March 24 & 25, 2000
Program Notes
In this concert, Heroes and Heroines, WCPA pays homage to the men and women who enrich and chronicle our lives through composition. The choices are as eclectic and diverse as we are different. Some composers and arrangers were selected just for the sheer beauty of their works, others for their ability to capture the gay and lesbian experience. There is no way that we could, in one concert, celebrate every composer of merit. We hope that you will hear this music, some of it familiar and some unusual, and be moved, exhilarated, challenged, and otherwise enriched by the glorious work of these composers.
• UNISON •
Unison: Windy City Lesbian & Gay Singers debuted at “Don We Now XIV” in 1992 and sang their inaugural concert in April 1993 with Chris Williamson and Tret Fure as guest artists. In only seven years they have become one of the premier mixed-voice choruses in the GALA movement. Earlier this year, Unison won a Gay & Lesbian Music Award for Best Choral Group Recording for their performance of Jingle Bells on our holiday CD, “Glad Tidings We Bring.” This month Unison is thrilled to announce the release of their debut solo-recording entitled “One.”
• ARIA •
Aria: Windy City Women’s Ensemble was formed in 1995. Under the direction of Michael J. Wilson, they have performed a wide variety of music including women’s music, traditional choral and pop favorites and original music celebrating the diversity of our community. In July, Aria’s performance at the GALA Small Ensemble Festival garnered rave reviews.
• WINDY CITY GAY CHORUS •
Windy City Gay Chorus, formed in 1979, is one of the oldest gay choruses in the United States and a founding member of the Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses. In 1982, they became the only openly gay chorus to ever win first place in the highly-regarded Johnny Mann Great American Choral Festival and in 1996 appeared in the Steppenwolf production of “Everyman.” The chorus has recorded three CDs; the most recent being “Legacy,” celebrating its 20th anniversary.
• WINDY CITY SLICKERS •
In September the Slickers performed a solo-concert celebrating the release of their new CD entitled “Sunday.” Under the direction of Eric Lane Barnes, they have become known throughout the country as one of the most entertaining and exceptional vocal groups around. The Slickers perform original material celebrating/spoofing the gay community, parodies of some of your favorite songs and heart-melting ballads.
Windy City Performing Arts 