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• Inspired by documentary Young at Heart about a Boston elder chorus, Judith Nelson decides to start a similar one for LGBTQIA2S+ and ally community. Sage Singers is founded in 2018.

• August-October 2018: Artistic Director, Accompanist, General Manager, founding Board of Directors identified; first rehearsal held at First Baptist Church with 15 singers; website created.

  • October 10: effective date of IRS nonprofit status (granted May 2019).

• November 2018: inaugural presentation of personal stories by members, part of the Sage Singers' Mission. Stories are collected on our YouTube channel.

• March 2019: first public performance at Sunday service at First Baptist Church of Denver.

• May-July 2019: chorus logo created; Values/Vision/Mission Statement finalized by Board; Amended Articles of Incorporation filed with Secretary of State.

• October 11, 2019: first full concert at First Baptist Church of Denver to celebrate chorus’ first anniversary and National Coming Out Day.

• June 2020: during COVID-19 shutdown, online recording of chorus singing “Stand in the Light” streames as Sage Singers’ entry for Denver’s “2020 Virtual Pride” and is posted on YouTube in September, garnering 700 views. Rehearsals and recording of personal stories continue via Zoom.

• July 2024: Sage Singers is first elder chorus to perform at quadrennial GALA Choruses Festival 11, singing to audience of 2,000+ at Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall; performance is one of most praised at Festival and inspires founding of Portland Sage Singers in November 2024.

• May 2025: inaugural performance of the outreach small ensemble, Sage Out & About.

• Through 7+ years (since June 2026): chorus has performed 16 public concerts, plus appearing 5 times as guests of other choruses; hosted 2 choruses as Sage Singers' guests; given over 20 community engagement performances at libraries, faith communities, etc.; and chorus commissions four pieces for SATB elder voices.

• March 2026: chorus has 70+ singers.