by lisa lipsey –
In wrapping up their thirtieth anniversary season, the San Diego Women’s Chorus is delighting in the opportunity to celebrate and connect with Mother Nature, bringing sunny San Diego a sampling of all things elemental.
Kathleen Hansen, Artistic Director, notes, “Elements is an exploration of the interplay between nature and humanity. Earth, air, fire and water: We are bound to each of these in a multitude of ways as they influence us and we them, both literally and figuratively.”
Hansen holds a bachelor of music degree, specializing in music education and trumpet, a single subject teaching credential and a master of music degree, specializing in conducting. As a performer, Hansen has had the opportunity to play and sing on a diverse array of stages, from street courtyards and concert halls in Italy to San Diego’s Symphony Hall.
She has conducted both amateur and professional ensembles in venues throughout San Diego County, has taught a variety of music courses including band, choir, music technology and conducting at middle school, high school and university levels, as well as directing a variety of community groups.
The San Diego Women’s Chorus are both singers and social activists and their show about the interplay of the elements feels timely for a thousand reasons, including the need for the “winds of change.”
For Hansen, this show stirs the soul, “Elements make us who we are, from our fiery passions, to our grounded strength, the flow of life’s current, to the winds of change. From tranquil to turbulent, the eternal ebb and flow and power of the elements is embodied in each and every life.”
Audiences attending Elements: Songs of Earth, Air, Fire and Water will enjoy familiar pop songs, striking choral compositions, and new works exploring the Elements theme.
Song selections include: “Come Sail Away” by Styx, “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas, Adele’s “Skyfall,” a mash-up of “I Love You” and “What a Wonderful World,” and a Paul Cauldwell and Sean Ivory piece entitled “Lay Earth’s Burden Down.”
Says Hansen, “We are also thrilled to premiere two new commissioned arrangements, including “Down in the River to Pray,” made popular by the movie O Brother Where Art Thou? and “When Thunder Comes,” an intricate commentary on equity and justice.” Both concerts will be interpreted for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests.
Come out and support San Diego Women’s Chorus and their beautiful, diverse voices, who for nearly 30 years have provided a safe space that encourages women’s creativity, celebrates diversity and inspires social action.
Officially, they were founded in 1987 by community activist Cynthia Lawrence-Wallace, growing from 14 lesbians gathered around a piano in a private home to a thriving community with over 125 members who believe in the power of music and the power of women.
The chorus is a lesbian-identified, feminist sisterhood of musicians that welcomes members and volunteers from the vastly diverse LGBTQ and straight-ally communities. They work hard to support and affirm the music of women, as well as lesbian and gay composers and arrangers.
As a non-profit community chorus, they strive to not only entertain, but also inspire their audiences with music that speaks to social issues ranging from human rights, to love, world peace, religious freedom, environmental harmony, inclusion and cultural diversity.
Feel the need for a little more “Song in Your Heart?”
The San Diego Women’s Chorus is always looking to add talented voices to their chorus. As Hansen enthusiastically points out, “If you love to sing and are passionate about their mission to encourage women’s creativity, celebrate diversity and inspire social action, please join us! We welcome all women to sing with us following an informal audition to demonstrate the ability to match pitch with the piano and hold one’s part in a section. New members are accepted at the start of each season. We have three distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, and Pride.”
Elements: Songs of Earth, Air, Fire & Water takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and 12. For tickets and more information go to sdwc.org.
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