For the first time in its 77-year history, the Cornell University Chorus -- an all-female choir -- will perform outside of North America.

The 40-member chorus will depart New York City May 25 for a weeklong visit to Taiwan.

The travel schedule, set by the Taiwanese government, will offer chorus members ample opportunity to see Taiwan's major attractions as well as perform at two universities.

"We'll sing with several Taiwanese choruses as well as be featured in our own half of a program," said Assistant Professor Scott Tucker, who directs the Cornell University Chorus. He said the chorus will perform Taiwanese and Mandarin folk songs, traditional choral music as well as American folk songs, arranged by assistant conductor Vineet Shende, a Cornell doctoral student in music.

"We'll probably slip in a Cornell song or two," Tucker added.

The chorus also plans to perform for Taiwan's President Lee Teng-hui. The Cornell Glee Club performed for the president during his historic visit to Cornell in June 1995. Lee, who earned a doctorate from Cornell in 1968, visited Cornell during Reunion that year to deliver the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Lecture.

The chorus's trip to Taiwan is made possible by support from alumni, who will pay the $25,000 travel costs. The Taiwanese government will provide accommodations and transportation costs in Taiwan. Chorus members will stay with Taiwanese students at different universities.

"We are thrilled to have such a level of alumni support that makes this trip possible," Tucker said.

The chorus will return to Ithaca June 1.