Independence and Growing Popularity
The Windy City Gay Chorus was originally affiliated with Toddlin' Town Performing Arts Inc. They later broke away in 1983. Windy City Performing Arts (WCPA) was incorporated in 1983 as an independent not-for-profit organization for the Windy City Gay Chorus, Aria: Windy City Women’s Ensemble (later renamed to Windy City Treble Quire), Unison: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers, and Windy City Slickers.
In February 1982, the Windy City Gay Chorus traveled to New York City to hold a joint concert with the Gay Men's Chorus at Lincoln Center where they received a standing ovation. They returned the following year for the first GALA Chorus concert.
In January 1983, 50 members of the Windy City Gay Chorus left to form the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus due to artistic differences.
In May 1984, the Windy City Gay Chorus won first place at the Johnny Mann Great American Chorale Festival. Becoming the first gay chorus to do so.
In June 1985, The Windy City Gay Chorus became the first openly gay chorus to perform at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall.
