As the holiday season begins, many of us reflect on what matters most—community, connection, and giving back. Giving Tuesday, celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, offers an opportunity to contribute to causes that align with our values. This global movement inspires generosity and reminds us of the power we hold to make a difference.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in supporting the San Diego Women’s Chorus. By donating to SDWC, you empower our mission to create a world where every voice is valued and every story is sung.

Who We Are

San Diego Women’s Chorus has been singing together for over three decades. As a nonprofit, non-audition community chorus, SDWC welcomes singers of all backgrounds, offering a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to express themselves through music.

Our mission extends beyond harmony and melody. SDWC is a force for social change, using music as a tool to amplify marginalized voices, promote equity, and foster understanding. Through our performances and outreach programs, we strive to build a more compassionate, connected community.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters

Giving Tuesday is more than just a day to donate. Giving Tuesday is a movement that celebrates the power of collective action. Across the globe, millions of people unite to support causes that are close to their hearts. For organizations like SDWC, this day of generosity provides vital support to sustain programs, enhance outreach, and expand our impact.

When you contribute to SDWC, you’re not just giving to a chorus; you’re investing in a community. Your support helps us:

• Expand Outreach Initiatives: We bring music to underserved communities, partnering with local organizations to inspire hope and healing.
• Empower Marginalized Voices: SDWC is a safe haven for individuals who often feel unheard, offering a platform to share their stories.
• Produce Inclusive Performances: From seasonal concerts to Pride events, your donations ensure our shows remain accessible to everyone.

We are particularly looking to grow the Dr. Cynthia Lawrence Founders Fund. The San Diego Women’s Chorus would not be the organization that we are today without the vision and leadership of our beloved founder, Dr. Cynthia Lawrence. A long-time community activist, Cynthia established the chorus in 1987 with 14 members who sang around a piano in her living room.

The Dr. Cynthia Lawrence Founder’s Fund is devoted to expanding the reach and impact of the chorus by funding high-impact activities that raise our visibility and allow us to reach new audiences; and engaging in additional outreach and efforts to ensure that diverse voices are present and active within our chorus.

The Power of Your Contribution

Every dollar donated to SDWC goes directly into programs and initiatives that align with our mission. Here’s how your contribution makes an impact:

• $25 funds sheet music for one member.
• $100 helps cover rehearsal space for a month.
• $250 supports outreach performances in the community.

No matter the size of your gift, your generosity helps us sustain our work and spread our message of inclusion, empowerment, and hope.

Stories of Impact

At SDWC, we’ve witnessed firsthand how music changes lives. One member shared:

“When I joined the chorus, being someone with no music background of not knowing how to read the notes or comprehend the Italian words on a score, it was pretty nerve-wracking for me. It’s like being the new kid in a new school or like learning a new language for the very first time. Throughout the years, it’s been an amazing experience to be a part of this group. I honestly didn’t think I’d be in it for so long. Quoting one of our songs, ‘..we don’t need to be related to relate.. we don’t need to share genes or a surname..so what if we don’t look the same.. we been going through the same thing.. you are my chosen family.‘”

Another member said:

“I love the singing, but it’s the activism of our music that really feeds my soul.”

A new member this season shared this:

“Thank you SDWC for being there for me during this wild life transition. I’m grateful to have joined this season and to have met so many amazing people who support me and inspire me everyday. Come for the Music, STAY FOR THE HEART! “

This story reflects the experience an audience member shared:

“After attending their first SDWC concert, my friends were so touched, they shared how they’d never heard anything like it. They were moved to tears basically the entire concert, and it felt like finally coming home. One of them said ‘I can’t explain it, but I came away with a whole lot of healing at a level I didn’t know existed’.”

These stories are just a few testaments to the transformative power of music and the importance of our mission.

