This is the second part of the history of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. The first 24 years were remembered in the 25th Anniversary Journal which was published in December 2004. That edition gave the history of the Chorus, year by year, from 1980 until 2004, with a look at the season 2004-2005. This edition continues in the same style and covers full seasons from 2004 through the end of the season in 2020.
We hope you enjoy this look back at those seasons. This is just a taste of the history during those years. The Chorus continues its history, so be on the lookout for the next edition when we reach our 50th Anniversary.
CHORUS COMES FULL CIRCLE IN 25th SEASON
The Chorus opened their 25th Anniversary Season in much the same way as in past years. They performed first at the Seventh Avenue Street Fair. On Saturday, September 11; the Chorus gathered, along with Uptown Express and Ambassador Chorus, on Seventh Avenue across from Carnegie Hall for performances every half hour during the afternoon. This was the beginning of the promotional campaign for the 25th season, and a greatkickoff.
Uptown Express was also busy early as they presented their cabaret show, Love Grows Here, at Mama Rose’s on September 10 and 11.
This fall the Chorus welcomed Jonah Speidel as their new accompanist. They also welcomed some 30-plus new members into its ranks, as they preparedfortheirSilverAnniversary.Theyear was filled with songs both new and old;itbroughtback memoriesaswellascreatednewonesfortheentire membership.
worthycauses.OnDecember7 they appearedatan AIDS benefit concert at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture in the Bronx. They then traveled toStonyBrooktoappearonabenefitprogramwith the New Century Singers on December 10. Both concerts featured the subgroups and were an opportunity to spread the mission of the Chorus beyond Manhattan. These concerts were also great preparation for the main holiday concert, Silver Bells, atCarnegieHall.
This season saw a busy schedule this fall. The Chorus was invited to participate with Opera Orchestra New York at a concert version performance of Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West at Carnegie Hall on November 22. This was a wonderful opportunity to perform a great opera and sing with Aprile Millo. It was alsoagreatoutreachto a different audience and tied in perfectly with the holiday concert, as opera soprano Deborah Voigtwasscheduledto appearwiththeChorus for Silver Bells on December 16.
Prior to the Carnegie performance, the Chorus presented two outreach performances for very
For the holiday concert, soprano Deborah Voigt was the special guest artist; also featured was a return of the Westminster Concert Bell Choir. The mjority of the program was accompanied by the Ensemble du Monde. The evening began with Ringing in the Season, a rousing opening number thatfeaturedWestminsterConcertBellChoir. This work was commissioned from composer James Bassiand lyricistRichard Lollo by chorus member Robert O. Hawkins, Jr. This was followed by Morten Lauridsen’s O magnum mysterium, followed by a Kevin Robison arrangement of Livingston & Evans’ Silver Bells. TheWestminster Concert Bell Choir then presented Tchaikovsky’s “March Slave” from The Nutcracker Suite; it was fantastic to hear this piece performed on the
multitude of bells used. The Chorus then returned with a seasonal favorite, Mark Riese’s Three Carols: I Saw Three Ships; What Child is This; and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. These were followed by Franz Gruber’s Silent Night; this perennial favorite was performed in German, then hummed while the Chorus conveyed the text in American Sign Language, and then a final silent verseusing just ASL.
Deborah Voigt then took the stage with a James Bassi arrangement of Adolphe Adam’s classic O HolyNight, which waslabeled a “radiant rendition” by Anthony Tommasini in The New York Times. Edgar Colón-Hernández’s arrangement of the Puertorican Christmas Carol ¡Alegria!, the Puertorican Christmas carol that followed, was arranged specifically for our 25th Anniversary SeasonbychorusmemberEdgarColón-Hernández attherequestof ArtisticDirector Jeffrey Maynard. The first half of the concert ended with Robert Seeley’s A Jubilant Gloria.
Ron Nelson’s Ring Out, Wild Bells opened the second half of the program. This was followed by two songs performed in memory of former Chorus members who had passed during the first 25 years oftheChorus.Thetwosongswere Robert Seeley’s “IfandWhen,” fromhissongcycle Naked Man and Daniel Gawthrop’s Sing Me to Heaven. Over the Skies of Yisrael by Robert Seeley was next. Robert O. Hawkins, Jr. conducted the piece, an honor earnedbysubmittingthewinningbidatthe Chorus’ annual benefit auction. Deborah Voigt then returned for a dryly comic takeoff titled Twelve Days After Christmas. The big production number followed with Santa and eight reindeer performing theclassicchoruslinecombination “FavoriteOne,” from Cy Coleman’s Will Rodgers Follies. The audience sing-along was next with Mark Riese’s Festival of Carols. Theeveningcontinued withour subgroups: the Ambassador Chorus performing Dean X Johnson’s arrangement of Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming and a rendition of Jingle Bells; Uptown Express followed with The Carpenters’ Merry Christmas, Darling. For the finale, the two subgroups and the full chorus were joined by the YouthPrideChorusandthefullChorustosingRob Hartmann’s All the Years. The evening’s encore was Larry Moore’s arrangement, Christmas in
Manhattan, sending everyone home in a festive mood.
