A word from Tone Cluster's President

Welcome to Tone Cluster’s 19^th Season!

As our season begins, Tone Cluster is still basking in the glow of participating in the GALA International Choral Festival in Denver, Colorado.  The festival brought together over 6,000 choristers representing more than 130 GLBT choirs from across North America, and a few from overseas.  Over five days in July, Tone Cluster performed in three concerts and had the opportunity to hear an incredibly diverse set of entertaining, uplifting and thought-provoking performances.  For Tone Cluster members, it was a fun and life affirming experience of connecting with the wider GLBT community and doing what we do best: MAKING GREAT MUSIC!

On a personal note (ha!), the festival strongly reinforced how fun and inspiring it is to sing with others in an environment where we can really be ourselves.  Tone Cluster can always make room for more people with musical talents and would love to have you audition to join us for the 19^th season… and beyond.  The highlight of our 20^th season (2013-2014) will be to host the Unison Canadian GLBT Choral Festival, right here in Ottawa.  You should seriously consider being part of this event!

But before I get too far ahead of myself, I should highlight the exciting lineup that our Music Director, Kurt Ala-Kantti has planned for 2012-2013.  The season kicks off with our first concert on Saturday November 17th.   Inspired by the colour of remembrance poppies and AIDS ribbons, our “Red” concert features the themes of HIV/AIDS, war, remembrance, survival, community, and courage.

On Sunday February 17th, 2013, "My Darling Valentino" features a variety of love songs: traditional, thoughtful, unconventional, passionate, funny... and twisted.

2013 features the return of the much-acclaimed "Show Tune Showdown 2013", where 3 musical theatre teams compete for points awarded by our 3 celebrity judges. You won’t want to miss Ottawa's most famous musical theatre competition and largest local GLBT arts production on Saturday April 13^th, 2013.

In "Words", our final concert of the season on May 25^th, 2013, Tone Cluster partners with youth and school choirs to deliver a message of inclusiveness, hope and support.  The anti-bullying theme of this concert will focus on the fact that "it gets better" in the future is not enough.

Our success depends on your support, and the best way to do that is to come to our concerts!  In addition you can also join us at local community events, make a highly-appreciated tax-deductible donation, or purchase Tone Cluster merchandise.

On behalf of the choir, we hope to see you at our concerts and to chat at our post-concert receptions!

Andrew Sacret

President