How to Participate

Getting involved this Giving Tuesday is easy, and your support can take many forms:

1. Donate: Visit SDWC’s donation page to contribute. Your gift, no matter the amount, helps amplify our work.
2. Spread the Word: Share our mission on social media, encouraging friends and family to join the movement. Use the hashtag #SupportSDWC and tag us to show your support.
3. Attend a Performance: Check out our upcoming events and experience the magic of SDWC firsthand.
4. Volunteer: From event planning to community outreach, we welcome volunteers who share our passion for music and social change.

Why Your Support Matters

Nonprofits like SDWC rely on the generosity of individuals to sustain our programs and reach new heights. With your support this Giving Tuesday, we can:

• Expand our membership, ensuring that finances are never a barrier to participation.
• Enhance the quality and reach of our performances, bringing our message to broader audiences.
• Continue creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is the norm.

Be a Part of the Movement

This Giving Tuesday, let’s come together to amplify voices, create change, and inspire harmony. Your support of San Diego Women’s Chorus ensures that music will continue to be a powerful tool for connection and transformation.

Join us in making a difference. Donate today, and let’s build a world where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can make this Giving Tuesday unforgettable.

Click here to donate and support SDWC’s mission.

On November 16th, members of San Diego Women’s Chorus delivered a cozy evening of music, talent, and community spirit with our sold-out cabaret, Thank You, Next. The cabaret was held at a new location for us, Vision: A Center for Spiritual Living, which was lovely and intimate venue. The event not only showcased incredible performances but also served as a successful fundraiser for SDWC’s travel fund, ensuring our continued ability to share our voices on broader stages.

The cabaret, themed around gratitude for the past and looking forward to a new future, featured an eclectic mix of music and performances. The evening’s repertoire spanned a range of styles and eras, offering something for everyone, from heartfelt ballads to toe-tapping anthems. Our performers brought passion and talent to the stage, creating an atmosphere that one attendee described as “professional and polished,” while emphasizing the immense talent within SDWC.

The sold-out status of the event was a testament to the community’s support and enthusiasm for SDWC. The evening felt like a warm embrace from like-minded folks, especially after a week of national news that many in our community found emotionally challenging.

The ambiance of the evening was further elevated by the intimate setting, which allowed audience members to feel closely connected to the performers. Each song was met with enthusiastic applause, and the energy in the room was palpable. Performers not only displayed vocal prowess but also engaged the audience with moments of humor and storytelling, anger and sadness, recovery and redemption, deepening the emotional resonance of the evening.

This special cabaret reminded everyone in the room of the transformative power of music. By blending exceptional artistry with a heartfelt mission, SDWC created a night that will be remembered for years to come. The event left our attendees inspired, entertained, and ready to support the group’s future endeavors. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and donated.

As SDWC looks ahead, the success of our Thank You, Next cabaret sets the stage for more vibrant performances and community engagement. Our members will be planning the next cabaret very soon.

For those who couldn’t attend, we hope to see you at our future events. SDWC continues to inspire and uplift through our performances, and with the continued backing of our community, our voices will only grow stronger. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to our work, keep an eye out for upcoming events and opportunities to experience the magic of SDWC firsthand.

In a world that often feels divided, our Thank You, Next cabaret served as a beautiful reminder of the unifying power of music and the importance of coming together to celebrate art and connection. Bravo to our SDWC members and fundraising team for an unforgettable evening. And thank you to all of our donors. Here’s to many more performances that inspire and delight!

On October 5th, San Diego Women’s Chorus hosted its annual Donor Soirée, an evening dedicated to celebrating and thanking the generous individuals who make our work possible. Held in a gathering space full of fall festivity at the Friars Village Clubhouse, the event provided an opportunity for SDWC to express our deep gratitude to the donors who continuously support our mission of creating a space for minority and marginalized voices to be heard through music. The evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and, of course, the powerful music that defines SDWC.

An Intimate Evening

At the 2024 Donor Soirée, guests were treated to an evening of music, delicious appetizers, and meaningful connections. As they arrived, our donors were greeted with a welcoming atmosphere where they could mingle with SDWC members and fellow supporters. This cozy event was designed to foster conversation and connection, allowing SDWC members and leaders to personally thank the individuals who contribute to the organization’s success.

