Looking Back, Looking Forward

Highlights of three GALA Festivals

In 2000 GALA was in San Jose, California. I remember standing back stage getting ready for our set and standing not three feet away from me Holly Near was talking to Linda Tillery. Wow! A special treat was that friends of mine from the Bay area came to hear us sing. I have friends and relatives all over the country that can’t make it to our regular concerts so performing in other cities and having them attend is very special.

In 2004 GALA was in Montreal. My partner, who doesn’t sing with VR, came along and we made a vacation out of this trip. Montreal is a great vacation spot! The most memorable part of this GALA was singing the International premiere of IF I GIVE YOUR NAME, an award winning song written by Pat Humphries and Sandy Opatow and arranged by our own Leora Zimmer. This moving song brings to light the fate of undocumented workers killed at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. An emotional subject that received a standing ovation, no praise is sweeter than those of your peers who appreciate your efforts.
We rocked!

I look forward to Miami in 2008 and know I’ll have some great memories. My in-laws live in Miami. They will be coming to our set and I’m very excited to have them hear us sing “live” for the first time.

GALA is an extraordinary opportunity to be a part of something bigger that ourselves every four years. Music is the thread that connects us. The diversity of our repertoires, choruses and styles weave the tapestry that makes the rich and rewarding connective experience that is choral music exhibited at GALA.

Aimee, Alto 2

Aimee is a lower A2 who has sung with Voices Rising since its inception. She is VERY glad when GALA and the yearly International Calligraphy Conference are not the same week (like this year) as lettering and the related arts are her other passion.