History

History
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GALA

History

The Quire was founded in April 1995 with 14 singers and the Rev. Rick Yramategui as its first director, a function he served until he moved to California in January 1998.

The Quire's first public performance was a few numbers at the annual Iowa City Area Pride Talent Show in Clapp Recital Hall at the University of Iowa on June 18, 1995. One of the pieces performed that evening was "Words Like Freedom" which has become a "theme song" or signature piece and is still sung during every Quire concert.

The Quire quickly grew to a chorus of more than 30 members and has gained a reputation for excellence and variety in it's concert programs. It joined the international organization Gay and Lesbian Associated (GALA) Choruses, Inc. in January 1997 and adopted its own by-laws in the fall of that year.

Significant Events in The Quire's Life

April 1995 - Founding, Rick Yramategui Conductor
June 1995 - First performance at Iowa City Pride Talent Show
December 1995 - First season's concert, about 16 members
First Martin L King University convocation performance
January 1997 - First Interfaith Martin L King service
December 1998 - Last performance with Rick Yramategui as Conductor
Spring 1999 - Marlys Boote becomes conductor
Fall 2000 - Linda Kroon joins as co-director

(All other concerts and events can be found under Concert History)

Original Mission Statement

The Quire is a not for profit chorus for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons promoting a positive image of these communities through excellence in choral music. Membership is open to anyone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and to anyone who is respectful and affirming of these communities. Our goals are to entertain, inspire, unite, uplift and educate while fostering community spirit and pride, to make programs available to an increasing and diverse audience in Eastern Iowa, and to feature and provide opportunities for outstanding musicians of this area.