At the time I was doing research for my dissertation and I was interviewing Nicola LeFanu, the renowned British composer. I met with Nicola because her mother, Elizabeth Maconchy, another British composer, was the subject of my research. LeFanu generously invited me to tea and conversation because her mother was quite ill, and unable to meet with me. At that time, I not only learned a great deal about the choral compositions of her mother, I became acquainted with works of Nicola. I then invited Nicola to write for MUSE, but her busy teaching and composing career prevented her from doing so—until now.

Last fall Nicola contacted me to say she was working on the commission and would be able to travel to the states in November, 2008. She mentioned she had chosen to set seven poems by Christina Rossetti, and though they were not repertoire typical of MUSE, she thought we would love them, and we could choose as many as we wanted to perform for the premiere. We do love them, and we look forward to performing them.

The title of our program, No Friend Like a Sister, is one of the poems LeFanu set by Christina Rossetti.

The short musical selections are beautifully rendered. These deceptively simple, contemporary settings use dissonance sparingly, and use primary forms such as canon and canzonet. Musical motives weave the songs together. Come hear these beautiful works and hear Nicola LeFanu introduce and discuss their composition.

With few exceptions for this fall concert, MUSE will perform repertoire by contemporary classical women composers, and mainstream women singer song-writers. From Joan Szymko and Gwyneth Walker to Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, and Indie.Arie, you will hear from a rich array of women’s voices.

We always hold in store some surprises to delight you. Gather your friends and join us for a concert of hope and humor, as we imagine a new world through the messages of women’s voices.

How did you get interested in writing for women's choral ensembles?

My very first piece (not counting juvenalia) was a duet for soprano and alto. I have always loved the female voice and I have written for it a great deal: in choirs, as a soloist, and with ensembles - and also in opera. The voice is the most intimate of all instruments - our first instrument - and female voices are infinitely expressive and flexible in whatever musical language or style they sing.

How did you get interested in MUSE?

I met Catherine Roma many years ago and I have always been impressed by what she has achieved. Then we were in communication again in relation to her fine book on the music of Lutyens, Musgrave and Maconchy - the latter being my mother.

How has being a woman composer in England been a challenge?

Being a composer is itself a challenge! but not one that most of us stop to think about. As to being female, yes, it is always harder to be seen as part of a minority. It has not been so hard for me as for some of my contemporaries because I had the wonderful role model of my mother Elizabeth Maconchy. Because I think I have had many wonderful opportunities in my life, I have tried over the years to lobby and campaign on behalf of those composers who have been discriminated against. I was one of the founder members of the UK 'Women in Music' organization, in 1987.

Prejudice is seldom overt these days, but it exists, nevertheless. I'd like to think, since UK has such a number of fine women composers, that things were getting better; but then, things were very good for women composers when I began, in the nineteen sixties. So I don't take for granted that all the old prejudices have completely gone away. But for myself, I have not been discriminated against as far as I know.

How does that compare to the United States?

I remember very well attending a meeting of women composers - IAWC I think - and Pauline Oliveiras saying to those who felt that things in USA were now very good for women - 'Look at Lincoln Centre - its still business as before'.
However I don't know the US well enough to comment, really, on your question. The best country for women composers is surely New Zealand; one of their leading composers is Gillian Whitehead, whom I admire greatly. I do not think it an accident that New Zealand gave women the vote in the nineteenth century, before any other country, and many women hold the highest offices in the land, political, judicial, cultural.

How did you decide on the settings of Christina Rossetti poems?

I wanted to set a female poet because I felt that would be in the spirit of MUSE. And I chose Rossetti because she is such a fine poet, and I thought perhaps people might not know these texts; so introducing them would be like giving someone a present. If any of these beautiful words please someone enough that they lodge in their mind, then I'll be happy.

When hearing the pieces for the first time - -what things should the audience listen for?

Try and look at the words first - think what images and moods they conjure up - and then don't worry about 'understanding' the music, just listen attentively, so it can speak to you in its own way. None of the songs is very long, and there is lots of contrast; I have written in quite a simple 'classical' style, so I don't think listening will be difficult! I trust it will feel appropriate to these lovely poems.

She and her sister Leah enjoyed a happy childhood with their parents, Eva, a local hairdresser and Paul, a foreman at a nearby steel mill. Therese, or "Tree," as she was affectionately known, showed exceptional musical aptitude and abilities at a young age. She delighted her mother's customers and area schools and churches by belting out standards in her strong alto voice while accompanying herself on her Titano accordion. Therese loved riding the rural countryside on her horse Queen as she grew into a fearless tomboy who could accomplish anything she set her mind to. She learned to play guitar, mandolin, piano and basson, and became an accomplished songwriter.

Therese moved to Cincinnati to study bassoon at U.C.'s College conservatory of Music in 1968. Despite her intentions to become a classically trained instrumentalist, she quickly became a folk-singing favorite at Zayat Coffeehouse on U.C.'s campus. She performed a few of her own songs in addition to those of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Carole King, John Denver and other popular artists. These won her audiences over, not only with her music, but with her engaging wit and friendly banter. While at U.C. her parents produced her first album, "Prophecy's Child," which is now considered a collector's item for women's music aficionados.

