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ABOUT THE QWIRE
The Qwire is a performance - oriented non-auditioned community choir. Established in February 1993, the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire has grown from a group of 7 to around 80. Its profile within the National Capital has allowed it to present a positive image of lesbian and gay people to the wider community - countering the misconceptions and prejudices that still exist.
The Qwire's repertoire varies widely from traditional folk songs to contemporary popular works, from serious classical a Capella to humorous songs and parodies. Increasingly, Qwire performs works written or arranged by members.
In addition to regular appearances in and around Canberra, Qwire has sung at the National Folk Festival, in Sydney during the Mardi Gras celebrations, in Melbourne's Midsumma Gay and Lesbian Festival and on ABC Classic FM.
In June 1998, Qwire toured the West Coast of the United States where it performed with US choirs in Portland, Oregon and San Francisco during the city's world famous Pride Festival.
In 2000, Qwire performed at "Opera by George" at the Madew Winery, in Canberra with the Melbourne, Sydney and Wollongong choirs and interstate in Wollongong and Melbourne.
In 2001 we performed in Wollongong and in Canberra with local choirs, Rhythm Syndicate, the AusAID choir and the Cyrenes.
In 2002 we were joined by international choirs from Manila and Leeds in our first ever international concert in Canberra "Coming Together". At that concert we performed a commissioned work by Martin & Peter Wesley-Smith "True". We also participated in the Gay Games Opening Ceremony, and concerts in the NSW Art Gallery and the Opera house. A highlight for us in these concerts was not only in performing our own commissioned work, but in singing with soprano Deborah Cheetham!
In 2003 we celebrated our tenth year anniversary. We performed at the National Gallery and went to Brisbane in June, where we joined the Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir in the Pride Activities, for a weekend of sunshine and socialising. Our tenth anniversary concert at Llewellyn Hall in November was everything we had hoped for and more!
In 2004 we performed at Taste, a community event in early March, the Candlelight Vigil in May and a concert at the National Gallery. Our end of year concert was in late November, with special guest the Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir.
In May 2005 members of the Qwire travelled to Paris, France to perform at
Various Voices, Europe's gay and lesbian choral festival. A good time was had by all. It was the best experience the choir has shared together. A standing ovation was the highlight. We finished the year with a small and intimate concert of xmas songs with our very own soloists. It was heaps of fun!In 2006 we performed at the National Gallery in conjunction with the Constable exhibition and will finish the year with our "The Power of Song" concert with special guests 'The Canberra Union Voices' and 'The Sydney Solidarity Choir'. We will also sing at 'Fair Day' and 'World Aids Day'.
The Qwire has released two CDs. The first is "acQWIREd Taste" and was recorded at the end of 2001. It contains works in a range of styles; most are audience favourites from recent (and not-so-recent) concerts. The other CD is a live recording of a performance of "True", a spectacular and inspiring work commissioned by the Qwire. The music was composed by Martin Wesley-Smith and the libretto was written by Peter Wesley-Smith, with the project being made possible with the assistance of the Australia Council. The recording is of the premiere performance of the work at the Llewellyn Hall in Canberra in 2002. Both of our CDs can be purchased
by mail or at our concerts.We are actively seeking new members, so if you are interested in joining, or just want to know more about us, please write to us at the address below, or via
e-mail.