ONE VOICE MIXED CHORUS

“I am no longer uncomfortable being around people who are gay... at first I didn't want the men to mistake me to be gay. But I learned that they're just a bunch of normal, friendly adults!”

“I don’t have any GLBT friends but I felt a stronger connection with these singers than other adults I have known a long time. I really liked that I could spill my guts and I would already be accepted. It is like they have gone through so much they can really talk and be open to anyone. It makes me fell more confident and less like holding back my voice.”

"I learned so much from you guys."

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These quotes show the power of One Voice Mixed Chorus' work. For nearly two decades, One Voice has been following a simple path: we use music to break down stereotypes and create a truly welcoming community for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people and straight allies. Through our creative, dynamic performances, we have empowered GLBT people and their allies to speak out openly and participate fully in the community. One Voice is known for its musical excellence, diverse repertoire, humor, and strong commitment to community outreach. Our 90 singing members span ages 17 to 70, and our “Fifth-Section” boasts more than 40 non-singing volunteers. Together, we dedicate our time and energy to the One Voice mission: “Building community and creating social change by raising our voices in song.” One Voice is the largest GLBT mixed chorus in North America, and has performed for thousands of people in the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota and beyond.

Artistic Director Jane Ramseyer Miller and One Voice Mixed Chorus have unveiled plans for a new season of powerful music and community building.

Our fall concerts, Brave Souls and Dreamers, weave music and stories of people who transformed situations of violence into communities of harmony: Harvey Milk, Nelson Mandela, the Amish community and Nickel Mines tragedy, Bayard Rustin, Matthew Shepard. The concert features the SATB premier of a multi-movement piece called Brave Souls and Dreamers. The work is inspired by the words of Gandhi, Jesus, Mother Teresa, Isaiah, Jimmy Carter, Confucius, Buddha, and the Qur’an and was composed “in response to current raging wars.” The 43 minute multi-movement piece is scored for chorus, instrumental ensemble, and four soloists. Our fall programming includes an outreach tour to central Minnesota and a collaboration with St. Francis High School.

Come Fly With Me: A GLBT Romp Around the World is the title of our spring concert. The travel-themed concert will be a fun and delightful trip around the world with travel music and indigenous music from the various continents. Programming includes a GLBT travelogue that highlights remarkable (both positive, and not so positive) stories/news about the life of GLBT individuals in each country we visit.

Our 2011-2012 Season concludes with some exciting performances. We were selected from choirs across Minnesota to perform at the opening concert of the national Chorus America conference in Minneapolis in June! Then we head west for the Denver 2012 GALA Festival, July 7-11, 2012!

For a complete performance schedule, tickets, volunteer and audition information see www.ovmc.org or call 651-298-1954.