Therese's breakthrough in Cincinnati popularity came in early 1972 when she performed at the Family Owl, a music coffeehouse on Calhoun Street. Her standing-ovation performance led to jobs at the Blind Lemon in Mt. Adams and Sublette's Winery on Central Parkway, where she performed for many years. She began working with Louise Anderson on bass and Betsy Lippitt on fiddle, and the threesome became known as Lady Grace. Therese and Betsy would perform together off and on for 20 years. The duo also performed in the local theater company starring in such musicals as "Godspell," "Tommy" and "Jesus Christ Superstar."

In 1976 Therese attended and performed at the National Women's Music Festival in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Meeting and performing alongside Meg Christian, Holly Near and Cris Williamson, Therese immediately became intertwined with the blossoming women's music industry and over time became an integral part of its herstory.

The year 1977 was a turning point in Therese's life in many significant ways. The beginning of that year marked her official diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, having been plagued by numbness in her hands and legs for several years. At a performance on Fountain Square that summer, she met her life partner, Teresa Boykin, who would soon become her manager and assist with the release of Therese's second album, "From Women's Faces" in August, 1977. August also marked the first time Therese performed on the night stage of the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. She would be involved with the Michigan festival, first as a performer and later, emceeing as "the voice of the music festival" for over 10 years. Therese and Teresa began touring the country, with Therese performing at women's music venues in cities across the U.S. During this period, Therese focused exclusively on her own music and songwriting, dropping the music of most other singers and songwriters from her performances. Also during these years Therese wrote what some consider her best composition in the complex and beautiful "Sister Heathenspinster's Calendar Days."

After many year of touring and as the 1980's drew to a close, Therese's MS was progressing. Not discouraged and never mentioning her difficulties to friends, she began a new dimension in her songwriting career, composing classical, choral and instrumental music, one painstaking note at a time, with a mouthstick.

Many of Therese's song have been performed by MUSE over the years. The Atlanta Feminist Women's Chorus joined MUSE on March 10, 1990 for Therese's 40th birthday extravaganza which featured many of her works. No one who participated in or attended that concert is likely to ever forget it, with the demanding rehearsals, Therese's insistence on perfection and the outpouring of love from the audience. That concert became the live CD, "For Therese."

Therese has always believed that her life is charmed. If the scores of friends who have voluntarily cared for her over the past 20 years, enabling her to remain independent and living in the 'house on the corner' in Northside, are any indication, she is right. However, only someone with Therese's strength of character, her innate charisma and her profound humanity could touch so many people and induce them to care for her and sustain her as she continues to create her music. Therese's indomitable spirit, her intense will to live, her desire to become known as an important woman musician and her willingness to share her music and her life with us over the past 30 years, surely qualifies her as a unique and deserving recipient of the MUSE 2008 Enduring Spirit Award.

Ruth Rowan, sign language interpreter for MUSE, is from south-eastern Ohio. She graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Hearing. Ruth started her career as a Speech Pathologist working in Dayton, Ohio where she learned sign language to teach her students with speech and language disabilities. Ruth received a Masters Degree in Deaf Education from the University of Cincinnati and has been a teacher of students with hearing impairments in Cincinnati Public Schools for 22 years. She is currently retired from teaching and works as a free lance interpreter.

To walk out on stage, knowing that we have a little extra pressure to perform our very best, and then to finish to thundering applause makes all the practicing worth it.

GALA, however, is more than just singing. It is representing women's choirs who are still in the minority in the Association. It is producing excellent sounds because of our famous and revered artistic director, Dr. Catherine Roma, who sets the bar high and doesn’t lower it regardless of how much we grumble. It is providing a cross section of ages, sizes, sexual preferences, political leanings, religious beliefs, and diverse racial make-ups in a way that is rarely seen in choirs like ours. It is showcasing works that were commissioned just for MUSE by some of the best women composers we know. It is demonstrating that women can have richness and multi-leveled qualities when the lowest bass notes and the sweetest high notes are melded with the complexities of musical lines in-between. It is singing for our members who could not come because of health, commitments or personal reasons, and keeping them with us in spirit as we knew they were keeping us in their thoughts.

However, most importantly, GALA is about changing our world through song. MUSE believes in musical excellence and social change. Coming together with 5000 other voices, all believing as we do that we are using the power of music to change lives is an intense experience. I remember trying to explain the moving nature of being a part of one of the most respected choruses, male, female or mixed, at the festival to someone new to the choir. I told her, “We are like Rock Stars! Wherever we go, people know about MUSE and share their excitement that we are there, with them, performing.” And it is true. I was in an elevator without any MUSE wear or my member badge, and someone commented on seeing me sing our set and how much they liked it. I was flabbergasted that anyone picked me out of 50 women in MUSE let along the thousands of attendees at the festival. It happened again, at the Miami airport when some men from across the waiting area waved and said they saw me sing with the choir and how much they loved us. How fun this was!

