As I begin my second season with MUSE, Cincinnati's Women's Choir, I am grateful for the richness it has brought to my life. I've met so many wonderful people here, and am excited to celebrate the unique gifts we have to offer the community.

This season has already been busy and shows no signs of slowing. We held auditions, began rehearsals, attended our annual Grailville retreat, and performed several concerts. MUSE's first concert took place two weeks after we started. We revived our 2014 International Women's Day Concert "Beyond Borders: Stories of Courage Songs of Hope" for the faculty, staff, and students of Wilmington College. We offered our musical gifts for a fundraising performance for Lydia's House, a haven for homeless women and children, and for Cliftonfest, which had people dancing in the streets!

Our first self-produced concert will be on November 22, 2014. MUSE is excited to present, "Unresolved," together with our special guests, Cincinnati Collaborative Ringing Project (CCRP). "Unresolved" will address important issues that continually plague our society, including racism, confusion, and war. Although the issues are heavy and weigh on our world, our music will uplift, heal, and provide hope. We sing of peace, love, and joy. Listen for "Turn the World Around," a Harry Belafonte piece arranged for MUSE, CCRP, and steel drums. You will leave with a song in your heart!

Our concerts will take place at historic Memorial Hall at 2pm and again at 7pm. MUSE will also host a silent auction where concert guests can bid on an array of items, from Cincinnati entertainment and personalized, prepared meals to handmade crafts, and furniture. Following the evening concert, guests may enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

As we progress in our 32nd season, MUSE continues to educate, inspire, and entertain our audiences with music. We strive to make each concert an experience that moves you to think, feel, and act. I look forward to seeing you on November 22, 2014 for our silent auction and "Unresolved." You will not be disappointed!  

Rhonda Juliano

MUSE Artistic Director

Last July, we learned that Haley Elkins would not be returning as Managing Director at the end of her contract year. Haley helped us grow in many ways this past year as we moved into a new era for MUSE. We would like to thank Haley, and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Since August, many people have been filling in the gaps to keep MUSE operating. We would especially like to thank Rachel Kramer, Accompanist/Associate Director Emerita, who returned to MUSE to see us through this time of transition.

Upon receiving notice of Haley's decision to leave, a Managing Director Search Committee convened. The committee, comprised of singing and board members, spent countless hours looking for that "perfect-fit" candidate. I am pleased to announce that we've found such a person.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Melissa Stephens, our new

Managing Director. Melissa's serendipitous route to this role has been a journey from Bloomington, IN to Princeton, NC, and back home again to Cincinnati. Her many leadership roles in faith communities have provided experience in volunteer recruiting, fundraising, and organizational dynamics. Melissa's most recent professional position broadened her experience to the nonprofit arena as the Executive Director of Shoulder To Shoulder, Inc., a poverty relief organization serving Northern Kentucky's urban core. Melissa is ardent about women in leadership, and attributes this to her mother, an original feminist who raised a generation (and now a second generation) in a bold awareness of the significance of their femininity. Additionally, Melissa is no stranger to the stage, and sings a strong alto in church choirs. We look forward to Melissa's added energy, organization, and passion for our work. Welcome, Melissa!  

Mollie Ward Jimmar, AI

MUSE Board Secretary, Managing Director Search Chair