March 10, 2012
Program Notes
Curtain up…Light the lights! Windy City Performing Arts presents Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria in “Broadway And Beyond: An Evening of Broadway Benefit & Concert” — a dazzling night of music, fun, and entertainment to benefit Windy City Performing Arts!
Under the direction of Stephen C. Edwards, Artistic Director, join Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria for an exciting evening featuring a concert performance of memorable hits from Broadway’s past and present, a sensational silent auction, a spectacular appetizer and dessert reception with cash bar, fabulous prize drawings, surprises — and more! Concert performances take place at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
You’ll be serenaded to music from award-winning Broadway shows like “Chicago”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “South Pacific”, “Kiss Me Kate”, “Spamalot”, “Hair” …and many more!
Windy City Performing Arts is the independent not-for-profit umbrella organization for Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria. The choruses perform a variety of musical styles from classical to pop, with a history of performing major choral works and commissions. Windy City Performing Arts celebrates diversity, honors creativity, and cultivates pride through the transformative power of music and the arts.
• 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 •
Aria was formed in 1996 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. Aria performs 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 