More than those 30 minutes on stage, which seem to happen in a blink of an eye, are the conversations, the laughs, the pictures, the meals, the stories, and the bonding that happens when the choir spends several days together like we did in Miami. I freely admit this is as much of the event for me as the actual singing. I would spend most evenings by the marina, relaxing, enjoying the bay breeze, and talking to other choir members who would join us at our table on the outside terrace. Histories about one’s life, memories of earlier choirs, laughter about what happened at the pool, conversations about new ideas for songs, all brought us closer together. Stopping in to see members’ rooms, and giggling because we were tired, sun-kissed and sometimes had a margarita or two was part of the daily routine. Waking up to look down on the cruise ships in the harbor as the Florida sun reflected off the ocean water was such a treat to my land-bound eyes. Walking over to the little diner a couple of blocks away and getting to know the career waitress by name was a piece of our adventure at GALA. Making friendships with members from other choirs was done throughout the week we were there. I especially enjoyed getting to know some of our choir buddies from the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. MUSE is more than a choir, and to women like me, it is my family. I have made my best friends from the choir, and when we need each other, we are there. The loves shared, the disappointments, the sympathies, the celebrations, all are part of being a member of MUSE, whether one sings, volunteers, directs, or is a musician. Attending GALA simply makes that stronger.

At the GALA in Montreal, I remember making a joke with someone just as Cathy Roma passed by. Overhearing, she shook her head at me, smiling and murmured, “Oh, Debbie.” I laughed and said, “How did someone like me get in this choir?” Cathy looked up at me and replied, “I guess there was just an empty spot waiting for you.” Sometimes I still hear Cathy’s voice when I do something silly echoing, “Oh, Debbie” to me, but most of all I am so blessed that there was a place for me. MUSE changed my life.

Holly Near’s words in a piece she wrote for MUSE and our 25th anniversary provide a poignant melody to accompany my memories of our time at GALA:

All that there is
I will hold it in my arms…
I will hold it in my song…
I will hold it in my feet…
I will hold it in my heart.
I don’t want to leave anything out,
For fear of knowing or lack of interest.
I want to take it in,
All that there is.
And I don’t want to leave anything in,
When I die may I go empty,
For having given away
All that there is.

Debbie Piper

Debbie Piper has really said it all. Her description of the Rock Star experience MUSE has at every GALA festival resonates powerfully with me. I still recall being stopped on the street in Seattle in 1989 by a carload of men who screeched to a halt and chanted, “MUSE! MUSE! MUSE!” the day after our performance. So that diva feeling is something special, for sure. There’s nothing quite like filing off stage after singing and having to pick our way through a crowd of clapping, cheering audience members who skipped out to applaud us as we emerged. And of course, there’s nothing like being part of that audience for other favorite choirs. The music—yes, it’s the music that makes GALA for me.

This past summer there was also sweat. I really don’t get to Florida very often, and my body reacted intensely to the soupy atmosphere. Every night when Brenda and Colleen and I got back to our hotel room, we peeled off soggy clothing and remarked on such fascinating subjects as sweat glands, hydration, and general discomfort. My personal fave among sweat moments at this year’s GALA was squeezing together on the riser in the photographer’s area to get our official photo taken, and seeing little damp places on the floor left over from previous choirs perspiring there! Eww.

I’ll take away some neat musical memories too. I love to sing mixed, as opposed to grouped in sections. The MUSE GALA group had made the decision to sing mixed, and we worked on that new sound in Cincinnati before we left for Miami, and again in rehearsals before our Monday night set. But the actual performance venue challenged us even more. We were quite spread out, compared to how we usually sing, and that combined with mixing parts made it feel like each of us was singing solo. At the same time, though, voices and sounds came through thrillingly, in ways we were not previously accustomed to. How lovely to hear Rachel’s Soprano I voice in my right ear as I sang—not my usual experience of MUSE performance.

I was also singing for Paula, who couldn’t go at the last moment. A choir friend was holding my cell phone up in the audience so Paula could hear MUSE live, and I was conscious of wanting her to feel present and included with us. [She said later that the cell phone sound wasn’t the greatest, but “Non Nobis Domine” came through just fine.]

My one quibble about this year’s GALA was the disproportionate male focus. True, there were a lot more men than women, and they deserved to be accommodated, but sometimes I felt a tinge of misogyny in the choices of entertainment and even in comments overheard around town. MUSE plans to attend the Sister Singers convergence in Chicago in 2010, which should provide the antidote to that feeling. Still, I loved GALA, and the sense of too-much-maleness reinforces the necessity for our being there in the first place.

