Sample – Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Melodivas Add Unique Voice to Atlanta’s Choral Scene

Atlanta, Georgia, October 28, 2004 – The Melodivas may be small in number, but that doesn’t keep them from making a big impression on their audiences. From Gershwin to Bach, in churches and in concert halls, the Melodivas’ reputation for tight harmonies and innovative choral interpretation is gaining fans throughout the United States and Canada. In two weeks, the all-lesbian group will begin recording its first CD.

While the Melodivas is one of four choral groups in Atlanta originating in the gay community, it is the only one that identifies as lesbian. It is also the smallest by far, enabling it to sing in a greater variety of venues without the typical logistical problems associated with larger choruses.

Though its members might seem to have little in common – the ten women range in age from 23 to 60 and come from a variety of backgrounds – they have formed a connection that transcends their music. “It is truly a spiritual experience being part of this ensemble,” says member Melda Jones. “We value each other as well as the music we make.”

The group has kept a fairly low profile until now, performing at churches and singing at occasional concerts and functions. They’re glad to take the spotlight, however: for the past four years they have sung at the annual Atlanta Gay Pride commitment ceremony. It’s a performance they treasure.

This summer the Melodivas turned up the heat a notch when they undertook their most challenging work to date, a difficult choral version of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Their premier performance of the work took place in June at the Robert Ferth Center. The concert, which featured the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, the Atlanta Feminist Women’s Chorus, and OurSong, as well as the Melodivas, was a preview of July performances in Montreal at the quadrennial festival of GALA, an organization of gay and lesbian choruses. In Montreal as well as Atlanta, the Melodivas’ performance earned them standing ovations.

The decision to record a CD is a result of their success at the GALA festival. “The group has grown significantly from our Montreal experience,” says artistic director Ellen Chase. “The amount of preparation vocally and mentally that each member had to commit to for the GALA performance was huge. Each singer grew exponentially, and the group crossed a line that we previously didn't think was possible.”

In addition to recording, the Melodivas continue to perform locally. Their next performance is on Sunday, November 21 at Unity North Atlanta Church, during regular church services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.

The Melodivas are available for private functions. For more information, contact Ellen Chase at 770-242-7717 or 404-213-9644.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ellen Chase, Artistic Director
The Melodivas
770-242-7717 or 404-213-9644
http://www.Melodivas.com

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