Photo Flash: IRIS IN WONDERLAND Launches Cool Blue Concert

On Sunday 23rd Vox held an intimate event called "Iris in Wonderland" designed as a pre-curser to the next concert in their 2009-2010 series entitled COOL BLUE: SONGS FOR A GREEN EARTH. This concert, in which Vox celebrates the glories, wonders and gifts of the natural world and
adds her voice to those calling for us all to save "Mother Nature," caps a year of volunteer activities to help preserve LA's green spaces.

The fanciful day, held in the beautiful award-winning garden of the Dos Mujeres Estate of Altadena, had an eclectic gathering of wacky cast of character actors providing merriment including the March Hare (Joseph Fiorillo), the Red Queen (Pamela Munro) the White Queen (Joan Potter) and the Mad Hatter (Eldon Turner).

Also in attendance was Disney's Hanna Montana star, Romi Dames (who could have easily played the title role of Alice), remarking "I had a wonderful time at the gArden Party! The grounds were absolutely beautiful; it was a lovely setting to compliment the Vox Femina choral group." Adding, "I was so moved by the music--everyone was misty eyed when they sang about the predicament of the whales. The choir did an amazing job, and I left feeling uplifted and inspired."

The organization was founded in January 1997 by Dr. Iris S. Levine and Stacey L. Poston. When the 21 founding members of Vox Femina Los Angeles (VFLA) first appeared on stage as guest artists with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) in April 1997, their much-heralded
debut added a sparkling new dimension to the cultural life of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region.

Since that time, VFLA has quickly established itself as one of the premier women's choruses in the United States with a demonstrated ability to perform highly eclectic repertoire, some of which can be heard on several recordings. It has actively fulfilled its mission through an aggressive schedule of performances, touring and educational outreach. VFLA has demonstrated its support and
encouragement of living composers through commissioning new works.

Funded through grants and private donations, VFLA has ended every year since its inception in a positive financial position. VFLA operates on a July-June fiscal year. For those interested, auditions are held every August.

Since its inception, Vox Femina Los Angeles has attained a level of musical excellence, community support and financial stability that may well be unequaled in any other chorus in such a short period of time.

Dr. Iris Levine explains "Our theme is Inspired by the enchanting garden venue for our tea party - the historic "Dos Mujeres Estate, and also a bow to the character "Alice" from the recent film "Alice in Wonderland."

In a magical re-telling, a 19-year-old Victorian-era Alice, frustrated by a future impending arranged marriage; again, falls down the rabbit hole and re-encounter her Wonderland. After a mystical
adventure through an enchanted garden she emerges an independent spirit, confidant, renewed and visionary!

Vox Femina lived up to its promise of an afternoon of tea in WONDERLAND. Beginning their adventure with guided garden tours, they visit a celebrity rose garden that includes Betty White*, Doris Day* and Queen Elizabeth* roses, then promenade through the Japanese Garden and finally, through the pretty Kitchen Garden. Patrons were heard describing the even as a magical experience of beauty, music, art, nature, and the most elegant repast imaginable.

Then it was time for "TEAS OF THE WORLD" in the "MAD HATTER'S TEA ROOM" with an array of favorite and exotic blends - accompanied by a savory High-tea Buffet. Following this was scrumptious desserts paired with a cup of coffee or splash of champagne.

As if the visual weren't enough to tantalize the senses, the glorious voices of Vox Femina under the direction of Dr. Iris Levine serenaded with a special preview Performance - a sampling from their upcoming concert on June 26th at Zipper Hall in Downtown Los Angeles ($25 in advance ($30 at the door) by calling 310-922-0025 or at www.voxfeminala.org or via E.mail at vfla@voxfeminala.org). Vox celebrates the glories, wonders and gifts of the natural world and
adds her voice to those calling for us all to save "Mother Nature." Cool Blue: Songs for a Green Earth is Vox's final concert of the season and the repertoire will explore the many ways that we can preserve and protect our beautiful planet. Repertoire will be an eclectic mix of traditional and non-traditional choral pieces from the classical, world, folk, and popular genres. Audience members will receive helpful tips on how to live a "greener" life and Vox will "sing for the beauty of the earth."

Photo credit: Peter Brown