Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Humanities

Mission: The mission of Voices of Omaha is to present an annual performance of Handel’s "Messiah" without admission charge as a gift to the community. Voices of Omaha is committed to development of a diverse audience and chorus membership by maintaining relevance in the present, and nurturing musicians of all ages to assure an audience and chorus for the future.

Results: Voices of Omaha's 45th annual presentation of Handel's "Messiah" on Nov. 24,2013 saw success in all areas targeted for growth. 1,852 persons attended the free concert, a 62% increase over the previous year. Chorus membership grew to 164 singers, an 18% increase over 2012 and 31% increase since 2011.16 high school students participated in the chorus, a 25% increase over 2012 and 50% increase since 2011.Ethnicity mix of the audience was 10% non-caucasian, a 3% increase over 2012 and 4% increase since 2011.Diversity in the chorus increased to 13% non-caucasian, a 1% increase over 2012 and 5% increase since 2011.18 persons with blindness utilized the audio description service; four persons with deafness were served by the American Sign Langauge interpretation. The printed program, lobby and stage announcements were in both English and Spanish. Additionally, Voices of Omaha was recognized by Governor Dave Heineman for its years of service to the community; Nov. 24,2013 was proclaimed "Voices of Omaha Appreciation Day in Nebraska. "

Target demographics: students and adults

Direct beneficiaries per year: 70 students and 1,983 adults experience Handel's "Messiah. "

Geographic areas served: Omaha

Programs: music education and performance experience through annual presentations of Handel's "Messiah. "