Once most of our guests had arrived, SDWC Development Chair Christine Lindgren warmly welcomed our guests, expressing heartfelt thanks for their ongoing support. Her gratitude set the tone for the night, as she emphasized the vital role our donors play in sustaining SDWC’s mission and impact.

One of the highlights of the evening was a beautiful solo performance by long-time SDWC member Melissa Becker. Her gorgeous soprano voice captivated the audience, carrying on the theme of a heartfelt and inspiring evening. Following her performance, an ensemble of SDWC members took the floor, showcasing the talent and harmony that the chorus is known for. Their performance was a reminder of the power of collective voices coming together, a fitting metaphor for the role that our donors play in supporting the group.

Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen then led the audience in a participatory song in the round, a fun and interactive element that brought everyone together through music. It was a chance for donors to not only listen to SDWC’s music but also to be part of it—a fitting way to symbolize the collaborative spirit that sustains SDWC. Hansen’s leadership and positive energy inspired the audience, creating a sense of unity and connection through song.

The Positive Impact of Arts Supporters

Throughout the evening, donors had the chance to engage in personal conversations with SDWC members, sharing stories, discussing the impact of the chorus, and reflecting on the importance of music in creating community. These one-on-one interactions are a special part of the Donor Soirée, allowing SDWC to express sincere appreciation in a more intimate and personal way.

The Donor Soirée is one of SDWC’s most important annual events, as it allows us to show gratitude to those whose financial support ensures we can continue our work. SDWC’s mission to create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for women and the LGBTQ+ community through music would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Their contributions help fund everything from rehearsal spaces to concert productions, outreach programs, and scholarships for members.

As the evening drew to a close, the message was clear: SDWC’s success is a shared accomplishment. Our donors are an essential part of our chorus family, and we would not be able to thrive without their unwavering support. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the Donor Soirée, as well as to all our supporters who contribute to our mission year-round.

Would You Like to Join Us Next Year?

If you were unable to attend but would like to support the San Diego Women’s Chorus, please consider making a donation at www.sdwc.org/donate. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that we can continue to lift our voices in song and create lasting change through music. Thank you for standing with us and helping us make a difference in our community.

Read more SDWC News…

Thank You, Next!

This exciting event will be an evening of music, emotion, and community connection as SDWC raises funds to support the chorus’s travel opportunities. These funds will provide singers with the ability to attend conferences and performances outside of San Diego, helping the chorus continue to grow and represent our community far and wide.

The theme of Thank You, Next is all about the different ways we say goodbye to the past. Whether it’s with heartfelt gratitude or a fierce “good riddance,” the cabaret will explore the emotions that come with closing one chapter and starting a new one. This theme will come to life in a series of performances that promise to be both entertaining and deeply relatable. Audiences can expect a night of moving solos, captivating group numbers, and a wide range of songs—from ballads to upbeat tunes—that reflect the various ways we experience transitions in life.

Singing For a Good Cause

For SDWC, Thank You, Next isn’t just about saying goodbye to the past; it’s also about moving forward to exciting new opportunities. The funds raised from this cabaret will support SDWC’s travel fund, which helps members attend national and international conferences, as well as participate in performances outside of San Diego. These opportunities not only provide our singers with invaluable experiences, but also allow SDWC to share our mission of inclusivity, community, and social justice with broader audiences.

Recent travel opportunities have included performances at regional events like GALA Choruses Festival 2024, a national gathering of LGBTQ+ and allied choruses, and Sister Singers Network Choral Festival 2023. These events offer invaluable chances for networking, learning, and celebrating the diversity of the choral community. With your support, SDWC can continue to build connections with other musical organizations and share our voices on even bigger stages.

But Thank You, Next is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a chance to gather with friends, family, and community members for a fun and uplifting evening. You’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even sing along as our talented performers take you on a musical journey that explores the highs and lows of moving forward. Whether you’ve experienced a bittersweet farewell, a joyful goodbye, or a tough but necessary parting, you’ll find something in this show that resonates with you.