Deb Meem

To call GALA an experience would probably be an understatement... This was my first GALA and, may I say, it far exceeded my expectations. Everyone who had been to GALA before told me about things to expect: very little free time, amazing performances, people chasing MUSEers down to fawn, nights shared with amazing women over mojitos and martinis, etc. The experience I had, however, was all that and more. I never thought that a choral music festival would end up being so much fun, so difficult, and so fulfilling. The first funny thing for me about GALA was how many people recognized MUSE! We had quite the following, and never before in my life have so many people gone out of their way to express their appreciation and admiration for anything I've been a part of. It was, well, at least I'd imagine that this was, not unlike being a rockstar! "Wear your MUSE attire," people told me. They were right. From restaurants to elevators to across the street, no matter where we went, people loved MUSE.

But for as much as people loved MUSE, I can't imagine people not loving so many other choral ensembles! The amount of talent that was represented at GALA was amazing. From Seattle Women's delightful re-tellings of Ann Bannon stories to the breathtaking work done by Turtle Creek Chorale to the political parody of Anna Crusis, there was not a single performance that I attended where I wasn't blown away at something an ensemble had done. Clearly GALA choruses have an unflagging devotion, motivation, and love for what we do.

It's that love and pride, though, that really struck a chord for me at GALA. The electricity that preparing for GALA gave MUSE was wonderful for me to be part of. There wasn't a moment during our rehearsals where I didn't feel the passion from the women singing around me. That passion paid off; the night of our performance set was the most powerful night of performance I have ever had in my life. That night is hands down one of them most important nights of my life and by far my favorite experience from GALA. I have never before felt so connected - to the music and its message, to the women around me, to the community, and probably most importantly, to myself. I stood on that stage in front and among of hundreds of other LGBT people and was overwhelmed. I was so proud that we as a community are at a point in history where we can come together in a celebration of our history and our connection with music. I was humbled that I was given the opportunity to be part of that. And I was validated by the awesome support from the crowd. It was probably the moment where I really knew what being in MUSE was about, for me. I walked off stage after our set and realized that I had given more of myself in those 30 minutes than I ever have before. There was a moment, after Gamba Adisa and again after All That There Is, where I realized that I had been barely breathing. It was an out-of-body experience; I felt like I was watching us perform and despite the fact that it was a sensation of not really knowing where I was, I've never been more present. I gave all that I had to give that night and I left GALA a different person.

I'm fairly sure other people's recollections and experiences of GALA may include many more tales of debauchery, friendship, and watching sunrises over Miami Beach (all of which I happily participated in as well....). But for me, it was the realization that MUSE is part of something so much bigger than itself. The sense of connection that I gained from GALA was a happy accident; I headed down to Miami expecting to sit on the beach and drink and I left knowing a little bit more about myself and my community. I can't wait to see what happens next time.

Katie Johnson (Katie Freedom)

The list of artists who have been icons of the “women’s music” is not complete without the inclusion of MUSE. So from one icon to another, and I hope you see that I am smiling, I send you congratulations and a big hug full of harmony.

Holly Near
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“Mercy and truth have met: justice and peace have kidded each other.” (Ps 85:9)

Sixteen centuries ago, Saint Augustine wrote a commentary on this psalm verse. He said: “Do justice and you shall have peace; that justice and peace may kiss each other…Ask everyone, do you desire peace? With one voice the whole human race answers: I wish, I desire, I want, I love peace. Love also justice: for these two, justice and peace are friends; they kiss one another… You perhaps desire the one, and not the other: for there is no one who does not desire peace: but all will not work for justice.”

In MUSE – CINCINNATI’S WOMEN’S CHOIR, justice and peace… and artistry have kissed. I cannot think of another women’s choir which has, with as much determination and clarity, walked the talk of “peace through music.” Empowering music, new works, multi-cultural music, music for its own beauty’s sake. Brava! to Cathy Roma and MUSE for 25 years serving as an inspiration to the community of Cincinnati and to the community of women’s choruses across the country.

I am pleased and honored that my music will be a part of today’s concert celebration.

Joan Szymko
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Congratulations to MUSE and Catherine Roma on 25 years of service in the greater Cincinnati community producing thought provoking and musically inspiring programming. MUSE and Catherine are cultural trasures in our community.

Earl Rivers
Director of Choral Studies, CCM
Music Director, Vocal Arts Ensemble
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Cathy,

You and your galactic choirs are the regions’ singing conscience!! I salute you for your many talents, dedication to all wonderful causes, and caring for people…in addition to the incredible joy you bring us all with that magnificent sound called MUSE. With all honor to you , Cathy.

Hugs and love
Melody
______________________________________________________________________

Congratulations to the women of MUSE on 25 years of song, from your sisters in Anna Crusis Women’s Choir. You are an inspiration to us.

MUSE and Catherine have always stretched in all ways in order to grow and to include. This is an amazing quality that sustains. I have loved being a part of you herstory with my song and improvisation. I feel how each of us have been touched by your collaborations in ways that will last for a lifetime. We are all grateful that you thrive. Keep on growing and including.

