The Voices of Women (VOW) quartet is comprised of four classically trained professional diverse singers: Elizabeth Eiel (Soprano), Melissa Gerstein (Mezzo-Soprano), Christina Rosas (Mezzo-Soprano) and Courtenay Schowalter (Soprano). The Voices of Women focus on expanding our classical repertoire to include influences of opera, jazz and cabaret into each program. Each singer has a unique solo selection; the quartet itself performs duets and quartets designed to entertain and engage our listening audience.
Past concerts have included collaborations with the Voices of Women Organization Project that empowers survivors of domestic violence as well as Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer organization. The Voices of Women (VOW) donated a portion of their concert proceeds to each group. Other past performances were held at Café Vivaldi, Triad Theatre and St. Gregory the Great. The group also performs in various Senior Centers and Community Centers in and around New York City.
VOW’s most recent recital program centered on taking the recital out of the recital by presenting a cabaret review at the Singers Forum in Manhattan. The recital titled “Loss & Find” is comprised of American Art songs by well-known composers such as Lee Hoiby, Ricky Ian Gordon, Ned Rorem and Aaron Copland along with the works of some not so well known composers, Richard Hageman and Amy Beach. The recital explores the path that each singer has taken in her musical journey and how the paths of music and life often intersect with one another. VOW also performed two quartets commissioned by contemporary composer, Richard Pearson Thomas and also featured local New York City composers Joseph Turrin and Lori Laitman.
Our most recent recital was presented at the Singers Forum on October 29 and November 1, 2011. It was funded through Kickstarter, an online funding platform for creative arts presentations. VOW raised over $3,000 to pay for the cost of their accompanist, director, rental of space for a dress rehearsal and performances, reception and marketing materials. Kickstarter enabled The Voices of Women to not only promote their concerts but also to increase the group’s name recognition.
About the Artists:
The Voices of Women (VOW) have performed with many noted American opera companies and orchestras including Opera Colorado, American Singers Opera Project, Chelsea Opera, Opera Company of Brooklyn, Garden State Opera, Bronx Opera, Amato Opera, New Jersey Symphony, the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and Opera Boston. The artists hold advanced degrees from such esteemed institutions as Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, University of Michigan, Middle Tennessee State University, and S.U.N.Y. Purchase Conservatory.
The Voices of Women (VOW) have performed with many noted American opera companies and orchestras including Opera Colorado, American Singers Opera Project, Chelsea Opera, Opera Company of Brooklyn, Garden State Opera, Bronx Opera, Amato Opera, New Jersey Symphony, the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, and Opera Boston. The artists hold advanced degrees from such esteemed institutions as Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, University of Michigan, Middle Tennessee State University, and S.U.N.Y. Purchase Conservatory.
Voices of Women 
