In the Heart: Rainbow Choir Sings
rainbow Choir Debuts, Celebrates Community adn Song
Table of Contents
- rainbow Choir Debuts, Celebrates Community adn Song
- Rainbow Choir: A Q&A About Graz’s Vibrant Musical Community
- What is the Rainbow Choir?
- Who is involved with the Rainbow Choir?
- When was the Rainbow choir founded?
- Were did the Rainbow Choir perform its debut concert?
- What kind of music does the Rainbow Choir perform?
- What makes the rainbow Choir unique?
- Where does the Rainbow Choir get its funding?
- How can I join the Rainbow Choir?
- Why was Theater am Lend chosen as the venue?
- Has the Rainbow Choir performed before?
- What are the Rainbow Choir’s future plans?
GRAZ, Austria – The Rainbow Choir, a vibrant ensemble celebrating diversity and musical passion, made its concert debut at Theater am Lend on April 11. Joe Niedermayer, a choir member and head of Rosalila Pantherinnen, described the choir as ”funny, joint, demanding,” highlighting its unique blend of entertainment and inclusivity.
A Night of Music and Color
The Theater am Lend buzzed with excitement as people of all ages gathered for the performance. Choir members, identifiable by their black attire accented with rainbow scarves or ties, prepared the venue with colorful decorations. The audience could hear the choir’s final warm-up exercises before the show began.
Drag queen Jodie Fox hosted the evening, captivating the audience with anecdotes and charisma. Fox’s four outfit changes, including a nun costume, added to the spectacle. The 30-member choir performed songs such as “Viva La Vida,” “born This Way,” “Don’t Stop Me now,” and “Time Warp,” accompanied by piano, guitar, double bass, and bagpipes. The concert concluded with an encore and standing ovation.
Choir’s Origins in Lockdown
The Rainbow Choir was founded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous attempts to form a choir had faltered. “when the idea became ready during the lockdown, my first thought was to call Željka Hrestak,” niedermayer said.Hrestak, who has led choirs in Styria since 1995, brought her experience to the Rainbow Choir.
More Than Just Music
The choir’s repertoire spans pop hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Niedermayer emphasizes that the songs, including those by Gloria Gaynor, Elton John, and Lady Gaga, are anthems for the queer community. Songs like “Born This Way” have become signature tunes for the choir.

Community first
While maintaining musical standards, the Rainbow Choir prioritizes community. “Over time,many friendships have developed,and some singers feel the choir is a new family,” Niedermayer said. Choir director Željka Hrestak ensures high musical quality. “A choir is always as good as its management,” Niedermayer noted. Some songs demand precision, while others emphasize the joy of singing together.
Financial Independence
The choir is financially sustained by monthly contributions from its members.Niedermayer believes this fosters commitment.Rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings. Newcomers are welcome to observe and join if they wish.
Theater am Lend: A venue with Values
Niedermayer said the Theater am Lend was chosen deliberately. “When you look at the program, you can see that it is a feminist theater…queerness and feminism belong together,” Niedermayer explained. The Rosalila Pantherinnen have a history of events at the theater.
Future Performances
The Rainbow Choir, despite the April 11 concert being its first official performance, has previously appeared at Pride parades and festivals. The choir hopes to finance its activities thru performances, making singing accessible to all. While seeking bookings, the choir plans future concerts.
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Rainbow Choir: A Q&A About Graz‘s Vibrant Musical Community
This article answers frequently asked questions about the Rainbow Choir, a unique and inclusive musical ensemble based in Graz, Austria. All facts is derived from the provided article.
What is the Rainbow Choir?
The Rainbow Choir is a diverse and vibrant musical ensemble based in graz, Austria. They celebrate diversity, musical passion, and community. the choir made its concert debut at Theater am Lend on april 11th.
Who is involved with the Rainbow Choir?
The choir consists of approximately 30 members. Željka Hrestak directs the choir, and joe Niedermayer, a choir member and head of the Rosalila Pantherinnen, is also involved. Drag queen Jodie Fox hosted the debut concert.
When was the Rainbow choir founded?
The Rainbow Choir was founded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Were did the Rainbow Choir perform its debut concert?
The Rainbow Choir’s debut concert was held at Theater am Lend in Graz, Austria.
What kind of music does the Rainbow Choir perform?
The choir’s repertoire includes pop hits from the ’80s and ’90s. They perform songs like “Viva La Vida,” “Born This Way,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and “Time Warp.” The songs, including hits by Gloria Gaynor, Elton John, and Lady Gaga, are considered anthems for the queer community. The performances are accompanied by piano,guitar,double bass,and bagpipes.
What makes the rainbow Choir unique?
The Rainbow Choir prioritizes community. It’s described as “funny, joint, demanding,” blending entertainment with inclusivity. Members wear black attire accented with rainbow scarves or ties. The choir fosters friendships and a sense of family amongst its members.
Where does the Rainbow Choir get its funding?
The choir is financially sustained by monthly contributions from its members.
How can I join the Rainbow Choir?
Newcomers are welcome to observe rehearsals and join if they wish. Rehearsals are held on Sunday evenings.
Why was Theater am Lend chosen as the venue?
Theater am Lend was chosen deliberately because of its values. it is indeed a feminist theater, and the organizers believe “queerness and feminism belong together.” The Rosalila Pantherinnen have a history of events at the theater.
Has the Rainbow Choir performed before?
Yes, even though the April 11th concert was its official debut, the Rainbow Choir has previously performed at Pride parades and festivals.
What are the Rainbow Choir’s future plans?
The choir hopes to finance its activities through performances,making singing accessible to all. They are seeking bookings and plan future concerts.