Much Love,
Rhiannon

Cathy Roma’s work has been invaluable to our community, if for nothing else than to illustrate the diversity within the arts and culture of our city. Cathy’s attitude has always been one of inclusion as well excellence. She has illuminated and supported countless under-appreciated and little-known works, especially the rich trove of music created by women and people of color. Her scholarly, dedicated approach ahs made her a leader – indeed, a pioneer – in the women’s choral movement nationwide, and her striving for excellence has earned her the respect of every music professional I know.

Bravo to Cathy and to MUSE for this important milestone, with hopes of many more to come.

Janelle Gelfand,
Classical music writer,
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MUSE lifts spirts, renews energy and refreshes the peace community. What a gift you are to all people who care! Congratulations on 25 years of bringing beauty and meaning to us.

Sr. Alice Gerdeman, CDP
Coordinator: Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center

The MUSES…they breathe in single threads, and breathe out a tapestry
The MUSES...they breathe in a singular and breathe out the collective
The MUSES…they breathe in the pain and breathe out the healing
The MUSES…they breathe in us all,
the breathe of MUSE is love.

Jennifer Stasack,
Composer

To Cathy, Rachel and the wise, wonderful women of MUSE.

Congratulations on this milestone. It should seem like a huge one, but in my view it is but a bookmark in the pages of the long list of MUSE achievements. Your music lifts me up every time you sing, and I am honored to have learned at you feet. As our friend Holly Near has put it, I have experienced the “Change of Heart” that comes from witnessing your courage and occasionally joining your choir.

Peace,
Patrick Coyle

In Song and Struggle

Congratulations for bringing light and song and enriching our corner of the world for a quarter of a century. It has been my joy and support to have been blessed to work with you as you have sung your way through these years. My blessings to each and every woman and vice, you fierce directo, and a special blessing to those of you who are from the founding generation; and candle light to those who are singing with you this night from the spirit side of being…

Bernice Johnson Reagon

Dear Dr. Catherine Roma and MUSE-

It has been my great personal pleasure to have been in relationship with you for at least half of your celebrated 25 years. More than any other artistic entity, you have contributed most substantially to my growth and development as a composer – by commissioning new works and arrangements of traditional spirituals; by performing and recording large number of my works; and by keeping my music in you repertoire, year after year. These are the greatest gifts a composer/arranger could ask for and I thank you.

More generally, MUSE is a beacon light – acknowledged as the finest women’s chorus in the country, not only because of its high standard of musical performance but additionally, because it is a chorus which understands that artistry and broad pallet of good music (that is, music with vision, integrity and conscience, message and, yes, musicality) can affirm and build audiences, and has the power to address the deep needs of its community and can serve when called.

Finally, MUSE has been exemplary in bringing together diverse women who year after year, guided by wise and talented woman, agree to breathe together and to create rhythms and harmonies that nourish and heal themselves and others.

I wish all you continued long life, so that we may all benefit.

Congratulations,
Ysaye M. Barnwell
(Sweet Honey in the Rock)

Not only did MUSE help us begin our chorus by offering support and occasional sheet music, Muse has defined my concept of what a chorus can be in their community…..they inspire our chorus to build bridges and take risks towards increasing diversity; they inspire us to commission works so that repertoire can be available for mature women’s voices; they continually inspire us toward musical excellence. And they are a testament to feminism as a commitment and a lifestyle choice. Thank you MUSE for being there for all of us, even though we live too far away to attend your concerts!

Lori Tennenhouse
Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus

Mazal tov y’all – to the best women’s choir we know!

Miriam and Kiya
Wishing Chair

Kudos! MUSE’s life has been flowing with song for 25 years now, and we are all richer for their singing. Clap you hands, shout for joy, raise a glass, and raise your voices. Sisters, you keep us all singing!

David Moore

Dear Muse and Cathy:

What a wonderful anniversary…..congratulations! I cannot imagine the world without Muse and under Cathy’s direction some brilliant and important music has been created and …..think of the lives all of you have touched. As the Founding Music Director of the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus the women of MUSE and Cathy Roma taught us how to be good and sensitive men. Our joint concert with you …..”In Praise of Women”…..helped a young men’s chorus get on a musical journey that was vital to our growth both individually and as a chorus. That concert helped launch our feminist sensitivity! I count myself very lucky to have shared the stage with you…..a memory I will never forget!

I am thrilled for you all and with I could be there to celebrate! Congratulations and keep on singing!

Michael Hayden
Redondo Beach, California

My wish:

Congratulations, MUSE and Cathy on 25 years of makin beautiful music for ALL communities and the GALA choruses. Your contributions to women’s music are staggering, impressive and unmatched. Your accomplishments and milestones have mad all of us proud. Here’s to another 25 years! Peace and Blessing.

Richard Garrin

MUSE doesn’t just sing notes and words – it sings the history and future of our lives together in this world. We are all blessed by your voices and spirit. Happy Birthday, beautiful women! (And many more!)

Elizabeth Alexander, composer
St. Paul, MN

It’s hard to imagine Cincinnati’s music scene and social justice scene without also thinking about MUSE. You have been a powerful voice for community collaboration and a light for community action. Congratulations on you “excellent” service to all of us.

