History

Soromundi is a vibrant part of the Eugene community, but the group's involvement and influence also reach far beyond Eugene. The 60+ members of Soromundi agree to a sometimes harrowing performance schedule because we are dedicated to the ideal that our visibility, our energy, and our harmonies can work against ignorance and fear and can help to support and sustain a strong and visible gay and lesbian community in Oregon.

Soromundi is dedicated to celebrating diversity. Our song selections span generations and cultures, coming from vastly different political and religious perspectives. But when we sing, our songs all make the same statement: We are here in all our diversity, and we are strong because of it.

Soromundi has come to be known for its political, emotional, and musical power. The gay community has long been aware that our power lies in our numbers.

In singing, Soromundi affirms the strength and dignity of the lesbian community in and around Eugene. We affirm, challenge, and strengthen ourselves as well. We hope that in every audience we can empower people and inspire them to action, even if that action is the simple but powerful choice to be themselves

When Soromundi was founded in Eugene by Karm Hagedorn in the fall of 1989, there were five members. Since then, the choir has flourished. Over the last five years especially, our numbers have steadily climbed, reaching over 60 active members last season.

Soromundi is the name of a star and literally means "Sisters of the World." Determined from the beginning to have 'Lesbian' in the name, Karm Hagedorn, founder of the chorus, discovered the word Soromundi in Cheris Kremerae's Feminist Dictionary.

Just being a group in front of people and calling ourselves lesbians was extremely political in 1989...for many of us, it still is.

Highlights of Soromundi's journey include:

1989 Karm Hagedorn convened Soromundi's first practice (in her living room) after seeing a performance of the Portland Lesbian Choir. At first, we would play a record and sing with it. More and more people came each week until a larger rehearsal space was found at a local elementary school.

1990 Karm started arranging 3-part songs the group wanted to sing

1990 Soromundi booked our first gig at the Unitarian Church in Eugene. After three songs, we brought the house down-in church!

1990 Lisa Hellemn joined the chorus as accompanist after seeing Soromundi in a performance at the Eugene Celebration

1993 Lisa Hellemn stepped up as choir director

1999 Karm Hagedorn rejoined the choir as co-director

1998 Tour to Bend, Klamath Falls, Ashland, and Roseburg

1999 Recorded a 10-year retrospective CD, "Sentimental Journey"

2001 Performed by invitation at the GALA Leadership Conference Choral Spectacular in Portland and stole the show!

2002 Soromundi's fourth Hult Center performance. Performed Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary with orchestral accompaniment.

2003 Created "Building Bridges" outreach project giving women in other Oregon communities the opportunity to be a "Mundi" for a day.

2004 Recorded our second CD, "Circle Me Sisters."

2006 Took a one-year singing sabbatical and focused energies on Soromundi sustainability.

2008 Soromundi celebrates 20 years as a community chorus!

 

 

 

"We will be out there singing until every woman who wants to can stand up and sing with us"

-Karm Hagedorn, Soromundi founder

 

 

"We are here in all our diversity, and we are strong because of it."

-Lisa Hellemn
Soromundi Director