SAN DIEGO–The San Diego Women’s Chorus will present a monumental 2019 spring concert performance titled “Quiet No More: A Choral Celebration of Stonewall.”
The event will feature a brand new commissioned work of the same name that honors the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City by relaying the events that kickstarted the modern international LGBTQ movement.
In addition to the “Quiet No More” commission, the chorus will be performing a selection of electrifying and empowering pieces, including songs like “You Will Be Found” from the hit Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen, and the Isley Brothers’ throwback, “Fight the Power.”
The inspiring event will take place at 7 p.m. on May 18 and at 4 p.m. on May 19 at the Lincoln High School Center for Performing Arts, 4777 Imperial Avenue in San Diego.
“Quiet No More” has been co-commissioned by New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, and will feature performances by choruses throughout the U.S., making it the largest collaboration in the history of LGBTQ choruses. The Women’s Chorus is the only women’s chorus performing the new commission as a stand-alone ensemble. In addition to their San Diego performance of “Quiet No More” in May, the chorus will travel to Los Angeles in July to perform alongside other co-commissioning choruses at Disney Concert Hall.
With a blend of classical, musical theater, and pop styles, the music will incorporate the perspectives of women and underrepresented groups who participated in the uprising. The protests at Stonewall lit the fire for the modern Pride movement, the effects of which are as vital today as they were fifty years ago, organizers said.
“I am thrilled that SDWC is participating in this landmark commissioning event to honor and celebrate the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Quiet No More tells the story in a compelling way,” Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen said. “The music and spoken word are woven together seamlessly, and will bring audiences through laughter, tears, and affirmation. Those who know about this important time in LGBTQ history will be feel the kinship of community. Others will develop a compassionate understanding of that time, and learn more about where we’ve been. The work ends with a rousing call to action. The fight for full equality in every way – legally AND socially – is not over.”
The new “Quiet No More” commission features the voices of diverse LGBTQ composers, including Julian Hornik (Music Assistant Dear Evan Hansen), Our Lady J (Pose, Transparent), Mike Shaieb (Through A Glass Darkly), Ann Hampton Callaway (singer/songwriter), Michael McElroy (Broadway Inspirational Voices, Rent), and Jane Ramseyer Miller (One Voice Chorus).
The program will also include other works that celebrate the spirit of the LGBTQ movement and community.
In addition to the concert, the women’s chorus is working with the San Diego Unified School District to reach out to middle and high schools to share the important history of Stonewall and the LGBTQ community, and to increase awareness and advocacy, as well as perform excerpts of the concert.
Additional information and tickets for the May 18 and 19 performances are available at www.sdwc.org.
Tickets are $30 for VIP seats that include reserved seating/best views and priority access. Only sold in advance. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at door. Discounted tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. For youth (3-17) , students (college students etc.), military, seniors, disabled. Children 3 and under are free. Group discounts contact Carins@sdwc.org or call (619) 291-FEMM. The concert will be ASL interpreted and is ADA accessible.