Next up for members of the Ambassador Chorus was participation at Town Hall on February 12for Gay Valentine: A Music Celebration featuring various artists including composer John Bucchino and Gay GothamChorus. A benefit for
Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, the concert celebrated "same-sex love and affection.” The focusoftheeventwastohonorandgivedignityand credenceto thisformof expression.Choralgroups, dancers, cabaret performers, pianists and speakers presented aspects of this themein their own ways.
The Ambassador Chorus was then off to Atlanta, Georgia,foraguestconcertwithPanache,thesmall
ensemble of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. New YorkStateof Mind featuredbothgroupsperforming separately and together at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts on the Georgia Tech campus on February 26.
The Spring concert saw the Chorus move from its traditional venues uptown to the campus of NYU and the new Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Absolutely 80s was presented on March 18 and19andwasarousingeveningofsongsfromthe decade when the Chorus was formed. Three great arrangerscreatedsomeoutstandingmedleysforthe evening. Michael Holland’s 80s Night opened the evening, followed by Michael Gaylord’s 80s Movie Medley. Michael Holland then provided a classic combination in Madonna My House. Michael Gaylordarranged Total Eclipse of the Heart fortrio andchorustogreateffect. TheAmbassadorChorus then presented Michael Holland’s Open Arms. The first half ended with Michael Gaylord’s 80s Club Mix.
ThesecondhalfwaskickedoffwithSteve Milloy’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun featuring five Chorus
drag queens. Prince’s Purple Rain in an arrangement by Michael Gaylord followed. Uptown Express, under James Followell, provided two numbers that showcased the times with Bruce Springsteen’s Streets of Philadelphia and Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time. Next up was Steve Milloy’s Gender-Bender medley, followed by Michael Holland’s I Want My MTV. The program closed with a recreation of Michael Jackson’s video Thriller in aMichaelHolland arrangement.
On April 17, the Chorus was invited, along with Youth Pride Chorus, to perform at Sing Out Loud & Proud, a benefit in Bucks County, PA. The program featured songs by the Chorus and the Youth Pride Chorus and raised money for the local support groups in Bucks County.
The following week, on April 25, the Chorus presented their annual benefit, Out on Stage, at Avalon. The evening of silent auction, food, fun, and music was capped with a performance by DebbieHarry.
May featured severaloutreach performances. First, the Ambassador Chorus hosted Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus group Panache for a concert on May 14 at the historic Plymouth Church of the Pilgrim in Brooklyn. Our Voices Win Freedom featured both groups individually and together raising their voices in solidarity. On Sunday, May 15, the Chorus participated in the annual GMHC AIDS Walk in CentralPark.
And on May 24, the Chorus participated in the GMHC Benefit, Music for Life featuring many classical artists including Aprile Millo and hosted by the great traumatic soprano Vera GalupeBorszkh. The Chorus performed Puccini’s Nessum dorma and also the finale from Bernstein’s Candide.
Uptown Express had a busy spring with three cabaret shows at The Duplex. Each evening featured a guest, with KT Sullivan appearing on May 21 and 26 and Jacqueline Jonée on June 2. They also appeared in South Nyack, NY, for
Rockland Pride on June 12. The Youth Pride Chorus presented their pride concert, Everything Possible at the LGBT Community Center on June 9.
The Pride concert was also presented at Skirball CenteratNYU.OnJune17and18, Season of Pride featured songs from the Chorus’ long history as wellas somenew compositions and a performance from the Youth Pride Chorus. Randall Thompson’s The Last Words of David started off the evening, followed by the Aaron Copland adaptation of Zion’s Walls. Larry Moore’s arrangement of Dick Gallagher’s hilarious “Color Out of Colorado” from WhenPigs Fly followed. Randall Thompson’s Alleluia and Mark Riese’s Love Lives On completed the first set. The Ambassador Chorus took the stage next and performed Dean X Johnson’sarrangement of Deep River. Insupportof marriage equality, Alex Rybeck’s Marriage Medley was next. Robert Seeley’s Naked Man was represented with “We’re Not Lose, We’re Here. ” Mark Riese’s Blue Skies Medley featured “Blue
GMHC AIDS Walk – amount raised this year!
