Seattle Women's Chorus
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Seattle Women's Chorus (SWC) is a community chorus based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2002, the group is the largest LGBTQ-identified women's chorus in the world.[1] SWC is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses) and Chorus America. Both Seattle Women's Chorus and Seattle Men's Chorus are governed by the same non-profit organization, Flying House Productions.[2] Combined, they are the largest community chorus in North America.[1]
| Seattle Women's Chorus | |
|---|---|
| Choir | |
| Origin | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Music director | Paul Caldwell |
| Affiliation | Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses |
| Website | Official website |
SWC has been led by conductor and artistic director, Paul Caldwell, since 2016.[3][4] In 2019, Nikki Blackmer was named Assistant Conductor.
Performances
SWC regularly performs for audiences in Seattle at venues including Benaroya Hall, Cornish Playhouse, Saint Mark's Cathedral, and McCaw Hall.[5][6][7] They have been joined by guest artists including country singer, Chely Wright,[8][9] Lesley Gore,[10] VEEP's Kathy Najimy,[11][12] The Voice's Vicci Martinez[13] and Sarah Rudinoff.[14]
In addition to concerts for adult audiences, SWC has performed free children's concert for Seattle-area families.[15] This event has featured youth performance groups including Village Theatre KIDSTAGE[16] and Diverse Harmony, the nation's first gay-straight alliance youth chorus.[17]
Marriage equality
In 2012, SWC, along with Seattle Men's Chorus, traveled to five cities in western Washington, performing a free concert, "Voices United for Marriage," that encouraged residents to approve state referendum 74 which would legalize marriage for same-sex couples.[18][19][20] In November 2012, Washington became one of three states, along with Maine and Maryland, to approve same-sex marriage through a popular vote.[21][22] Pete-e Petersen and Jane Abbott Lighty, both founding members of Seattle Women's Chorus, were the first couple to receive a marriage license in Seattle's King County.[23][24] They were married on-stage during a holiday concert at Seattle's Benaroya Hall.[25][24]
In 2015, Seattle Women's Chorus performed at Seattle Mayor Ed Murray's rally to celebrate the Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage across the country.[26][27]