Austin's SoCo Women's Chorus to Perform Spring Concert, 4/27-28

The SoCo Women's Chorus will celebrate the strength of women, past and present, at its spring concert titled How Can I Keep From Singing? There will be two performances at AustinVentures Studio Theatre on April 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.

With songs ranging from "Harriet Tubman" to "Whatever Lola Wants," the wisdom, strength and spunk of women will combine with the gorgeous voices of SWC to give audiences the gift of beauty in song. The concert will feature 16 powerful performances total, including "Nigra Sum," "Barbara Allen," and "Hello Girls!"

Tickets go on sale March 17, $20 each with reduced-price senior tickets for $15. This will be SoCo Women's Chorus' third formal performance, and its past two concerts both sold out.

SoCo Women's Chorus was founded last year by Austin native Janey Hall-a critically acclaimed choral music performer and former school district choir director with nearly 30 years of experience in choral music education-when she moved back to Austin from Dallas, where she had participated in and directed a small community choir for 13 years.

"When I moved back to Austin in 2007, there wasn't a women's chorus here that filled the musical needs I required, so I began to dream of creating that very thing," Hall says.

SoCo Women's Chorus came to fruition in March 2012, and now has nearly 70 members. According to Hall, the requirements to join SoCo Women's Chorus are minimal: a desire to sing, a love for music, dedication to the organization and a willingness to work hard and be a part of a musical family.

"I would say that about two thirds of our singers are not formally trained. On the other end of the spectrum, we have many who are trained and sing professionally, and a former member was actually in the top 32 of American Idol in an early year, so it runs the gamut," Hall says.

Small factions of the chorus sing informally for senior citizen groups throughout the year, and SoCo Women's Chorus also gave a performance in the State Capitol's rotunda as the guest of State Representative Dawnna Dukes last year.

"My favorite part about any concert SoCo Women's Chorus sings is the fact that I get to stand in front of them and get slammed with their beautiful sound. It's a terrific rush, that's for sure," Hall says.

True to Austin form, SoCo Women's Chorus does not wear traditional black choir gowns at performances, but rather black outfits of their own choosing to "keep things a little shook up."

Founded in 2012 by critically acclaimed choral music performer and director Janey Hall, the mission of SoCo Women's Chorus is to give Austin-area women the experience of musical artistry and excellence through choral singing and performing in a group that reflects the area's diversity and is dedicated to community service. Members of the SoCo Women's Chorus believe that music is a great healer and that long-lasting relationships are built through music. For more information, visit www.socowomenschorus.com.

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