Cynthia Powell
Artistic Director, Stonewall Chorale and Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC
As the leader of Stonewall Chorale, the nation’s first LGBT chorus, and the Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC, Cynthia Powell has conducted performances for discerning New York audiences at prestigious venues like Merkin Concert Hall, BAM and Symphony Space. Powell also serves as music director and organist of West End Collegiate Church on the Upper West Side. “There is nothing better, to my mind, than making music with other people,” Powell says. “Producing concerts that introduce audiences to new and unusual works is a tremendous joy. Commissioning new works through Melodia has been a delight, especially from younger, emerging women composers.” Powell stresses the role of community in her work as artistic director. “While the Stonewall Chorale is mixed LGBT men and women, and Melodia is all women, both are very important to the musical life of New York City,” she says. “Both organizations provide a kind of family, a way for singers to get together to create something of beauty, socialize and develop friendships that last for years.”
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