The local LGBTQ+ choir One Voice Chorus of Charlotte is scheduled to perform at the 2024 GALA Choruses Festival this July.
“This is like the Olympics but for queer choirs,” stated OVC Executive Director, Micah Deer. “It’s going to be epic.”
The GALA Choruses Festival is the largest queer choral event in the world, featuring five days of performances and workshop events that showcase LGBTQ+ choral groups from every part of the globe. This year’s Festival will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“It really is an honor to perform at GALA,” said Cory Davis, OVC Charlotte Artistic Director.
Davis has been the Artistic Director of OVC Charlotte since 2019. “Our performance last October at the North Carolina State Conference of the American Choral Directors Association was spectacular, and marked the first time a GALA choir was asked to perform. The opportunity to showcase just how far OVC Charlotte has come is one that we’re incredibly excited about,” Davis said.
The last time OVC Charlotte performed at GALA was in 2016. “Back then we had around 25 singers attend GALA,” said Davis. “This year we’ll be bringing almost 50. We are thrilled to be able to share this life-changing experience with even more of our members, and especially glad to be experiencing such exciting growth after the many challenges of the pandemic.”
The 2024 GALA Festival this July will mark the culmination of a busy spring and summer season for OVC Charlotte that includes their annual spring performance.
“The second show of the 2024 season is our spring show. This year’s performance, Mindful Music, is designed as an exploration of how our energies as activists ebb and flow through advocating for justice, to caring for our communities and ourselves,” said Deer.
Mindful Music performances are Friday, March 22nd and Saturday March 23rd at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte. Both shows include a post-show reception with local partners and refreshments. Tickets went on sale February 1st.
“As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, our mission is education and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community,” continued Deer. “Performances like this year’s spring show Mindful Music and the GALA Festival are instrumental in spreading our message: Our community is strong, our community is diverse, and most importantly, our community is filled with caring individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the world.”
To donate to OVC Charlotte’s GALA Festival Fund which will provide opportunity for singers with financial need, click here.
To learn more about OVC Charlotte or view their 2024 schedule, click here.