For 120 years, The Cecilia Chorus of New York has raised its collective voice on New York City stages, most notably at Carnegie Hall. On October 14, however, the ensemble will gather in the more intimate setting of 54 Below-and the idea of "raising one's voice" will take on a meaning that extends far beyond singing.

"Raise Our Voices: A Cabaret for Cecilia Chorus" celebrates the ensemble's 120th anniversary season while honoring Dr. Soon-Young Yoon, an anthropologist, feminist leader, NGO Representative of the International Alliance of Women to the United Nations and author of Citizen of the World.

But Yoon's connection to Cecilia is not simply that of an honoree. For many years, she was herself a singer in the Cecilia Chorus, lending her own voice to the ensemble she will now help celebrate. Her long relationship with the chorus makes the evening's theme especially personal.

Throughout her professional life, Yoon has advocated for women, equality and human rights, working to bring voices too often excluded into the rooms where decisions are made. As a singer, she also experienced another version of that same principle firsthand: the remarkable power created when individual voices come together.

It makes the evening's title, "Raise Our Voices," more than a reference to singing. It becomes a statement of purpose.

Founded in 1906, Cecilia Chorus has remained a vibrant part of New York's musical life by balancing tradition with a commitment to what comes next. Its performances have championed both the great choral repertoire and contemporary voices, while its educational outreach has introduced thousands of New Yorkers to live classical music at Carnegie Hall.

The October benefit brings that spirit into a cabaret setting, with performances by soprano Brandie Inez Sutton, mezzo-soprano Megan Moore, tenor Henry Drangel and pianist Amir Farid-artists representing different generations and paths through the vocal world.

Yet perhaps the most intriguing voice being celebrated that evening belongs to someone who has experienced the meaning of "voice" from both sides.

For a singer, voice is an instrument. For an advocate, it is agency-the ability to participate, challenge, persuade and be heard. For Yoon, it has been both.

A choir is built on individuals willing to listen to one another and join their distinct voices in pursuit of something none could create alone. There may be few better metaphors for community--or for the work Yoon has championed throughout her life.

And so, as Cecilia Chorus marks 120 years, its anniversary benefit becomes more than a celebration of longevity. It celebrates an idea that has sustained the organization since 1906 and remains as relevant as ever:

A voice matters. And voices raised together can accomplish considerably more.

"Raise Our Voices: A Cabaret for Cecilia Chorus" takes place Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 PM at 54 Below in New York City. Visit 54below.org/events/raise-our-voices-a-cabaret-for-cecilia-chorus/ for further details.