now accepting new singers! join us
who we are
Rainbow Harmony Project is Winnipeg's choral community of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies dedicated to effecting social change, building relationships, and celebrating diverse identities and lived experiences through the power of song.
Over the last two decades, Rainbow Harmony Project has provided space for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies to meet new people and explore what it means to sing for social change.
singing out
Rainbow Harmony Project has been making valuable contributions to the Manitoba choral, music and arts scene for over twenty years. Our non-auditioned choirs have long been celebrated for our musicianship, innovative and creative programming, and community outreach. RHP choirs sing a wide variety of music, always with the goal of inspiring and connecting with our audience and providing a positive, affirming image of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Our choirs present multiple concerts during the season and also perform at community events, reaching a wide-ranging audience in Winnipeg and beyond.
our values
As a community we provide social and fellowship experiences to enrich the lives of our members. We celebrate diversity in our membership, audience, and in the music we sing. We strive to be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all members of our community. We seek to educate others and ourselves about 2SLGBTQIA+ culture, history and lived experiences. We facilitate opportunities for our members to learn and grow both musically and personally. We ensure our lived experiences are visible to our audiences as we challenge homophobia, transphobia, and injustice.
history
Rainbow Harmony Project started in 1999 thanks to founding members Alan Blanchette, Marion Hijkoop, Paul Pattyn, Jeff Stafflund, and Scott Naugler. The first season was a huge success with no less than 60 members. With Scott and Alan directing and Rob Lindey on piano, the choir kept a busy schedule of performances and involvement in community events such as World AIDS Day Pink Triangle Sunday, and the Gay Pride Parade. A highlight of the season was the Beginnings concert, where the choir performed with Bridge City Chorus (Saskatoon) and Prairie Pride Chorus (Regina) to a standing ovation from the 900 audience members.
Jul 1, 1999
Jeff Stafflund set up a table on Pride Day to publicize the formation of a glbt choir.
May 1, 2000
Inaugural concert at Walker Theatre before an audience of 900.
Jun 1, 2000
RHP's Big Red Truck float won first prize in the Pride parade.
Dec 31, 2000
RHP becomes an incorporated non-profit organization.