This article was originally published by Indy Maven, a Free Press Indiana partner.
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus (IWC) marks its three-decade journey with a “Seasons of Love” celebration concert May 18 and 19 at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center at the University of Indianapolis. This milestone event will feature R&B, folk classics, vocal jazz, gospel, and choral pieces.
In its early years, during the early 1990s, IWC emerged alongside the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus. It was conceived as a haven for gay and lesbian vocalists, with a founding principle to provide solace through music.
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus rehearses on May 12, 2024, for its 30th anniversary “Seasons of Love” concerts May 18 and 19. Credit: Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy 
The “Seasons of Love” concerts will be held at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center at the University of Indianapolis. Credit: Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy 
The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus highlights the music of women, LGBTQ+, feminist, and BIPOC composers or arrangers. Credit: Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy 
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus singer Liz Piekarczyk rehearses for the “Seasons of Love” concerts. Credit: Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy 
The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus has 100 members. Since 1994, it has welcomed 480 singers from across Central Indiana. Credit: Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy 
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus artistic director Meagan Johnson has said the chorus raises awareness of social and environmental issues. Credit: Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy
Reflecting on the beginning of IWC, former board member Kaye McSpadden said, “Born out of the crushing personal experiences of societal and family rejection, systemic discrimination, and the horrors of the AIDS epidemic, the dream of forming a gay-friendly musical organization was precious. The group would be a much-needed sanctuary for its members and provide a positive way to work for change through music.”
Today, the chorus comprises 100 people who span a spectrum of gender identities, including women, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and transgender individuals, McSpadden said. They also represent diversity in age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, and musical expertise.
Meagan Johnson, artistic director of IWC, underscores the chorus’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and championing social causes.
“We are intentional about sharing songs that affirm the experiences of those whose voices often go unheard, highlighting the music of women, LGBTQ+, feminist, and BIPOC composers or arrangers,” Johnson said. “We also work to raise awareness about social and environmental issues and support the work of others engaged in creating a more just, peaceful, and inclusive community,” she said.
Since its inaugural performance in 1994, IWC has welcomed 480 singers from across Central Indiana.
“Seasons of Love” promises to be a celebration of resilience and the transformative power of music. A highlight of the anniversary concerts is the debut of “Fire-Flowers,” a special composition by acclaimed composer Tyler Secor.
The concert performances take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19. Tickets cost $25 until noon May 18 and $30 at the door, and children 12 and under can attend for free. Pay-what-you-can options are also available.
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