Rainbow Chorus
The Rainbow Chorus is the largest community LGBTQ+ SATB choir in the south-east outside of London. Based in Brighton & Hove we have been celebrating diversity through music since 1997 and welcome people from all sections of our community. We offer an enjoyable, supportive and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ members to sing, develop their community spirit and awareness, and enable individuals to develop their talents, skills and confidence. Led by our amazing musical director Aneesa Chaudhry and accompanist Adrian Ward, we have a varied repertoire, from pop classics and classical pieces to songs from musicals and powerful ballads. Our community is at the heart of everything that we do, and we perform at important, national and international events including, World Aids Day, Trans Pride, Trans Day of Remembrance and IDAHOBIT, showing we are out and proud in all our differences, raising awareness to LGBTQ+ issues and bringing people together through song. Strength in Harmony!
We have been have been celebrating diversity through music since 1997, when Pippin Boardman, our first Musical Director, and 8 fledgling members started the choir at the Brighton Lesbian & Gay Centre. Since then the chorus has grown tenfold, and performs at two concerts per year as well as local and national community events. Our current musical director is Aneesa Chaudhry has led the chorus for 14 years. A recent review of one of our concerts said: “An evening out with the Rainbow Chorus is more than just going to a concert, it’s an expression of belonging, solidarity and inclusion that defines the very notion of community that many aspire to in Brighton and Hove.” We are thrilled to be part of the winning organising team for Various Voices 2030 in Brighton and can’t wait to welcome you all to our magically bonkers and diverse city in four years time!
Hello Brussels! Taking part in the Various Voices festival is incredibly important for the Rainbow Chorus as it aligns with or core beliefs in offering choirs a platform to be seen and heard in a public setting, promoting inclusion, equality, and human rights for LGBTQ+ people. Singing in front of lovely audiences boosts confidence and pride in one’s identity, and it’s a moment of joy and affirmation—especially for members who may not always feel safe or accepted in their daily lives. Being able to perform alongside so many other international choirs is incredibly powerful, it’s a chance to learn and be inspired by the creativity of other LGBTQIA+ ensembles. It’s also a chance to connect with others who share similar values, and have a LOT of fun!