Talisman A Cappella was founded by Stanford University students to research and perform culturally substantive music. From its inception in October 1989, Talisman has been committed to the belief that harmoniously blending cultures of diverse origins creates the richest and most beautiful experience both in music and in life. Thus the group embraces varied musical genres and traditions, celebrating cultures not ordinarily represented by vocal ensembles.

To challenge social and political injustice with both its music and its message has been an ambition central to Talisman since the group's founding. In its fourth and fifth seasons, not only was Talisman asked to sing for Nelson Mandela during his visit to Stanford University, the group also perfomed at a memorial service for Amy Biehl, a Stanford student slain while in South Africa promoting women's rights. The music from that service was later featured on the ABC news magazine program Turning Point. During March of this past year, the group continued to share its music as it journeyed east to colleges and universities throughout the New York, Boston, and Providence areas. Talisman then finished the season on the air for National Public Radio: Representatives from the weekly radio program West Coast Live invited Talisman to perform for their listeners throughout California and around the country.

Although such exposure has placed Talisman in extreme demand both on and off campus, the group continues to share its music with those who would otherwise be unable to experience it. Thus Talisman often gives either free or benefit performances in hospitals, elementary schools, retirement homes, and community outreach centers throughout the San Franciscio Bay area.