Make Plans to Join Us!

We hope you will join us for this night of powerful performances and community spirit. Tickets for Thank You, Next are available now, and we encourage you to grab yours soon before they sell out! Whether you’re a longtime fan of SDWC or new to our community, we invite you to be a part of this meaningful event. And if you’re unable to attend, we welcome your donations to our travel fund, which can be made via our website.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 16th, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Vision: A Center for Spiritual Learning, 4780 Mission Gorge Place Suite H, San Diego
Tickets: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/sdwc-6/thank-you-next-sdwc-s-fall-2024-cabaret

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San Diego Women’s Chorus Presents “Hope for the Holidays”: An Uplifting Winter Concert to Bring Unity and Light

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year. San Diego Women’s Chorus is offering an opportunity to pause and embrace the true spirit of the season.

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM, SDWC will present Hope for the Holidays, a powerful winter concert designed to bring hope, love, and light to the community. The concert will take place at Lincoln High School in San Diego, CA, and promises to be a meaningful event that unites the community through the magic of music.

This year’s concert comes at a particularly poignant time. Our country is facing social, political, and emotional divisions, making it difficult for many to find peace and joy during the holidays. SDWC’s Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen has carefully selected a repertoire of songs that express a message of hope and resilience. From winter-themed melodies to songs from different holiday and religious traditions, the concert aims to bring people together, transcending our differences, to celebrate the season’s shared values of love, peace, and togetherness.

A Musical Journey of Hope, Love, and Light

Hope for the Holidays will feature an array of songs that capture the spirit of winter and the holidays. The concert’s setlist is a blend of classical winter carols, holiday favorites, and contemporary songs with themes of resilience and unity. Audience members can expect to hear beloved tunes such as “Candlelight Carol (SSAA)” and “Auld Lang Syne (SSAA),” alongside more modern songs like “What Happens When A Woman” and “We Shall Be Known.”

This variety of music reflects the diversity of traditions celebrated during this time of year. From Christmas to Chanukah to secular songs that speak to the human experience, the concert offers something for everyone.

While the Hope for the Holidays winter concert is filled with joyous and uplifting tunes, it also acknowledges the challenges that many people face during the winter season. For some, the holidays can be a time of loneliness or stress. Kathleen Hansen and SDWC have taken this into consideration, curating a program that not only celebrates the festive side of the holidays but also offers solace and encouragement for those who may be struggling.

A Chorus for the Community

SDWC, founded in 1987, has long been a staple of San Diego’s music scene. What started as a small group of 14 lesbian activists has grown into a vibrant, inclusive community of over 150 members who perform music that speaks to issues of human rights, equality, and love. SDWC is a lesbian-identified, feminist chorus, but it welcomes singers and volunteers from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ individuals and straight allies. The chorus is dedicated to elevating the voices of marginalized communities, and their performances frequently feature music by women, LGBTQ+, feminist, and BIPOC composers.

Through the power of song, SDWC seeks to unite people of all backgrounds. This mission is especially vital during the holiday season, when the world can feel divided. Hope for the Holidays is not just a concert; it’s an invitation to the San Diego community to come together and find common ground in the joy of music.

Join Us for Peace, Joy, and Hope for the Holidays

SDWC’s Hope for the Holidays winter concert is more than a typical winter concert—it’s a beacon of hope, offering light in the darkness of the season. Whether you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit or simply want to take a break from the chaos of everyday life, this concert is for you.

We invite you to join us on December 8 at 4:00 PM at Lincoln High School for an afternoon of beautiful harmonies and inspiring messages. Let’s come together to celebrate what unites us and spread hope for the holidays.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below. We look forward to sharing this special day with you!

Read more SDWC news…

A Heartfelt Performance

For Poway’s Pride Resource Fair in 2024, SDWC staffed an information table and performed for the community. The response from the audience was so supportive, with many joining in to sing along, wave their Pride flags, and celebrate the spirit of the event. The sense of connection between SDWC’s performers and the crowd is always a highlight of our community singing opportunities, creating a moment of unity that underscores the significance of the event.

