Who is Out in Harmony?
We are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, two-spirit, and supportive straight individuals who are proud of who we are, both as individuals and as a choir. We sing in harmony, and we live in harmony as people from all walks of life. We are a group that truly welcomes all, regardless of financial or physical restrictions. We are a group that embraces diversity and celebrates community.
We are also:
- 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 Mission Statement
Our Audiences
We get many appreciative comments including “Your choir gets better and better every time I hear you!” and “I can’t believe this is a community choir; I would have thought members had to audition!” (They don’t actually.)
We usually raffle a few gift baskets at our concerts to raise funds for the choir. In the past we have granted Rainbow Refugee Society the opportunity to raise funds to help their Circles of Hope sponsor LGBT refugees to come to Canada. To find out more about this important organization, go to Rainbow Refugee
Our Concerts
Our Artistic Team
Music Director
Edette Gagné is a visionary leader who inspires others to go beyond what they thought were limitations, in order to achieve amazing results.
In her work around the globe with professionals and amateurs, Edette creates communities where people feel valued, included and safe to take chances, so that they can grow, flourish and be their best.
As an artistic director, stage director and music director of orchestras, choirs, opera and musical theatre groups, Edette champions creative programming, including staging and performances that captivate artists and audiences alike. She is known for inspiring performers to rise above the ordinary.
Throughout her career creating international touring shows, facilitating grand scale events on location, and transforming performing ensembles to realize their potential, Edette brings a deep work ethic and a commitment to creative collaboration.
Edette resides in Vancouver BC with her wife and several wonderful rescued animals. She is thrilled to be joining the amazing Out in Harmony choral community.
Collaborative Pianist
Elliott Dainow grew up in Montreal studying piano there with Robert Silverman and then with Dorothy Morton, Silverman's teacher.
For some reason he disdained singing as a youth, but discovered choral music later on and went on to be part of the Tudor Singers of Montreal as well as the professional core of the Montreal Symphony Chorus.
He was also a founding member of the well-known Vancouver chamber choir "Phoenix” and sang with many choirs in the local area. In the late 1990’s, inspired by Harold Brown, he returned to the piano and began accompanying choirs like Vivaldi Chamber Choir, the Peretz Folk Choir, the North Shore Chorus and the Unitarian Chalice Choir.
He now directs the music programme at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver. He recently made a CD of his favourite songs, accompanying himself on the piano with his own piano arrangements.