Singing Out, billed as Toronto’s largest 2SLGBTQQIA+ choir, presents a concert titled Iconique: A Pride Celebration. The concert is an official part of Toronto’s Pride Month, and takes over the stage at Koerner Hall on June 7.
The program features arrangements of pop songs by a range of artists, including k.d. lang, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Madonna, Dalida, Mika, and many more.
The music is designed to have a broad appeal, both to the queer community and beyond, including the anthemic hits by queer artists who’ve influenced the music industry. The emphasis is on polished performance.
“We are thrilled to be performing at the renowned Koerner Hall, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Royal Conservatory of Music and The Daniels Corporation for their generous support,” said Singing Out’s Artistic Director, Jody Malone, in a statement.
“Iconique is not only a celebration of the queer artists who have shaped our culture, but also a celebration of the community we’ve been a part of since 1992.”
Singing Out
Singing Out was formed back in 1992, when Canadian society was a very different place for the queer community. Toronto’s first 2SLGBTQQIA+ chorus debuted on stage on Valentine’s Day in 1993 under Artistic Director John Schrag.
More than three decades ago, singing on stage in public as a 2SLGBTQQIA+ chorus was risky to careers and much more, despite the fact that provincial human rights legislation had been passed relatively recently in 1986.
Using music, the non-auditioned, mixed-voice choir looked to put a different public face on the community, as well as reach out, connect, and entertain. Singing Out presents two concerts and a cabaret each year.
Beth Hanson leads the musical accompaniment. Beth is a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and she began her performing history at the age of three in her parents’ living room. She went on to study at Lakehead University, where she earn an Honours BFA, and subsequently received an MMus in Piano Performance at the University of Western Ontario.
Beth built a busy career in music education and performance, and has accompanied many soloists and ensembles, including Singing Out. Today, she is devoted to choral music, including composition and choral arrangements, which have been performed by Singing Out, among others, in the past.
Gayly Forward Marching Band, who debuted at Toronto Pride in 2024, will open the show. The Band was formed by Colin Savoy as a fun and inclusive ensemble celebrating music in a safe environment.
- Find concert details and tickets [HERE].
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