Skies,”” Stormy Weather,” and “It’s Raining Men. ” With text by Armistead Maupin, the poignant “Michael’s Letter to Mama” from David Maddux’s Music for Michael Mouse, wasnext.The Chorus ended the first half with their full rendition of Puccini’s Nessum dorma from Turandot.
More highlights from the previous 25 years were featured in the second half, starting off with the Larry Moorearrangementof Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Stephen Sondheim was represented with the Larry Moorearrangementof “NotaDay Goes By” from Merrily We Roll Along. Former Chorus conductor Barry Oliver’s arrangement of The Water is Wide followed. The hilarious sendup of Patsy Cline’s She’s Got You was next with a drag diva continuously extracting objects from beneath her oversized gown. Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford’s Old Friend followed in an emotional Larry Moore arrangement. Uptown Express then presented Cole Porter’s It’s All Right With Me.
Three songs of particular importance were presentednext.EricLaneBarnes’s “Summerof88” from The Sage Cycle; “Acceptance: I Shall Miss LovingYou” from Kristopher Jon Anthony’s When We No Longer Touch; and Joseph M. Martin’s The Awakening. TheYouthPrideChorusappearednext on stage and performed Fred Small’s Everything Possible. This was followed by a new piece for all groups – Ambassador Chorus, Uptown Express, Youth Pride Chorus, and the full Chorus – Love Grows Here. To send everyone off with a hopeful thought, Robert Seeley’s “Never Ever,” from Naked Man, closed theevening.
The Chorus is moving forward while at the same time returning to its roots. It was just a few blocks westofSkirballthattheChorusmadeitsfirstpublic performance in November 1980, at the memorial service at West Fourth United Methodist Church, for victims of the Ramrod massacre. And just several blocks east, at Cooper Union, the Chorus made their official concert debut in December 1980.
Thus, the Chorus has truly come full circle. They continue to offer new insights with their musicand mission and atthesame timekeep thehistory alive with the wonderful music they have performed these past twenty-five years. May the Chorus
continuetosingtheirsongsandbringtheirmessage of equality for years to come.
OnSunday,June26,theChorusonceagain tookto the street to march in the Heritage of Pride annual PrideMarch down Fifth Avenue.
Chorus banner leading the group down Fifth Avenue
This year’s Pride float
HRM Gladys Rymzt and Sir Maloopee at Pride March
GARY MILLER RETURNS FOR SEASON 26
After Jeffrey Maynard departed over the summer, Gary Miller was asked to return for the 26th season. Gary agreed to a co-directorship for the season, leading the holiday and half of the June concerts. Assistant Music Director Casey Hayes would lead the spring concert and half of the June concert.
The season began as most in the past with an appearance at the Seventh Annual Street Fair on Sunday, Sepetmber 11, 2005. Members of the Chorus performed in half hour sets during the afternoon. A few days later members of the Ambassadors performed at Elaine’s on the East Side for a special event for Chorus friend, Joan Rivers. The event was a memorial service for a dear friend of Joan’s. The Ambassadors also made an appearance on October 18 at Bergen Community College in New Jersey, during Matthew Shepard Awareness week, for the dedication of a garden in memory of Matthew Shepard.
The Chorus was asked to participate with the Collegiate Chorale for their fall concert, The Rings: Myth and Music. The concert featured music from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Howard Shore and Richard Wagner. The concert was held at Carnegie Hall on Sunday, November 13.
As the holiday concert approached, the Chorus performed two previews out-of-town. The first occurred during the annual weekend retreat held at Kerhonkson, New York. The Sunday afternoon rehearsal/concert was held as a benefit for Hudson Valley Planned Parenthood. Closer to the actual concert, the Chorus traveled to Stony Brook, New York, to perform with the New Century Singers in another benefit performance at SUNY Stony Brook. Both performances were great ways for the Chorus to firm up their holiday concert which would take place at Carnegie Hall.
The Holiday Spectacular was held at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, December 14 at 8 pm. The special guest for the evening was the Broadway star Elaine Stritch, in a return performance with the Chorus. The concert opened with an antiphonal set which included Les Anges dans nos Campagnes, Carol of the Bells, and Conrad Susa’s Chanticleer’s Carol commissioned by the Chorus in 1981.
