets Glee’ with harmonies to die for.

In a Queenstown ‘first’, this year St Moritz is offering Queenstowners and local businesses the chance to bid in an online auction for a dinner party with the entertainment ‘wow’ factor “at your place”.

The highest bidder will win a musical performance on Friday August 19 in the comfort of their own home, with all proceeds going to Cure Kids.

For those who aren’t in a position to bid for the private performance – never fear. The Whiffenpoofs of Yale will “sing for their supper” at St Moritz’s award-winning Lombardi restaurant on Thursday August 18 2016. Tickets cost $85pp and include a glass of bubbles on arrival, a special performance and a three-course dinner in The Library from 6.30pm.

Hotel St Moritz General Manager Jo Finnigan said the hotel had a “much-loved relationship” with the touring collegiate group, which has performed at the hotel for 14 consecutive years.

“The Whiffenpoofs are an institution renowned the world over and we’re honoured to host them each year to help raise money for Cure Kids,” she said.

“The group have been known to break out into impromptu birthday serenades to our guests. They perform with gusto and passion, while occasionally adding a touch of musical ‘Glee’ comedy to their act.
“We’re all ‘groupies’ here and are very excited to see what’s in store this year!”

Every year 14 senior Yale University men are selected to be in the Whiffenpoofs, taking off an entire year of college to tour the world and perform in over 25 countries.

Founded in 1909, the "Whiffs" began as a senior quartet that met for weekly concerts at Mory's Temple Bar, the famous Yale tavern. Today, the group has become one of Yale's most celebrated traditions.
Back in 2003, the Whiffenpoofs were on their way to China and had to make a last minute country change due to the SARS outbreak, in order to keep their world tour going.

Hotel St Moritz came to the rescue and it was Ms Finnigan who offered to host the group in New Zealand, who in turn “sang for their supper” to say thanks.
 

“Lombardi is the perfect spot to host these intimate gatherings with exceptional talent, award-winning cuisine and perfectly-matched wines. It’s a fantastic event that offers our guests and locals something a little unique which epitomises everything St Moritz stands for,” she said.

To watch a clip of The Yale Whiffenpoofs of 2015 click here.

For dinner bookings or to bid for the Auction dinner email lombardi@stmoritzmg.co.nz or call 03 442 4990. For more information about the Whiffenpoofs go to www.whiffenpoofs.com