Renaissance City Choirs Come of Age in a Performance-packed 21st Season

The Renaissance City Choirs (RCC), Pittsburgh’s only choirs comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and supportive individuals have announced plans for their 21st season. Comprised of the Renaissance City Men’s Choir and the Renaissance City Women’s Choir, the RCC will present four major performances and several special events.

The 2005-2006 season begins on October 7 and 8, with the RCC’s Cabaret performance of “Keep it Gay.” A two-evening run of favorite and familiar tunes, cool cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres, the Cabaret is returning to the RCC lineup as part of our fall season. This year, it will be presented at a new location, the Union Project, a recently rehabilitated landmark building located at the corner of Negley and Stanton Avenues in Highland Park. Dr. Bill Adams, Artistic Director of the Renaissance City Men’s Chorus, will direct an all-star cast of soloists and small groups in performances.

Adams and Susan Haugh, Artistic Director of the Renaissance City Women’s Choir, will combine their talents on December 10 to present, Holiday Lights, the RCC’s 2005 Holiday Concert. The performance will again be held in the magnificent sanctuary of East Liberty Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue in East Liberty. The Holiday Concert will feature guest artist and solo performances by members of the Renaissance City Men’s and Women’s Choirs – as well as a new composition by Haugh. A must-see event on the Pittsburgh holiday scene, last year’s Holiday Concert attracted more than 1,000 attendees and was simulcast live on WQED-FM.

This year, the choirs will also present holiday performances at the Frick Museum on December 14 and at Shepherd Wellness Center on a date to be announced. The Renaissance City Women’s Choir will round out the holiday season with their annual Solstice Concert at East Liberty Presbyterian Church on December 20.

On February 11, the RCC will host its annual Valentine's Dance at the Grand Hall at the Priory on the North Side. Open to both couples and singles, the dance will feature a full-course supper in the Priory's elegant space, a live auction, as well as desserts and dancing to a live DJ. Ticket proceeds generated by the event benefit the Renaissance City Choirs. Last year, more than $10,000 was raised by the event that was attended by approximately 200 people.

On April 15, the Renaissance City Men’s Choir will perform Lush Life, a tribute to Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater on Penn Avenue in East Liberty. A showcase of talents, the concert will celebrate the wonderful sounds of the Jazz Age, while recognizing the great accomplishments of two superstars who called our region home. On May 6, the Renaissance City Women’s Choir will take their audience on a tour of sea and surf at their spring performance, At the Beach to be held in the newly remodeled Hazlett Theater on the North Side. The concert will be comprised of solo and group performances that are certain to evoke the feelings of warm and relaxing locations.

The RCC women will round out their 2005-2006 season with a Golf Outing on a spring date to be determined, and the entire group will participate in the Pittsburgh Pride Festival on June 17.

Through its performance and special events schedule, the RCC continues to grow and contribute to the cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania. In the 2004-2005 season, more than 1,700 individuals attended RCC performances throughout the region. Over the past 12 months, the RCC increased Annual Campaign contributions by 52%. The organization’s board pledged resources for a $10,000 matching campaign contribution pool that will leverage the impact of donations made in the 2005-2006 season.

Comprised of approximately 70 individuals, the Renaissance City Choirs are committed to making change through the power of music. The group is an active member of GALA, one of the nation’s leading choral music advocacy organizations. For more information about the Renaissance City Choirs, visit www.rccpittsburgh.org

---