Our Repertoire, Our Role

Among the many fine choral groups of the south, One Voice is unique as an arts organization that functions to showcase the diversity, artistry and vibrancy of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We’re also unique among gay-affirming organizations in Charlotte because we bring together hundreds of people—gay and straight alike—at each performance to enjoy a medium that transcends differences and inspires change.

The hallmark of One Voice’s repertoire is diversity. Each year our concerts include some of the most challenging and beautiful works in choral literature. We perform music from many cultures: Native American, Hispanic, Celtic, African and others. We also showcase music from gay composers and commission new works to add to the growing LGBT cultural legacy. One Voice has established itself as an organization marked by its artistic achievement. Early on, this reputation opened doors once closed to gay and lesbian groups, helping us build bridges and gain visibility for the LGBT community.

One Voice has collaborated with many groups and organizations throughout its history, including Opera Carolina, Komen for the Cure (Sing for the Cure), YWCA, Mecklenburg County Health Department, Theater Charlotte, RAIN, area schools, churches and houses of worship, and numerous nationally recognized composers and directors. Today we’re a respected part of the arts community in the Carolinas and the first LGBT-based organization to be an affiliated member of Charlotte’s Arts & Science Council.

One Voice also goes out of its way to help other LGBT organizations and support related causes. We regularly partner with Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, Time Out Youth, UNC Charlotte LGBT student groups, Charlotte Pride Festival and fellow members of the Queer Arts Consortium. We’ve performed at fundraising events for groups serving LGBT youth, people of faith and the LGBT community at large—not just in Charlotte, but throughout the southeast. In fact, with few LGBT choruses in North Carolina and none in South Carolina or Tennessee, One Voice and its “portable” ensemble Sotto Voce often travel to serve other areas.

Nationally, our active participation in the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) brings us together with choral groups from near and far to add our voices to the national call for social justice.