CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, www.artemissingers.org, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will present "Embracing the Night," a concert of choral and popular music about finding inner strength. The program begins at 7 p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Euclid Avenue Methodist Church, 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park, Ill. The concert is accessible.
The nonprofit Artemis Singers, now in its 43rd year, specializes in performing music written or arranged by women. '"Embracing the Night' features songs that emphasize the importance of drawing on your own inner strength so you are not afraid," said artistic director Loraine Edwalds, who originated the concert's theme. "For example, now LGBTQ+ youth are less closeted, but they can still encounter instances of homophobia in the atmosphere of today's society."
Edwalds noted that the 43-member chorus is weaving popular music with choral works, including the haunting "She Lingers On" by Zanaida Robles.
"We are so happy to perform in Oak Park," said Edwalds.
The January 20 concert features the Chicago premiere of Nigerian-American musician Ayo Awosika's "How We Start Again." On the program also is "Gamba Adisa," by composer Joan Szymko, working from the words of the black lesbian feminist poet Audre Lorde. "Gamba Adisa" means "Warrior: She who makes her meaning clear."
Artemis will present the song, "Night," music by mid-20th century composer, Florence Price, who was part of the Chicago Black Renaissance, and words by Harlem Renaissance poet Bessie Mayle. Price is the first African-American woman in the U.S. to have a symphony composition performed by a major symphony orchestra. In 1933, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed Price's Symphony No. 1 in E minor. Artemis Singers is committed to programming more music by Black, Indigenous and Women of Color (BIWOC) composers.
"Soon it will be winter in Chicago," said Edwalds. "The days are short. The nights are long. It's cold outside, so we stay inside. By lamplight, we have time to contemplate our lives. In the soft light of night, we consider those we love. Those we lost. When we embrace the night, we embrace possibility. The year in front of us. Not just the changes we know will surprise us, but the change that we will make for ourselves. We are gathering strength, in the beauty that is the night. We will celebrate the long nights of winter and look forward to the coming light of spring."
Ticket prices: $25 adults, $20 students (with ID). Tickets are also available on a sliding scale suggested donation of $10 - $30. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Additional donations are tax deductible. Artemis Singers is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation.
For more information, visit www.artemissingers.org, email info@artemissingers.org or call (773) 764-4465.
Ample free street parking is nearby. The church has a small free parking lot. Public transportation is available via CTA. The venue is 3 blocks south of the CTA Green Line's Oak Park Avenue stop.
Kristin Kenefick and Diana Clegg, president of Artemis Singers, are co-production managers of "Embracing the Night" concert.
Founded in 1980, Artemis Singers has been a mainstay in lesbian feminist cultural life. The chorus takes its name from the Greek goddess Artemis, who is a symbol of independence among lesbian feminists.
Artemis Singers is comprised of women with diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to effecting positive change in cultural attitudes toward women and women artists. Performances highlight historical, political and personal events common to women. Artemis Singers is committed to creating an organizational culture that actively fosters equity and inclusivity by continuing to engage in the ongoing work of dismantling racism and white supremacy. The chorus works to increase the visibility of lesbian feminists.