Ernest Tahlib Britton
Chief Officer for Community Engagement
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Cathy Roma and MUSE have been deeply inspiring to me for many years. Seeing vision manifested so powerfully is rare and beautiful to witness.

Sue Coffee
Artistic Director, Sound Circle
Artistic Director, Resonance Women’s Chorus
Boulder, Colorado

MUSE is my constant inspiration. I look/listen to MUSE (and Cathy Roma) to know the justice issues I need to be actively teaching on and pursuing in our global society. What a better way to face the often thorny issues of social justice than with the heavenly voices of MUSE women. I celebrate 25 years of voices that sooth me and spur me to action.

Mary Rose J. Zink, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Psychology
Wilmington College

Dear Cathy,

I offer you and MUSE my heartiest congratulations on having achieved this momentous milestone. What a significant contribution you and the women of MUSE have made to Cincinnati’s musical tapestry these past twenty-five years. Please know that I wish you all the best as you continue you musical journey through the next twenty-five years!

Warmest regards,
Marie

Marie F. Speziale
Professor of Music
The Shepherd School of Music
Rice University

Cathy we love you! Congratulations to everyone at MUSE on 25 years extraordinary years.

Allison, Corinne, Arlene, Gian

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on 25 years of extraordinary music-making and community-building. MUSE, under the incredible leadership of Dr. Roma, has given so much to the world over these years. You have raised the bar in the world of women’s chorus music, stretching the boundaries and encouraging us all to follow in your footsteps of crating community within while reaching out to create connections far beyond what any other chorus has ever achieved. You are a role model in every sense of the word. My hope is that you are able to bask thoroughly in the history you have crated, take deep pride in you accomplishments and from that, draw the energy you will need for the next 25! Happy Anniversary to you all.

Dr. Tim Seelig
Artistic Director in Residence,
GALA Choruses
Conductor Emeritus, Turtle Creek Chorale

Congratulations to MUSE on 25 years of integrity, inspiration, intelligence, and passion. The MUSE spirit shines glowingly in all the glorious music you sing and in the poignant vision of global peace and justice that weaves its way through all you do. And a very special and heartfelt congratulations to my dear friend, Cathy Roma, who nurtured and grew our shared dream of community music from the seeds we embraced during our formative and vibrant years in Madison, Wisconsin during the sixties. In the key of life and love, may we continue to bring this world closer to being a loving family under one sky through our people’s music.

With much love and song,

Ruth Pelham
Founder and Executive Director
Music Mobile, Inc.
Performer, songwriter, educator, and activist.

Congratulations to MUSE: Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir on your 25th Anniversary! What a significant and honorable accomplishment!

For twenty-five year, MUSE has served as an ambassador of music, enriching countless lives and exemplifying the “oneness” of humanity that transcends race, creed, and all that tends to divide us as Americans. Your performances uplift and spread messages of love, hope, freedom, justice, perseverance, and courage – moving the hearts of young and old, alike. For this reason, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as the commissioned composer for you 12th New Spirituals project this year.

I hope that this celebration represents the commencement of twenty-five more years of service to the city, state, and nation that will be equally, if not more, potent as you soar to greater heights of musical influence, reaching countless millions with you timeless messages through song. Without a doubt the success of Muse: Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir is Hope Come True!

Sincerely,
Rosephanye Dunn Powell, D.M.
Composer, Associate Professor of Voice, Coordinator, Voice Studies

Dear MUSE,

Thank you for all your beautiful music and for allowing me to provide images and design all these years. Creating artwork for MUSE has truly been a privilege.

Ursula Roma
Little Bear Graphics

It has been our great honor to provide a “home” for MUSE for most of its 25 years! Not only have we been the beneficiaries of a truly talented group of women musicians, but the ideals that MUSE stands for—diversity, inclusion, peace and social justice—speak directly to our own mission and inspire us to continue to strive to do better. We congratulate MUSE on its 25th anniversary and look forward to the beautiful music the next 25 years will bring!

The congregation of St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church

In September 2004, the Chicago Historical Society itself made history, becoming the first mainstream historical organization to acknowledge that the lesbian-feminist “women’s music” subculture had changed the course of American history. As esteemed choral director/songwriter Sue Fink observed in HOT WIRE: The Journal of Women’s Music and Culture, “I don’t think we have ‘women’s music’ – we have a women’s music audience. We have a group of people who want to hear music by and about women.”

Cathy Roma and the women of MUSE – you have been anchors, touchstones, and beacons for this women’s music audience. Fro 25 years, regardless of trends away fro women-identified consciousness in both mainstream and lesbian music, you’ve held a steady, bringing inspiration, satisfaction, and smiles to countless women. People all over the country have been aware of (and touched by) MUSE and the work of Cathy Roma, whether or not we were lucky enough to be sitting in a concert hall hearing your beautiful singing and innovative programming. You have changed the course of American history, and you’ve done it with joy. There are no thank you’s big enough.

