About Us

We are:

a mixed group of people who love to come together, blending our voices in song
people who know that everyone is different, everyone is unique and everyone needs a place to belong where they can feel safe and free to be themselves
people who feel that it is very important to have a choir where everyone is welcome regardless of gender identity; of sexual, romantic or affective orientation; of musical ability or background; or of economic status
people who know that being Out is an ongoing process, and that there is still a need for a choir that stands up proudly saying “This is who we are. We are proud of who we are and we are part of this community”

Our Name

In 2010 we changed our name from Vancouver Lesbian and Gay Choir to Out in Harmony in a move to broaden our membership to include Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, Lesbian, and Friends. We wanted people to know we are a choir that welcomes and encourages everyone who wants to be part of a supportive singing group that actively identifies as “non-straight-and-narrow”.

Our Artistic Team

Our Director

A lifelong relationship with music beginning with childhood piano lessons has led to a varied career for Nicola Hamilton. After earning a certificate in voice and piano from Capilano College, she worked as a piano teacher and accompanist before taking the helm of Out in Harmony in 2003. In the years since, the choir has acquired renewed confidence, a fuller sound and more members, and has expanded its community outreach concerts to an ever-widening and enthusiastic audience.

Nicola’s approach to conducting focuses on ensuring that choir members can enjoy singing together and being together. Singers value the feeling of welcoming and community, and find that Nicola’s laid-back leadership style, patience and sense of humor contribute to making every rehearsal a positive experience. Audience members appreciate performances because they can tell that the choir is having a good time making music within an atmosphere of inclusivity, safety and fun.

In addition to her work with Out in Harmony, Nicola has served as founding Director of what became the Lumina Coast Chorus, led a season of music at Beacon Unitarian Church, and served on the Board of Directors for the 2006 Canadian Unison Festival. She is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow as a musician, and spent two seasons as the Director of A Vancouver Women’s Chorus. As we head into our latest season of music, Nicola continues to bring her passion for choral music and her inspiring leadership style to the podium.

Our Accompanist

Dan Lauterbach has served as accompanist for Out in Harmony almost since birth. He is a highly noted pianist, arranger, soloist, percussionist, closet ventriloquist, part-time puppeteer, and all-round swell kinda guy.

Maestro Lauterbach has won numerous awards and distinctions throughout his long and varied career, including an official designation as Honorary Lesbian (bestowed by A Vancouver Women’s Chorus in 1991), the illustrious Diva Certificate (Rainy City Gay Men’s Chorus, 1997), and a coveted ‘Willi Award’ for Lead Actor at the Paradise Valley World Figure Skating Championships (Vancouver Men’s Chorus retreat skits, 2005).