Aligning with Our Mission

SDWC’s participation in Poway Pride is about more than just a performance. It’s an opportunity to live out the group’s mission of using music as a tool for social change. As a chorus made up of diverse singers, many of whom identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, SDWC is deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Events like Poway’s Pride Resource Fair provide a platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

By participating in community events like Poway’s Pride Resource Fair, SDWC is able to reach new audiences and bring its message of empowerment and equality to people across San Diego County. For the chorus, being invited to perform at such events is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s a chance to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, not just through song, but through shared values and a commitment to advocating for justice.

A Strong Partnership with Poway

Poway’s Pride Resource Fair is a smaller, community-focused event compared to San Diego’s larger Pride celebrations, but its impact is no less significant. It offers a space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies in the Poway area to come together and celebrate their identities in a safe and welcoming environment. SDWC’s involvement in Poway’s Pride Resource Fair over the years has helped build a strong relationship between the chorus and the Poway community.

For SDWC, it’s important to extend our reach beyond the urban center of San Diego and bring the message of pride and inclusion to communities throughout the region. Our Poway Pride Resource Fair 2024 performance was another step in strengthening these connections.

Looking Forward

SDWC is proud to have been part of Poway’s Pride Resource Fair in 2024 and looks forward to continuing our participation in this and similar events in the future. It’s through these opportunities that we can bring our message of unity, love, and justice to life. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our audience, members, and allies, and we will continue to use our voices to uplift and inspire for years to come.

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SDWC is thrilled to be taking the stage in August with San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus at their concert, Let’s Get Loud. This fun-filled, Pride-infused show will be full of pop anthems, sure to get your hips moving and your arms pumping! The concert will take place August 3rd and 4th at Balboa Theatre.

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus has been part of San Diego’s choral music community for over 39 years, changing lives one voice at a time. With more than 100 active members and 300 alumni on its roster, it is one of the largest gay choruses in the world. SDGMC has sung at locations including the White House, the Super Bowl, and Lincoln Center. Their mission is to create a positive musical experience through exciting performances which engage their audiences, build community support, and provide a dynamic force for social change. 

Coro Diversidad Tijuana will also be featured in the concert. Coro Diversidad Tijuana is a choral group based just across the border from us in Tijuana, Mexico. Known for being inclusive and representative of the LGBTQ+ community, Coro Diversidad Tijuana promotes diversity and acceptance through music. Their performances often focus on themes of love, equality, and human rights, aiming to foster a sense of community and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. This vibrant choir not only provides a platform for artistic expression, but also serves as a voice for social change and advocacy within the region.

Altogether, over 200 queer and ally singers will unite in song in this spectacular all-gender choral community. SDWC is excited to join SDGMC and CDT onstage for “Let’s Get Loud!” We’ll “get loud” together in joy and celebration! Join us August 3rd & 4th for this incandescent event.

Tickets are on sale now: https://sdgmc.networkforgood.com/events/71342-let-s-get-loud

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It’s the busiest time of year for San Diego Women’s Chorus, and SDWC’s Pride Concert 2024 is next!

SDWC is proud to present our Pride Concert for the 2024 San Diego Pride season!

On July 18th, San Diego Women’s Chorus will bring an evening of music to the San Diego community in celebration of Pride. The concert will take place at Encore Event Center in the Kearny Mesa area. Tickets are available for $25 for General Admission. Discount tickets are available for youth, seniors, disabled, and military guests.

Welcome, Kärntner Landesjugendchor!

We are thrilled to announce that for SDWC’s Pride Concert 2024, we will be joined onstage by very special guests all the way from Austria, Kärntner Landesjugendchor. Kärntner Landesjugenchor, or the Carinthian State Youth Choir, was founded in 2005 by the Carinthian Singers’ Association with the support of the State of Carinthia (Folk Culture). As a selection choir, Kärntner Landesjugendchor offers young, talented singers from all over Carinthia the special opportunity to get to know the many facets of vocal music-making and to implement them artistically. The ensemble is made up of around 55 members between the ages of 16 and 26. You can read more about their trip to the USA in their news post here.