The Ambassador Chorus, under the direction of Casey Hayes, presented I’ll Be Home for Christmas and a selection for Chanukah, Dreydl Variations. The Chorus reformed on stage to present their set that began with Robert Seeley’s Fanfare and Noel commissioned by the Chorus in 1989. Chorus member Edgar Colón-Hernández’s arrangement of a Puerto Rican carol, Tres Estrellitas, followed. Former Chorus accompanist, Dean X Johnson’s arrangement of Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming was next and then the Chorus performed one of Mark Riese’s holiday favorites, Christmas Comes Anew. To finish the first act, the Chorus presented Larry Moore and Craig Sturgis’s holiday favorite, The Long Christmas Dinner, with music by J.S. Bach.
The second half of the concert began with the light-hearted Christmas is Come In by David Maddux. The message from Fred Small’s Not in Our Town, about a town uniting to fight bigotry, followed and then the lovely ballad Grown Up Christmas List. Larry Moore’s audience singalong, Snows of Yesteryear, followed and was conducted by the two winners at the annual auction, Kevin Stearns and Clover Honey.
Uptown Express then presented their upbeat numbers before the production number, I Wanna Be a Rockette by Alan Menken, featuring 24 dancers including 12 Radio City Rockettes. The evening concluded with two uplifting holiday favorites, the Nigerian Betelehemu and Michael McElroy’s gospel inspired arrangement of Joy to the World
On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, the Ambassadors hosted the Melo’Men from Paris in a joint concert at All Saints Episcopal Church, Toujours L’Amour. Each group performed a set and then they joined to sing together. This was the first time Paris and New York had performed together.
The great Elaine Stritch then held court! She entertained the audience with tales and songs including the Adler-Ross standard, “Heart” from Damn Yankees, performed with the Chorus as backup.
On April 2, members of the Chorus returned to New Hope, Pennsylvania, for another benefit concert for Rainbow Room. Sing Out Loud and Proud also featured a guest appearance by Dar Williams. This was an opportunity to try out some of the material for the upcoming spring concert.
Avery Fisher Hall was the setting for the April 8 spring concert, You Oughta Be in Pictures, a salute to the movies. The concert was originally to be hosted by Kitty Carlisle Hart and Olympia Dukakis. However, both were unable to attend due to last minute illness. Stepping into the roles for the evening were Anita Gillette, who had just performed with Ms. Dukakis at City Center, and dear friend of the Chorus, Joan Rivers. The performing guests for this show included opera soprano Claudia Waite and Broadway star Karen Ziemba.
The evening began with the Chorus singing the title song, You Oughta Be in Pictures. Joan Rivers than made her appearance and kept the audience in stitches with her usual off-color humor. “I’ll tell you why I’m here. I love the gay men’s chorus,” she started and went on to recount the many times the Chorus had performed for her. “Why am I here? God bless every gay man in the world. You are the first ones to spot talent, the ones who stick with us, you are our friends, you are our
confidantes, you are smart as hell, you put us together, you do our hair.”
How do you follow Joan Rivers? Busby Berkeley Medley featuring Lullaby of Broadway, 42nd Street, and Gotta Dance arranged by Larry Moore. The Ambassador Chorus along with the dance team then performed “The Production Code” from Day in Hollywood/Night in the Ukraine in full tap mode. Following this the Ambassadors sang Rodgers and Hart’s Manhattan. While the Ambassadors performed “Think Pink!” from the 1957 film Funny Face and to give the song an added 50s flair, an animation was projected above the Chorus that presented various items from the song and turned them into pink. Chorus member Steve Channon created the animation that added to the song.
Anita Gillette then made some remarks about Academy Award winning songs and introduced When You Wish Upon a Star. Karen Ziemba made her entrance from the last row of the Chorus for “Thanks A Lot, But No Thanks!” from the 1955 film It’s Always Fair Weather featuring Dolores Gray in this MGM musical. An almost embarrassing wardrobe malfunction was covered with flair by Ms. Ziemba.
The Bette Davis Chorus performed to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus was presented with various photos of Bette Davis projected above the Chorus. Some great lyrics recounting the many appearances of Ms. Davis over the years mixed with Handel’s music made a perfect combination. Let’s All Go to the Lobby sent the audience off for intermission, using the lyrics to various memorable themes.
Jerry Herman’s Just Go to the Movies opened the second half of the program and got the audience back in the mood. Karen Ziemba returned for Jule Styne’s “Time After Time” from the 1947 film It Happened in
Brooklyn with Frank Sinatra and Kathryn Grayson. She was backed by the Chorus in this Larry Moore arrangement. The dance team and Ambassadors were featured in a medley of dance hits, Change Partners and Dance featuring Change Partners and Dance with Me, South American Way, The Time Warp, Varsity Drag.
