Queer choir Tone Cluster, which has been adding a touch of harmony to Ottawa's performing arts scene since 1994, will stage a concert called Red on Saturday, Nov 17.
Red is the colour of Remembrance Day poppies and AIDS ribbons, and the concert strives to honour both causes.
"The first half of the concert has worked out to focus on Remembrance Day, and the second half is the World AIDS Day theme, although there is still a theme of remembrance there, too," says Kurt Ala-Kantti, Tone Cluster's music director.
The concert will have a truly international edge, featuring compositions from Tanzania, New Zealand and Scotland in addition to many homegrown arrangements.
Ala-Kantti says there's no better choir to address the AIDS epidemic. "It fits in with our theme and the experiences of many of our choir members. So many people are touched by both topics," he says. "They are intertwined."
He says concert-goers will experience "a beautiful evening of music."
"It is very moving and upbeat," he says. "There are hopeful pieces to carry home with you afterwards."
A representative from the AIDS Committee of Ottawa and queer veterans will also speak at the concert.
Tone Cluster: Red
Sat, Nov 17, 8pm
Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St
$18 advance, $20 door
Advance tickets can be purchased at Venus Envy, Books on Beechwood, Collected Works and The Leading Note.
