SAN DIEGO – Today, the San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) announced the appointment of Kathleen Hansen as the chorus’ first-ever assistant artistic director. After an extensive search process, SDWC’s board of directors extended the offer to Hansen, who started in the position Oct. 19. Ms. Hansen will work closely alongside long-time SDWC Artistic Director Christopher Allen, to provide additional musical assistance and support to SDWC’s growing membership and will make her debut with the chorus at the chorus’ winter concert Light Up the World Dec. 7 and 8. SDWC is delighted to welcome Ms. Hansen as part of their choral family.
The assistant artistic director position is a newly created role for the 26-year old non-audition LGBTQA women’s chorus. “SDWC has grown threefold over the last few years and having an Assistant Director will allow us to meet the needs of our membership by providing additional artistic support, allowing us to facilitate more productive rehearsals, and creating additional opportunities to share our music within the San Diego community,” stated SDWC President Carin Scheinin. “Kathleen’s exemplary artistry, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit, as well as her extensive work with choral ensembles and singers of all talent levels, is a wonderful fit for our organization.”
Ms. Hansen has been working in the field of music education since 1998 with students of all ages. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in music education and trumpet, a single subject teaching credential, and a Master of Music degree specializing in conducting. As a performer, she has had the opportunity play and sing on a diverse array of stages: from street courtyards and concert halls in Italy to San Diego’s own Symphony Hall. She has conducted both amateur and professional ensembles in many venues in San Diego County and has taught a variety of music courses including band, choir, music technology, and conducting. Ms. Hansen has taught at Middle School, High School and University levels and has directed a variety of community groups. In addition to her new role with SDWC, Ms. Hansen also currently serves as the Director of the Sun Harbor Chorus, the North County Tremble Clefs, and the Associate Director of the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines, Intl. She also operates Serenity Sound Healing where she uses traditional Tibetan instruments as a therapeutic modality.
For more than 25 years, the SDWC has been singing to combat oppression and fight for equality. A non-audition lesbian and feminist identified community chorus established in 1987, SDWC has grown from 14 women singing around a piano in a living room to a vibrant group of over 85 women who rehearse weekly, produce two major concerts per year, and perform at numerous events in the San Diego community and beyond. Through musical expression the San Diego Women’s Chorus encourages women’s creativity, celebrates diversity and inspires social action. SDWC believes that the power of women and the power of music can affect positive change in individual lives, as well as communities at large. Through thought-provoking concerts and community outreach performances, the chorus serves the LGBTQA community and beyond with programming that honors and celebrates both the diversity and universality of the human experience.
SDWC will present its 26th annual holiday concert Light Up the World Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Both performances will be held at the University Christian Church, 3900 Cleveland Avenue 92103. Tickets can be purchased at www.sdwc.org.