Toni Armstrong, Jr.
Women’s music organizer/documentarian

Congratulations on 25 year of inspiring community, friendship, and peace through music and song.

Roxanne Qualls
Cincinnati City Council Member

Dear Cathy Roma and Sisters of MUSE,

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary!

Thank you for sharing your message of love and justice throughout your singing. The high spirit and great performance of you music has touched endless hearts and minds. It is my wish that you continue elevating you voices within our universe for many years to come. We are blessed to have you.

Felicidades!
Jackeline Rago
Musician, Compser

Cathy & all the glorious & inspiring voices of MUSE, congratulations on you special anniversary.

Sincerely
Brian O’Donnell, WGUC

The first time I heard MUSE was, unfortunately, in the wrong place at the right time. The year was 1986 and the venue was the GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis. MUSE had just given an performance that so energized the audience that the chants of “MUSE, MUSE, MUSE!!” went on forever. Unfortunately, behind the curtain was the next chorus in line. And so, over shouts of “MUSE!”, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, under my direction, was forced to begin their set. Talk about a tough act to follow! I am proud to call Cathy Roma my friend, my colleague, and a true personal inspiration. May MUSE continue to bless the world for many years to come with its message of inclusion and empowerment through the highest musical standards.

Gary Miller
Conductor Emeritus
New York City Gay Men’s Chorus

Cathy and MUSE sisters – what an inspiration you have been to women and to our world during the past 25 years. I see your mission and integrity in your bodies, your eyes and hear it in your voices when you take the stage. Your work of social change has been an incredible influence for GALA choirs and for organizations and individuals across the globe. Thank you for your inspiration, commitment and passion!

Jane Ramseyer Miller
Artistic Director, One Voice Mixed Chorus
Saint Paul, MN

Dear MUSE family,

It was bout fifteen years ago that I first had the pleasure of experiencing the wonder of MUSE.

Not only was I struck by the musical excellence and aesthetic vision of the group but also, and perhaps more importantly by the sense of community and warmth that defined your group. To be able to come together in the spirit of creating beauty, and through that foster community and inspire each of us towards our highest expression is a remarkable accomplishment.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with you. Although geographic constraints make it difficult for me to attend your concerts, I feel the effects of your work like vitamins for my soul. Thank you Cathy and all of the MUSE family for the gift you have given us all. Congratulations on an extraordinary twenty-five years!

Love,
Erika

To Cathy and the beautiful women of MUSE:

You have been an inspiration to me and to all of Vox Femina LA since before Vox was even born! My first meeting with Cathy was at an ACDA convention when we immediately clicked! I knew then that this was a special woman – a woman of courage, insight and tremendous talent. Cathy was a teacher, a colleague and a friend for life. Just being in the same room as her inspired me. MUSE has se a standard for great music, community and social awareness that all women’s choruses seek to attain. I congratulate you on your accomplishments! I can’t wait to hear what the next 25 years will bring! Brava!

Iris Levine
Artistic Director
Vox Femina Los Angeles

Many thanks and blessings to Cathy Roma and MUSE for decades of being resonant “way-singers;” exemplifying the powerful contributions choirs make o community vitality. Brava, y’all, Brava!

Rachel Bagby
Founder, Choral Earth

Congratulations to Cathy Roma and MUSE on their 25th anniversary. Cathy’s devotion to the cause of women’s music affected me greatly when she came to me and asked for my original music for the choir. She didn’t stop there. Before I knew what hit me, she had brought together Brenda Wolfersberger, Linda Scutt, Ma Crow, Trina Emig, and me as the Katie Laur All-Girl Bluegrass Band. We worked jobs, recorded and made new friends and fans, particularly at the gigs we worked with MUSE. It was a fresh start for me, and I am eternally grateful to MUSE for the discipline, musicality and just plain fun they bring to every rehearsal, and to Cathy Roma, who wouldn’t rest ‘til she had me working again.

Thanks for the memories
Of singing that rang true
And bluegrass music, too.
Of banjos and of fiddles
And I’ll fly away with you…
(…in the morning)

I thank you so much!
Katie Laur (with a tip of the hat to Bob Hope)

What else is there to say that hasn’t already been said. Cathy Roma is an icon in Cincinnati. The choral/justice world here would have been vastly different and far less rich without her driving energy. Cathy lives a life of minister/stage using music as a vehicle to send out the living message of hope, love and justice. She in her work has touched countless folk in our community and beyond. Without Cathy there would never have been the WONDERFUL MUSE CHOIR that sings justice and love from the bottom of their collective toes reflecting the love, energy and input of their director. MUSE has touched so many lives in this community and we are all better for it.

Chris Miller
Founder and Director
Cincinnati Camerata
Director of Music Ministry,
Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church

Cathy was always an innovator and a feeling person for the community-at-large. We knew each other from Philadelphia’s Singing City of which she was a valuable contributor. Her talent combined with her fortitude to build something of deep meaning for people will always be remembered here in Philadelphia. I wish you and Cathy well as you proceed into the next quarter of a century.

