The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster will be showing its true colours and singing with pride at its upcoming concert.
Pride: A Celebration of Love and Diversity is on Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at The Sanctuary on Sixth, 207 Sixth St.
Margaret Cormier, chair of the chorus admin team, said the choir will musically celebrate the diversity of the love in our community.
“If you are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or a proud and supportive ally, this concert will find the musical thread that connects us all as we work for equality and acceptance,” she said. “With songs like Dancing Queen, True Colours and Chosen Family, we will share some of the anthems that connect us all. All of the songs for this performance are written or performed by queer and supportive musicians that resonate with us all.”
The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster (RCNW) formed in March of 2022.
“This non-auditioned community choir, under the direction of Frank Zieginson and our accompanist James Dekker, is made up of approximately 63 members, and welcomes everyone, however they identify,” Cormier said. “All that we ask is that you bring a love for music and a willingness to stretch yourself musically.”
The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster held its first concert in June 2022. Since then, it’s held two concerts a year, usually in February and June.
“The RCNW has sung at the last two Pride New West celebrations, and we will be back to sing again this year,” Cormier said. “Last year we were invited to sing at St. Andrew's Wesley United Church in Vancouver, as a part of their Vancouver Pride celebrations. Happy to report that we have been invited back to perform again for Vancouver Pride 2024.”
The choir has hosted a free festive singalong in December where it sings with the audience. It’s also performed at New Westminster Hospice events and has carolled with seniors in local care centres.
“We are proud to also have been invited to sing at the official opening of the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre on June 1,” Cormier said.
The RCNW practises every Monday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at The Sanctuary on Sixth.
“We welcome everyone who wants to sing regardless of experience,” Cormier said. “This concert is a chance to share with the community what they are missing by not joining us.”
Tickets are available online ($15 for children/seniors and $20 for adults) or at the door ($20 for children/seniors and $25 for adults). The group regularly posts on its Facebook page (The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster), where you can find information abut how to join the choir and links to concerts.
