ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir celebrates 50 years! As GALA Choruses founding chorus, ANNA has been a leader within the LGBTQIA+ choral movement. Artistic Director (and GALA Choruses Board Member) Miriam Davidson shares some reflections on ANNA’s journey.
ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir performs the Tattoo Monologues as part of the Coffee Concert Series during GALA Choruses Festival 2024 inside Orchestra Hall on July 12, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Zachary Lucy Photography LLC)
Then and Now: ANNA Crusis’s Enduring Vision Across 50 Years
In 2025, we proudly celebrate a significant milestone for our LGBTQIA+ choral movement: the 50th anniversary of ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, the founding chorus of GALA Choruses. It has been my distinct honor to serve as the Artistic Director of this historic organization for the past thirteen years. Throughout its journey, ANNA Crusis has evolved and flourished while remaining steadfast in its core values.
As we commemorate 50 years of ANNA, let us reflect on our rich history and the impact we’ve made together. Join me in looking forward to another half-century of transforming lives and communities through the power of song.
Miriam Davidson Artistic Director, ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir Board Member, GALA Choruses
Standing Strong: 1975 to 2025
From their very first rehearsal to today’s golden anniversary performances, ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir has remained remarkably consistent in their core purpose. It’s striking how their founding values continue to resonate in today’s world:
Safe Spaces Then and Now
In 1975, ANNA created what was often a rare sanctuary—a place where lesbians could be openly themselves during a time when many felt forced to hide their identity.
In 2025, while much has changed, safe spaces remain vital. ANNA continues to provide a musical home where members can bring their whole selves to rehearsal. The definition of who needs these spaces has expanded, but the importance of belonging hasn’t diminished.
Dr. Catherine Roma Founding Artistic Director, ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir
Amplifying Marginalized Voices
When Dr. Catherine Roma founded ANNA, women’s stories were rarely centered in choral music. ANNA boldly put women’s experiences—their struggles and triumphs—at the heart of their repertoire.
Fifty years later, this commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices remains central to their mission. While our society has progressed in many ways, ANNA continues to use music to highlight stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Music as Activism
ANNA began with the revolutionary idea that choral music could be a powerful tool for social change. They weren’t just singing; they were advocating through art. As the founding member of GALA Choruses, ANNA established a high standard for future members.
Today, their performances still challenge audiences to examine social issues and inspire action. The specific causes may have evolved, but music remains their vehicle for advancing justice and equality.
Community Building
From day one, ANNA was about more than music—it was about creating community among performers and with audiences.
In 2025, this emphasis on connection continues to define the ANNA experience. In an increasingly digital world, their in-person musical community offers something precious and increasingly rare.
Evolving While Staying True
While maintaining these core values, ANNA has thoughtfully evolved. Their shift from identifying specifically as a “women’s choir” to welcoming all treble singers reflects a more nuanced understanding of gender diversity.
Yet their feminist roots remain firmly intact—they still create music that honors traditionally female experiences while embracing an increasingly inclusive understanding of gender.
What makes ANNA so remarkable is not just their longevity but their consistency of purpose and strength of community. For half a century, they’ve held fast to their founding vision while remaining responsive to our changing world. That’s something truly worth celebrating!
ANNA’s first anniversary concert will be on May 31, 2025. The second concert in December will feature the premiere of a new work by Moira Smiley.
Visit annacrusis.org to join the email list and stay updated on ANNA and the exciting events planned for the 50th Anniversary celebrations!