Janet M. Yamron
Professor of Music and Music Education
Temple University
Boyer College of Music and Dance
Warmest greetings to MUSE and Catherine from Libby Larsen. Our collaboration on “I Just Lightning” is a most treasured experience. You are the Singing Women and Catherine, you are a Woman Who Through Whom We Sing! Congratulations on 25 years of lifting you voices and our hearts.

Libby Larsen

I first met Cathy Roma almost thirty years ago in Philadelphia. As the co-founder of a brand new women’s choir in St. Louis, I contacted Cathy after reading an article about her in Paid My Dues magazine. She agreed to meet me, and presented me with a huge stack of music, each piece annotated with background and performance notes. This amazing and priceless gift to me and my fledgling choir was just the beginning…three decades of generous gifts of sprit and friendship have followed. And watching MUSE perform has been a source of both tremendous inspiration and great gelight each of the times I’ve had the pleasure of bing in you audience. You truly are women who change the world. With much love, admiration, and respect, here’s to you, MUSE and Cathy Roma!

Rachel Alexander
Founding Artistic Director (1986-2001)
Sistrum – Lansing Women’s Chorus
Director of Music, Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing

GALA Choruses congratulations MUSE on their 25th anniversary. Your light shines as a beacon for all of us to follow.

Congratulations to MUSE on 25 years of singing the world as it yet might be. Your singing, your spirit, and your community changes lives – may the singing never be done!

Rev. Jason Shelton
Composer/Arranger

Heart felt congratulations on 25 years of wonderful music and community in Cincinnati. May there be many more!

Kanniks Kannikeswaran

The Seattle Women’s Chorus wishes to extend their congratulations on the 25th anniversary of MUSE. We remember the ground-breaking performance that MUSE gave in 1989 at GALA Festival III in Seattle and the inspiration it gave the women’s movement within GALA. We particularly appreciate the contribution that Dr. Catherine Roman and Lois Shegog made to Seattle Women’s Chorus when the spent a weekend with us in concert with Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon in the spring of 2007.

Dennis Coleman,
Artistic Director of Seattle Women’s Chorus and Seattle Men’s Chorus
Thanks Cathy for decades of advice and friendship.

Congratulations MUSE for 25 years of putting some superb music and some really positive ripples out into the world. I have been so honored to work with you, especially to produce you CDs. You are such a group of unique individuals. I loved watching a group of women work together so very well, with such high integrity. When you sang my composition, Singing is a Circle of Women, that was such a joy for me. You pulled more music out of that piece than I had written into it. I remember playing my tenor sax in Teresa Edell’s piece, Take Back the Guns, and just being so glad to participate in some means of voicing this sentiment. I remember when Rachel first joined the group and she has truly blossomed and added so much. And Cathy Roma….what can I say? She is the bomb. Thank you so much MUSE. I love you all.

Tucki Bailey

I have preformed on four continents during the last 25 years. So far, my most meaningful performances were with MUSE, each and every time. The opportunity to be part of Catherine Roma’s contributions to our community and great music is a fantastic honor.

Michele Gingras
Professor of Music,
Miami University (Ohio)

I am proud to have been one of MUSE’s supporters over the years, and prouder yet of a group that has been doing such great things for so many years. Congratulations!

Karin Pendle, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita of Musicology, CCM

Dear Cathy and MUSE,

Congrats on a phenomenal first 25 years! What a pleasure and honor to know you and have worked with you in that time. Keep spreading the good word, sisters!

Best,
Suede

Congratulations to all of the members of MUSE, both past and present, and thank you for your courageous and magnificent singing. And to my dear, dear friend and personal heroine, Cathy Roma, your great heart fills me with joy.

With love and admiration
Barbara Wagner
Minister of Music, UU Church of Buffalo,
AD, Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus

Current singers are always excited to welcome new voices, but who will show for their audition? This year we had 33 women signed up and invited 12 to join! Our audition committee consisted of 13 leaders of current MUSE singers who dedicated almost their whole Saturday to this process. A BIG thanks to them! If you are interested in becoming a singer, please come to a concert to see what our performances are all about. Then, watch for an email in late spring announcing the 2009 audition date! If you are excited to help MUSE now, please contact us to become a member of our 5th section. They are non-singing members who help run MUSE and produce her concerts. Contact us at muse@musechoir.org if you are interested.

Justicia Global is an international, grass-roots organizing school based out of Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic (a small country in the Caribbean that shares an island with Haiti, and is wedged in between Cuba and Puerto Rico).

Mark goes on to say, "much of our analysis in Justica Global with regards to understanding the current practices of power is derived from the experiences, the reflections, and the analyses set forth by women. Thus, collaboration between MUSE and the Gender Studies Center for at least a day during the conference is very much in order. This collaboration could take the form of a concert and panel discussion about the power of art and music to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and the suppression of women's rights."

We plan our trip for March, 2009. We are ecstatic, to say the least, and want to make every effort to include as many MUSE singers as possible. Stay tuned.