Our Mission Statement: The Central Pennsylvania Womyn's Chorus brings together a diverse group of women, united by the joy of singing, to celebrate and empower women and to affirm a positive image of lesbians and feminists.
Once upon a time...a woman attended the 1993 Gay Pride Festival, and heard the Harrisburg Men's Chorus sing. She was so inspired, she asked to join. Chorus leaders offered to join her in founding a women's chorus... A year later, the Central Pennsylvania Womyn's Chorus debuted at the same Festival.
We strive for musical excellence in a wide range of styles, including classical, folk, jazz, a cappella, chants and rounds, show tunes and popular songs of most decades of the twentieth century, and music recently composed.
Our concerts offer a safe and enjoyable environment for lesbians, feminists, gay men, human rights supporters, lovers of choral music, and our families, friends and neighbors to come together and celebrate our diversity as well as our common goals.
We are a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization and recognized as a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code: contributions to the chorus are tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Our board, singers, and other volunteers contribute their time, talent and dues. Many members and supporters make an ongoing commitment through a monthly pledge that can be direct-deducted from our checking accounts. Other finances are raised through various fund-raising events throughout the year, including spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfast, and volunteering at concessions stands for events in the state farm show building.
Through your support, the Central Pennsylvania Womyn's Chorus can continue serving our community through music. The support you provide gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of the people we touch. Without your support, our mission and vision will be incomplete.
The CPWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations may be counted as charitable contributions for tax purposes. Donations of any size are accepted and greatly appreciated!
If you would like to volunteer, please email cpwc@lucytv.net
Thank you for your support!
A quote from one of our singers:
I wanted to sing and be a part of the Central PA Womyn's Chorus because the mission of the group is to present a positive message through music of lesbian and diverse females. This message inspires and motivates womyn to be better human beings and brings change to the world which is lasting, necessary and good. Your music touches the heart and souls of listeners. Plus I love being in the company with such great people!
Jordan R. Markham, Artistic Director & Conductor, studied at The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He is a classically-trained singer, having studied under Grammy-winning baritone William Sharp and soprano Susan Solomon Beckley of Bucknell University. He was a chorister at The National Cathedral and a chorister and soloist in The Handel Choir of Baltimore. Throughout the past decade, Jordan has performed with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, as well as at Carnegie Hall, the Boston Symphony Hall, and the Jackie Gleason Theatre. He has been active in the musical scene for the past decade directing, accompanying, and acting in theaters throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. He is currently serving as Director of Music & Organist at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Tyler Canonico is hailed as “one of east coast's finest young concert organists and inspiring church musicians.” Tyler is the Minister of Music and Organist at Market Square Presbyterian Church in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to his work, he is the organist for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, a co-founding member of Allegro con Fuoco, serves on the American Guild of Organists' national committee for Pipe Organ Encounters, and is the Sub Dean for the Harrisburg AGO Chapter. His education includes a Master of Music in organ performance from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Arts in organ performance and sacred music from Lebanon Valley College. Tyler is exclusively represented by Concert Artists Cooperative.
We have performed at many different concerts and smaller events. The following is a list of our concerts, with links to view the concert program (when available). You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files.