A Choir Rooted In Social Justice
ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir is the longest-running feminist choir in the United States, founded in 1975 by Dr. Catherine Roma. ANNA Crusis is known for its dedication to social justice, focusing on a wide range of repertoire including feminist and LGBTQ+ themes, celebrating the strength, resilience, and solidarity of marginalized communities.
Led by Artistic Director Miriam Davidson, ANNA’s membership embraces diversity of age, ethnicity, and gender identity; our repertoire reflects the rich spectrum of human lives and struggles. The songs we sing tell a variety of experiences and perspectives that point our singers and audiences to a greater understanding of the rich diversity of the world in which we live.
ANNA self-produces two major concerts each year and performs many community outreach programs throughout the season. We can often be heard singing at benefits, rallies, LGBTQ+ community events, and anywhere that music can bring a sense of hope and empowerment. ANNA has performed at numerous venues in Philadelphia and New York City, such as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Annenberg Center, World Café Live, the United Nations, and Carnegie Hall. ANNA was invited to participate in the International Festival of Choirs held in Santiago de Cuba in October 2019. ANNA has also sung with artists including Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (Sweet Honey In the Rock), Demi Lovato, Hugh Jackman, Holly Near, Moira Smiley, Melanie DeMore, Sharon Katz, and the Peace Train, The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Philadelphia Voices of Pride, The Philadelphia Freedom Band, Sister Cities Girl Choir, Nashirah Jewish Chorale of Philadelphia and a host of others.
ANNA is a founding member of GALA, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. GALA is the world’s only association dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ choral community, with more than 190 chorus and 10,000 singer members in North America, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia (www.galachoruses.org).
ANNA is also a member of Sister Singers Network, a cooperative web of feminist choruses and ensembles, composers, arrangers, and individual singers working together to support and enrich the women’s choral movement (www.sistersingers.net).
ANNA — Rich History & Promising Future
Our mission
ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir inspires social change and builds community through the power of music.
Our vision
Rooted in intersectional feminist values, ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir fosters a community of women, transgender, and non-binary singers who strive for musical excellence, celebrate diversity, and support audiences, neighbors, and one another in their struggles for justice and equity.
Our name
ANNA takes its name from the Greek word “anacrusis,” a word used in music to describe an “upbeat” or “feminine” entrance to a phrase. Physically, it may be described as the precise moment of anticipation and exhilaration which occurs as a singer takes a quick, deep breath before vocalizing.
Our purpose
We sing to celebrate the diversity of our lives and culture; to find communion; to nurture and sustain; to comfort and to heal; to open hearts and minds, and to struggle together for a just and compassionate world.
Our philosophy
Music is the currency of hope.
Our culture
Diverse. Inclusive. Magic.
Our passion
Musical excellence. Social change.