Manchester Proud Chorus
The Manchester Proud Chorus is an inclusive community choir, where all are welcome, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity. The choir was founded in 2000, originally as the Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus, and since then, we have raised our voices together, joyfully celebrating our diversity through music. We are a non-audition choir, aiming to provide a safe and inclusive space for people to meet and sing together, and to promote a positive image of Greater Manchester’s growing LGBTQIA+ community
We have travelled the world singing together, performing nationally (Newcastle, London, Brighton, Cardiff and Leeds), across Europe (Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen, Dublin and Munich) and beyond (Montreal). As a result of a homophobic attack on a Manchester Metrolink tram in 2014, we led the ‘Safe to Sing’ campaign, singing on trams across the city. We were also deeply moved and honoured to be one of the choirs singing at the Manchester Together memorial event for the victims of the M.E.N. Arena bombing. We are an a capella choir, singing without instrumental accompaniment, but in eight different voice types (SSAATTBB). Our musical director, Dan McDwyer, works alongside a volunteer management team, elected annually by the choir members. Over recent years, we have come to realise that our previous name did not reflect the diversity of the community we embrace as a chorus. After a long consultation process and lots of listening to each other, we agreed unanimously to change our name to the Manchester Proud Chorus. Throughout lockdown, we continued to sing together on Zoom, eventually meeting outdoors, when rules allowed. We have sung for royals, for Disney, and in memory of our beloved Victoria Wood. We have also shared the stage with artists such as Carlos Acosta, Lulu, Tim Arnold and Lindsey Kemp, and Jane McDonald. Most importantly, we have fun and support each other
The Chorus has been part of numerous Various Voices European festivals, as well as several UK Hand in Hand festivals, and is looking forward immensely to VV26 in Brussels. The community spirit of such festivals is amazing, and it’s lovely to meet and spend time with many other similar choirs from various countries, as well as hearing some fantastic singing. We hope to be meeting new friends and hearing new music, as well as spending great times socialising and partying together