For the first time, we will be taking part in a community gathering to mark World AIDS Day commemoration service at St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh on Sunday 1 December at 2.30pm. All are welcome.
Equality Network
Following our own Stonewall 50 commemorative concert, we are delighted to be singing at this Equality Network event. Tuesday 25 June at the Scottish Parliament.
Pride 2019
We will be singing at Pride 2019 at the LGBT Health and Wellbeing Pride Breakfast which starts at 9am at the Augustine Church, 41-43 George IV Bridge on Saturday 22 June. Around 12 noon we will be singing outside the Parliament building as a support act to the opening speeches before the Pride March begins.
Concert at the National Portrait Gallery
We’re delighted to have been asked to sing at the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh as part of their series of concerts which are held in the gallery. This is the second time we’ve appeared at this venue and we attracted a very large and appreciative crowd. Pop by on your day out in the city. Saturday 11 May at 1pm. Entrance is free.
MD Kathleen and her thoughts on music and singing
Our new musical director, Kathleen Cronie has a CV which demonstrates her commitment to the world of music and singing. You can read her public version here. But what drives Kathleen’s enthusiasm and where does she get it from. We asked her to reveal all.
Can you say why working with an LGBT+ choir is so important to you?
I really couldn’t be happier to be working with an LGBT+ choir! I think that choral singing is about more than just arriving at a rehearsal, singing your notes and going home. I believe that singers come to choir for many different reasons – some singers enjoy learning new styles and pieces of music, some attend because it’s good for their physical/mental health, and some enjoy meeting new friends and colleagues who share an interest in music with them. I think it’s especially important that an LGBT+ choir allows singers to feel part of a choral community. My experience singing with LGBT+ choirs has had a huge effect on my approach to conducting. Whilst singing with these groups, the support of friends and team-mates helped me to find a place to feel amongst allies and have fun with like-minded people – I hope I can offer this experience to any chorister I work with as a conductor!
How do you believe music can change the world?
Music is so powerful and song even more so. Singing to an audience allows you to talk about difficult subjects in a non-threatening way and getting involved in singing bonds people more powerfully than anything else I’ve experienced – just think of picket lines and protest marches where people break into song, it’s amazing! I’m also totally convinced that singing comedians make more persuasive political arguments than most politicians. I’m not really sure what we’d do without music – we’d certainly have a lot less fun…!
Do you have a favourite LGBT+ anthem/song
Tricky – it’s so hard to pick just one! I did have Sissy That Walk by RuPaul played at my wedding dance… (All the guests lined up on one side of the floor and we sashayed our little hearts out during the chorus!)
I think my top 5* (in no particular order) would have to be:
- Rise Like a Phoenix (Conchita Wurst)
- I Am What I Am (La Cage aux Folles)
- I Want to Break Free (Queen)
- Champion (RuPaul)
- The entire soundtrack to the Rocky Horror Picture Show!
*It’s no coincidence that this list is also a list of my top 5 karaoke requests!