March 3, 2007
• WINDY CITY GAY CHORUS •
Founded in October, 1979, Windy City Gay Chorus is the oldest Gay chorus in Illinois and the Midwest, and one of the first gay choruses organized in the country. WCGC is a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA). WCGC’s first performance was in December of 1979, at the “Don We Now” holiday concert at Stages Music Hall. Windy City Gay Chorus has performed in cities throughout the country, and has been lauded by the Illinois House of Representatives, the mayors of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Denver, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago mayors Richard M. Daley and the late Harold Washington. The chorus believes in reaching out to support Chicago’s GLBT community and the community at-large by participating in events that bring enjoyment and pride to audiences and members alike.
• ARIA •
Tonight’s concert marks the return of Aria: Windy City Women’s Ensemble after a six-year absence. Aria was formed in 1995 as a small ensemble of Unison: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers. Aria quickly became an audience favorite at concerts and special appearances, and performed at GALA in San Jose to rave reviews. The women of Aria perform a wide variety of music including traditional choral and pop favorites, women’s and feminist music, as well as original music celebrating the diversity of our community. Windy City Performing Arts is thrilled to welcome back this important ensemble to our family.
• UNISON •
The seed for Unison: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers was planted in 1992 when the women’s ensemble MUSE, from Cincinnati, came to Chicago for a joint concert with Windy City Gay Chorus. The groups developed a strong affection for each other, which led to the idea of creating a mixed chorus of men and women. Unison made its concert debut at “Don We Now XIV” later that year, and sang its inaugural concert in April 1993 with recording artists Chris Williamson and Tret Fure as guests. Since that beginning, Unison has established itself as a musically adept addition to the Windy City Performing Arts family. Unison has become known throughout the Chicago area as a premier women’s and men’s performing arts ensemble that represents and values diversity in the communities they serve.
Windy City Performing Arts 