Founded in 2012, the 50-voice intergenerational women’s chorus, Belle Voci, has been using choral performances as a means for social good by supporting causes that primarily benefit women. The community-based ensemble includes “college students, recent graduates, mothers, grandmothers, three sets of sisters, eight ladies with degrees in music, two Ph.Ds, and twenty-five ladies who sang in choir while they were in college,” according to their website.
In their first five years, the chorus has raised funds for various non-profits in the Pittsburgh area including Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Homewood YMCA Food Bank,Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Foundation’s Race for the Cure. They have cultivated partnerships with other vocal artists, composers and choirs in the area that have led to joint performances with "Canticum" a sub-group of the The Steel City Men's Chorale, Essence of Joy Alumni Singers from Penn State University, Giambelli String Quartet, Pittsburgh Boy Choir, University of Pittsburgh’s Panther Rhythms, Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Brass, and Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh to name a few.
Recently they launched Giovani Voci, a choir program for girls ages 9-14. This quote by the conductor of Giovani Voci, Jenna Hayes, captures the essence of their mission. “I am an advocate for social good, and see music as a perfect vehicle for effecting change. Singing empowers women; it provides a strength we can transfer to other aspects of our lives.”