About SDWC’s Pride Concert 2024

SDWC’s Pride Concert 2024 will be an exciting, uplifting, and insightful journey through song. Pride is a cause that is not only near and dear to our hearts, but is deeply connected to our founding. San Diego Women’s Chorus is a lesbian-identified, feminist family of musicians. We welcome members and volunteers from the vastly diverse LGBTQ+ and straight ally communities. SDWC was founded in 1987 by community activist Cynthia Lawrence-Wallace. What started as a group of 14 lesbians gathered around a piano has grown to a thriving choral and volunteer community, with over 150 diverse members who believe in the power of music, the power of women, and the power of marginalized voices.

As our mission states, through musical expression, the San Diego Women’s Chorus encourages creativity, celebrates diversity, and inspires social action. We hope you’ll join us as we continue to fulfill that mission with SDWC’s Pride Concert 2024.

Read more SDWC news…

On May 2nd, singers from SDWC performed at the opening ceremony for a new Community Housing Works community, the Puesta del Sol Apartments, in San Diego’s Linda Vista neighborhood. This community provides 59 apartments for adults 55 years and older, including six apartments designated specifically for formerly homeless residents. Read more about the opening of the Puesta del Sol Apartments here.

This celebration marked the completion CHW’s plan to create a new intergenerational and inclusive community in Linda Vista. With CHW’s family-centered community Amanecer Apartments next door, Puesta del Sol Apartments completes CHW’s plan to create a new intergenerational and inclusive community in Linda Vista. CHW President & CEO Sean Spear explained that when CHW started work on these communities “our intent was to provide housing for vulnerable community members who had a critical need for affordable housing.” Providing quality affordable housing for older adults is just another way CHW Builds Futures.

We’re honored to have been able to participate in this event celebrating Community Housing Works. We are also proud to represent SDWC with second alto Sue Reynolds, pictured in the center in purple, who led this amazing nonprofit as CEO for many years before her retirement.

Congratulations to Community Housing Works, and all of the residents of this wonderful community!

Read more SDWC news…

Pet Painting Fundraiser… Success!

We’re happy to report that our Paint Your Pet fundraiser was a success in more than one way. We painted our pets! (And “dream” pets…we see you and we love you, orca!) Look how cute they all are. We have some talented painters here! We also raised money to help SDWC fulfill our mission.

We’d like to extend a big thanks to everyone who came out to our Painting & Vino FUNdraiser at Dave & Buster’s in Mission Valley. And we’d really like to pet all those cute dogs and cats! Maybe we should do an SDWC pet outing in the future. Would you join and bring your family critters?

The numbers are still out for how much we raised, but we’ll update this article when we have that info. Regardless of the final dollar amount, we had a blast! It was a great way to get to know one another, blow off some steam, and flex our creative muscles in a non-musical way.

What’s the benefit of singers (and friends) painting? Much like the positive affects singing has on our brains, creating art can improve brain function by affecting our emotions, our nervous system, and our brain wave patterns. Neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine experts agree on this positive reaction. Creating art can also raise our serotonin levels. (Bonus! Experiencing art can have these benefits, too.)

Funds from events like our Paint Your Pet fundraiser help SDWC achieve our mission of encouraging creativity and celebrate diversity, both intangibly and financially. This summer we’ll be attending the GALA Choruses Festival 2024 in Minneapolis, and many of our members are able to join us through the generosity of our friends and fans who participate in our fundraisers and donate to our organization. To learn more about donation opportunities and how you can help send our singers to Festival 2024, visit our donations page.

Our Pet Painting Fundraiser success is thanks to those who follow us and took advantage of this opportunity. If you missed joining us for this fun event and you want to be notified of future events, be sure to subscribe to our email list here.

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