The ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir is the longest-running feminist choir in the United States, founded in 1975 by Catherine Roma, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
History
editCatherine Roma formed the Anna Crusis Women's Choir in 1975 after moving to Philadelphia to teach music at Abington Friends School.[1][2][3] She was its artistic director from 1975 to 1983.[1] Under her leadership, the choir often made decisions through a process similar to Quaker consensus, in which all members had a voice.[4]
ANNA Crusis has an educational and social focus.[5][6] It has supported LGBTQ+ issues and has performed with other groups at events such as International Women's Day and Philly Pride.[7][8] The choir traditionally includes a sign language interpreter at its concerts.[9]
Jane Hulting was musical director of the choir from 1983 to 2005.[10][11][12] Hulting took a sabbatical year in 2003 during which Jacqueline Coren was interim director. She took over upon Hulting's departure in 2005, acting as musical director until 2011.[citation needed] Miriam Davison became director in 2011.[citation needed]
Awards Received
edit- 1988, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom local awards; main awards to poet Sonia Sanchez and singer-songwriter Holly Near.[13]
- 2014, National Endowment for the Arts Award, jointly to The Philadelphia Singers, Sister Singers GirlChoir, and Anna Crusis Women's Choir, to fund "Women Aloud: Celebrating Women in Music" concert, March 2016.[14]
References
edit- ^ a b Follet, Joyce (19–20 June 2005). "Catherine Roma" (PDF). Voices of Feminism Oral History Project. Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ^ Doane, Kathleen (2004). "MUSE's muse: How Catherine Roma created a women's choir that sings in a diverse key". Cincinnati Magazine.
- ^ "The Dr. Catherine Roma Women Composers Commissioning Project". GALA Choruses. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ^ Shea, Kathleen (24 January 1992). "Anna Crusis: Many Voices, One Spirit". Philadelphia Daily News. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ Rehwoldt, Sheri (2003). "Singing Loud and Proud". Visions Today: News and Views of the Gay and Lesbian Community (Winter): 24–27.
- ^ Slodki, Linda (28 May 2009). "Mt. Airy-based feminist choir at 35th anniv. Concert". The Chestnut Hill Local. Archived from the original on 7 June 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ "PRIDE CELEBRATION to Kick Off Pride Week in Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center, 6/3". Broadway World. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ Mabaso, Alaina (7 Mar 2013). "Mt. Airy Art Garage to host series of events commemorating International Women's Day". Newsworks. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ Marder, Diana (June 10, 2010). "Do Re She: The Anna Crusis Women's Choir is celebrating 35 years of "singing with a purpose."". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- ^ Russell, Ruth R. (January 8, 1987). "Choir to present message in music at King tribute". Chestnut Hill Local.
- ^ Mckelvey, Anita (2007). "The Passions of Anna Crusis". Philadelphia Music Makers. 6 (2): 47–49.
- ^ Foster, Chris (June 7–13, 1983). "Anna Crusis Women's Choir's swan song a joyous one". Au Courant.
- ^ Moore, Alexis (October 15, 1988). "Poet, Singer And Local Women To Be Honored". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 28, 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
- ^ "NEA Award for collaborative concert with The Philadelphia Singers". Sister Cities Girlchoir. 17 April 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
External links
edit- Anna Crusis Women's Choir, official website