Released: (Calgary, AB) - One Voice Chorus

A popular Leonard Cohen song, a Sanskrit-language song on the Buddhist perspective on life, and a 16th century madrigal about a naughty shepherdess. What do "Hallelujah," "Gate Gate," and "Fair Phyllis" have in common? You can hear them all, and much more, at "One Voice Chorus: Début!" on Sunday, June 3, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Calgary, 1703 1st St. NW.

"The common bond is the diversity in the tunes," says Jane Perry, the choir’s director. "There aren’t many that are alike."

Founded in September, 2011, One Voice Chorus offers members of Calgary’s LGBT community and their straight allies the chance to hone their singing skills while performing everything from world music to jazz to show tunes. In addition to 10 songs from One Voice Chorus, the concert will feature performances by smaller groups of its members: a women’s barbershop quartet’s version of "Give My Regards to Broadway;" and two songs from a male trio, including an a capella version of the traditional Irish song "The Parting Glass." There will also be a special guest appearance by the Calgary Men’s Chorus.

This wide range of music, Perry says, reflects One Voice Chorus’ belief that diversity is worth celebrating.

"We’re hoping to demonstrate in this concert the diversity in our membership, as well as the diversity we see around us in Calgary’s larger community. We’re also hoping to show our audience that, for us, it really is all about love and acceptance."