Our story
Over 35 years of singing together.
We started in 1990 as a small group of 2SLGBTQIA+ singers who came together following the Gay Games in Vancouver, wanting a place to be exactly who they were — and to make music together. We incorporated as the Vancouver Lesbian and Gay Choir in 1991. In 2010, we became Out in Harmony, broadening our membership to welcome everyone who wants to sing in a chorus that proudly identifies as non-straight-and-narrow.
We welcome Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and supportive straight individuals. More than three decades later, we’re still here, still singing, and still making room for everyone.
We are
- People who know that everyone is different, unique, and 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, sexual, romantic, or affective orientation; musical ability or background; or 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.
1990
Founded after the Gay Games in Vancouver
1991
Incorporated as the Vancouver Lesbian and Gay Choir
2010
Renamed to Out in Harmony, broadening membership
2020
Adapted to hybrid rehearsals, Zoom stays permanent
2025
35th anniversary season
Community Outreach
Singing where it matters most.
Care facility concerts
Out in Harmony performs at seniors’ homes, care facilities, and hospitals across Vancouver. We bring live music to people who cannot always come to us, because we believe music belongs to everyone.
Community presence
We show up for our community year-round at pride events, memorials, cultural festivals, and fundraisers. Singing is how we participate, advocate, and celebrate alongside the communities we serve.
Events we’ve been part of
35 years of active community engagement
5,000+
Volunteer hours every year
Our members give their time across different committees: Fundraising · Concert Planning · Outreach · Social Media · Music Library · Diversity & Inclusion.
And then there are the Tuesday nights. 36 rehearsals every season, September through June.
Our Artistic team
The people who lead us.
Out in Harmony has been led by a succession of music directors since Michael Grice founded the choir’s musical identity in 1991: Michael Grice, Charles Willett, Tom McPherson, Fabiana Katz, Carol Sirianni, Nicola Hamilton, and Dr. Jannie Sing-Yen Burdeti. Edette Gagné has led the choir as Music Director since September 2022.
Music Director
Edette Gagné
A visionary leader with an international career as artistic director, stage director, and music director of orchestras, choirs, opera, and musical theatre groups. She inspires performers to rise above the ordinary.
Read full bio →
Collaborative Pianist
Elliott Dainow
Founding member of the Vancouver Chamber Choir Phoenix and music director at the Vancouver Unitarians. Has accompanied choirs across the city for over two decades.
Read full bio →