Philadelphia Voices of Pride’s 20th Anniversary
We are so excited to share our 20th anniversary concert with you!
When PVOP sings, it is more than just a melody – it is a declaration of who we are. As we move forward, we hope to embody the growth, resilience, and beautiful diversity of our community. We hope to carry on using our voices to break barriers and build bridges to cultivate a world where every voice is celebrated and heard, especially those in our queer community. We hope to take inspiration from our past and continue to nurture the community we have built by lifting each other up and finding commonality in our diversity.
Philadelphia Voices of Pride was founded in 2005 when the members of the all men’s group Spruce Street Singers wanted to include a more diverse range of voices, including sopranos and altos for the first time. This led to the formation of PVOP, the only mixed-voice, all-gender, LGBTQ+ chorus in Philadelphia. The founding members performed for the first time on May 13, 2006. PVOP began with just 41 singers, but steadily grew in numbers each year, becoming 130+ singers strong. The founders never could have believed we would become who we are today!
During our 20 years we have been led by several Artistic Directors, including Bruce Glenny, Jason Seta, Dean Rishel, Elinor Armsby, and our current Artistic Director, Daniel Schwartz. We thank them for all they have contributed to our growth during their time with us. They have each brought something unique with them that has helped us continue to grow.
Many of our singers have taken on leadership roles across the board of directors. Of special note are our past presidents, John Kane (founding member), Erika Grossman (founding member), Paul Jensen (founding member), Justin Aurand, Kirsten Schaney, Ginny Brown, and our current president, Erica Rose Smith. Thank you all for your hard work!
In our 20 years we have seen members come and go, and have some who have stayed with us from the very beginning. However, the losses we feel most acutely are those who have passed away. Our memories of them will always be with us.
Through it all our audiences have laughed and cried with us. Your support on our journey has made it possible for us to grow into who we are today. Thank you!
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Current Members
Gershon Cattan | Chris Hatfield | Paul Jensen | Phil Ledsome | Mandie Spindler | Arlene Mand | Wayne Marquardt
Former Members
Peter Adels | Rob Blackwell | Jennifer Butler | Miguel De Blas | Christopher Deighan | Mordecai Diamant | Louie DiLullo | Rebecca Dunne | Monique Ellison | Douglas Famy | Gerry Feiler | Michael George | Barbara Gindhart | Bruce Glenny | Phil Gordemer | Erika Grossman | Jack Gwin | Yeremiah Hardt | Frank Juarbe | John Kane | Pat Kershner | Ray Kerstetter | Blake Kondas | Vincent Lau Chan | Peter Lee | Sarah Medcalf | Ellen Murphy | Gregory Oliveri | Alyce Pandolfi | Michael Reed | Shannon Runion | Sarah Schmidt | Jason Seta | Suzanne Wright | Dusty Youngs
We Remember
David Brinson | Todd Conway | Evelyn Friel | John Geronimo
Support PVOP
Over the last 20 years, PVOP has continued to flourish thanks to the incredible support of our community.
PVOP is funded from our membership, grant support, and the generosity of people like you. Please consider making a donation to help us continue to bring our joyful singing to communities in the Philadelphia area. PVOP is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. EIN: 20-3671863. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
You can click the button below or make checks payable to Philadelphia Voices of Pride and mail them to:
Philadelphia Voices of Pride
1315 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
PVOP Memories 2006-2026
