San Diego Women's Chorus Hires Assistant to the Artistic Director

The San Diego Women's Chorus is thrilled to announce that they have hired Celeste Oram as their new Assistant to the Artistic Director (AAD), following an extensive search and interview process. Ms. Oram will work directly with SDWC's acclaimed Artistic Director, Kathleen Hansen, to provide musical support to the growing choral organization, assisting with rehearsing, conducting, and concert production duties.

"We are so excited to welcome Celeste to our artistic team," shared SDWC Board President Heather Robert. "She instantly clicked with our membership with her relaxed, confident conducting style, her clear musical direction, and her warm, encouraging personality. She is going to be a great asset as we strive for continued musical excellence heading into our 30th anniversary season next year."

Ms. Oram is a composer and musician hailing from New Zealand and based in San Diego since 2014. In addition to her new position with the San Diego Women's Chorus, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Music Composition at UC San Diego, where she completed her Masters of Music earlier in 2016. She is a singing member of Pro Arte Voices and the La Jolla Symphony Chorus, where she also acts as Production Assistant. Previously, in New Zealand, she conducted and directed opera and musical theatre productions with community and student groups. Her compositions have been performed by orchestras and ensembles in Europe, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. When she isn't singing or composing, she is likely on a hike, in a ballet class, or winding a radio coil.

"I am thrilled to be joining the SDWC sisterhood, an organization which immediately won me over with its joyful and meaningful repertoire, and its huge heart," said Ms. Oram. "I look forward to the journey of sharing in, and contributing to, the chorus' rich musicianship, community, experience, and diversity"

Ms. Oram will make her debut with the San Diego Women's Chorus at its Everything She Touches concert on November 19 and 20. Tickets are now on sale at www.sdwc.org.

About the San Diego Women's Chorus

SDWC is a lesbian-identified, feminist sisterhood of musicians that welcomes members from the vastly diverse LGBTQA and straight-ally communities. Founded in 1987 by community activist Dr. Cynthia Lawrence, SDWC has grown from a group of 14 lesbians gathered around a piano in a private home to a thriving community with over 125 members who believe in the power of music and the power of women. For nearly 30 years, SDWC has provided a safe space that encourages women's creativity, celebrates diversity, and inspires social action. SDWC is a non-profit community chorus that strives to entertain and inspire audiences with music that speaks to issues as diverse as human rights, love, world peace, religious freedom, environmental harmony, inclusion and cultural diversity. SDWC supports and affirms the music of women, as well as lesbian and gay composers and arrangers. SDWC will celebrate its 30th Anniversary in Spring 2017.