Vox Femina Los Angeles Presents
Celebrating the Muse
A Summer Concert Celebrating 15 Years of Vox Music
At Zipper Concert Hall in the Colburn School of Music in LA
Saturday, June 16, 2012

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 29, 2012 – Vox Femina Los Angeles concludes its 15th anniversary season with Celebrating the Muse, a summer concert celebration of the music that has inspired Vox throughout its 15 years on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Zipper Concert Hall in the Colburn School of Music.  On this momentous occasion, Vox Femina looks back at special songs from its very first concert, commissions by composers who have influenced them, and the guest performers who have shared the stage with them.  Singer alumni will be joining the festivities as well as special guest performer, singer/song-writer, Cris Williamson.  The performance starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are $25-30 during presale, $35 at the door. Group rates are also available.  Zipper Concert Hall at The Colburn School is located at 200 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Public parking is available at lots adjacent to the school and limited street parking is also available within the area.  For tickets and additional information, please see www.voxfeminala.org.

Celebrating the Muse –
It was January of 1997, and an auditioned group of 19 women assembled for the first time to sing in a newly formed women’s chorus, Vox Femina Los Angeles.  At the first rehearsal, with Artistic Director Iris Levine doubling as rehearsal pianist, they read through the first piece, “Memory.”  After listening to the utter beauty of the women’s voices, Levine knew that this was something special.

“It is hard to believe that fifteen years has passed since the first performance when Vox Femina stood in front of 150 supportive brothers from the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles, and received a standing ovation in the Alex Theatre.  It has been a fun, interesting, and, at times, challenging road.” –  Iris Levine, Vox Femina Los Angeles Artistic Director

On June 16th, Vox will gather again to remember and honor the inspiration that made Vox Femina what it is today – one of the most celebrated choral ensembles in Los Angeles.

Additional Vox Femina 2012 Performances –
June 17, 2012 – Celebrating the Muse will also be performed on Sunday, June 17th at 3:00pm at the Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood (1200 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90038).  This performance is sponsored in part by a grant from the City of West Hollywood.

Vox Femina Background –
Vox Femina Los Angeles is a women’s choral ensemble dedicated to the performance of quality choral literature from a world perspective with an emphasis on music by women composers.  The chorus was founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Dr. Iris S. Levine.  The 21 founding members of Vox Femina first appeared on stage as guest artists with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles in April 1997.  Since that time, Vox has quickly established itself as one of the premier women’s choruses in the United States with a demonstrated ability to perform highly eclectic repertoire, some of which can be heard on several recordings.  It actively fulfills its mission through an aggressive schedule of performances, touring and educational outreach.  Vox has demonstrated its support and encouragement of living composers through commissioning new works.  Auditions are held every August.

Cris Williamson –
Vox is honored to welcome a special guest, singer/songwriter Cris Williamson.  As a pioneer of “Women’s Music,” Williamson paved the way for today’s independent women artists who now regularly top the charts and she helped foster the birth of a new genre of music. Decades before indie labels were the norm, and years before women had any real access in the industry, in her own way, Cris Williamson was busy changing the face of popular music.  She hasn’t looked back since.  Williamson’s stellar vocals and compelling persona are regarded as legendary for good reason.  Despite being like a well-kept secret, and dwelling almost completely in the independent music world, she nonetheless had an impact worldwide. For Williamson, the music has always been the vehicle for something larger.  Her lyrics appear on a regular basis in books and thesis papers.  Her albums are part of the curriculum for women’s studies courses, and thousands of people who may not even know her name join their voices in “Song of the Soul” around campfires and places of worship.  She is often considered a treasure, passed hand-to-hand, person-to-person.  To learn more please visit www.criswilliamson.com.

Dr. Iris S. Levine, Artistic Director –
Nationally recognized for her excellence in choral conducting, Dr. Iris S. Levine is the founder and artistic director of Vox Femina Los Angeles, the city’s premier women’s chorus.  Through her extensive experience with women’s choral literature and innovative concert programming, Dr. Levine has charted Vox Femina’s 15-year journey, building its prominence in the choral community by way of numerous appearances at ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) conventions, and over 100 appearances throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Dr. Levine earned her Doctorate in Choral Music from the University of Southern California under the tutelage of Rod Eichenberger and James Vail, and she holds a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Alan Harler.  Dr. Levine is Department Chair and Professor of Music at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.  She is also the Artistic Director for the Master Chorus at Stephen S. Wise Temple, where her choral arrangements are often performed.  Dr. Levine is also National Chair of the ACDA Repertoire and Standards Committee for Women’s Choirs and is highly sought as guest clinician and adjudicator for choral festivals throughout the country.

The Colburn School/Zipper Hall –
The Colburn School’s mission is to provide the highest quality performing arts education in an optimal learning environment.  Founded in 1950, The Colburn School was established as a small preparatory school in connection with the University of Southern California’s School of Music.  The School became an independent, nonprofit institution in 1980 through the generous support of its benefactor, Richard D. Colburn.  In 1998, The Colburn School moved to its current location on South Grand Avenue.  One of LA’s most popular performance halls, the intimate 435-seat Zipper Hall at The Colburn School is home to many arts groups from the greater Los Angeles area, including the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Pacifica, Southwest Chamber Music, Monday Evening Concerts, Lark Musical Society, and Piano Spheres.  For more information, please call 213-621-4514 or visit http://www.colburnschool.edu.

Vox Femina –
Vox Femina Los Angeles gives women voice through the performance of quality choral literature.  Diverse in culture, age, race, belief, and sexual identity, Vox is a chorus committed to commissioning new works and raising awareness about issues that affect the family of women.  Through music, the chorus aims to create a world that affirms the worth and dignity of every person.

For more information, images, and interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Tejada at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

Vox Femina Los Angeles (photo credit: Paul Kawabori – kawaboriphotography.com)