Anita Gillette returned with comments about the movie divas. “Queen of all divas – Judy Garland, Euro-diva – Marlene, diva with brains – Kate Hepburn, diva with brawn – Kate Smith, young diva, middle diva, old diva – Elizabeth Taylor.” She introduced the next song with comments about the movie’s star, Audrey Hepburn, the song Moon River in an Anne Albritton arrangement. During the song, images of Audrey Hepburn were projected on a screen above the Chorus. Anne Albritton also arranged the next number, Atextual Tunes, a choral presentation of some of the great film themes. Original song Academy Award winning song, “Secret Love” from the 1953 film Calamity Jane, was presented in another lush Anne Albritton arrangement.
What’s Opera, Doc?, the classic Bugs Bunny cartoon segment, was presented on screen with the Chorus performing the music. This took much rehearsal to synchronize the film with the Chorus singing and the result was worth it.
Opera soprano, Claudia Waite, then appeared in ravishing red with some Chorus boys with red umbrellas to perform “I Will Wait for You” by Michel Legrand from the 1964 film Umbrellas of Cherbourg. This arrangement was by Casey Hayes. To conclude the evening, the Chorus gave their classic send off with the Kander and Ebb New York, New York. For the encore, the Chorus played back up to Judy Garland as she sang “Over the Rainbow” in a clip from Wizard of Oz.
On May 6, the Ambassadors traveled to Philadelphia to take part in the Equality Forum celebration. There was a concert, SingOUT!, at the Prince Music Theater that featured three groups –Brotherly Love of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Doug Anderson’s Cabaret Collective and the Ambassadors of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.
On Monday, May 8, the annual Chorus benefit, Out on Stage, took place at American Airlines Penthouse. Among the guests was Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who was performing in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and folk singer Dar Williams. Sunday May 21 the Chorus participated in the annual GMHC AIDS Walk at Central Park. May 24 saw Uptown Express performing their solo show, Movin’ On Up at Symphony Space and the Ambassadors performed at the gala dinner for the Bingham Cup Kickoff at Metrazur at Grand Central.
The Youth Pride Chorus performed their solo show, Queer Voices Through the Ages at Dodger Studios in the theater district on June 7. On Saturday, June 10, the annual Rosebud Party was held at La Cascatella in Bronxville. On Sunday, June 11, the Ambassadors were part of a Pride Memorial Service at Marble Collegiate Church on Fifth Avenue.
The annual Pride concert was held at Avery Fisher Hall on Wednesday, June 14. Our Journey featured the New York premiere of Robert Seeley’s song cycle Metamorphosis and included guest Jennifer Muller/The Works dance company
who performed a modern dance interpretation of the piece while the Chorus provided the music.
The concert opened with Casey Hayes directing the Chorus performing Carry On Wayward Son, the classic Kansas hit from the 70s. This was followed by the David Friedman ballad We Can Be Kind. The Ambassadors then took stage with a three-song set that included Gershwin’s Love Is Sweeping the Country, Henry Mancini’s “Crazy World” from Victor, Victoria followed, and ended with South America, Take It Away by Harold Rome and featuring Broadway performer Kevin Chamberlin in full Carmen Miranda headdress!
Guests for the evening, Jennifer Muller/The Works, took to the stage to perform a dance interpretation to Rodgers and Hart’s Blue Moon, using the doo-wop version from 1961 by The Marcels. The Chorus returned to perform Milton Shafer’s “He Touched Me” from the 1965 musical Drat the Cat and made popular by Barbra Streisand. Peter Yarrow’s call for freedom, Light One Candle, came next. In support of the
continuing discussion of marriage equality the Chorus performed Robert Seeley’s “Marry Us” from his song cycle Naked Man. Prior to this song, Casey Hayes made some comments regarding marriage and asked those in relationships to join the Chorus on stage as the song progressed. The first half ended with several dozen couples on stage and a rousing ovation from the audience.
The second half consisted of Robert Seeley and Robert Espindola’s song cycle, Metamorphosis. The various movements tell the story from womb to maturity of a gay man. Jennifer Muller/The Works dance company interpreted the movements in a moving modern dance piece that is one of the highlights of the Chorus’ history. The composer and lyricist pair has woven their talents into a song cycle of twelve movements, including some very touching solo pieces. Espindola’s libretto inspires the kind of American hope and faith reminiscent of America’s greatest poets. With a rhythmic and melodic palette both classical and modern, Seeley’s score is a significant 21st century work that is altogether original. Robert Seeley’s Legacy, a pride anthem of sorts, was the encore for this concert. “So sing with us, our songs of joy, the legacy of our lives!”
Pride month continued with appearances at the annual Folsom Street East street fair on June 18 and the annual Pride March down Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 25. Some Chorus members participated in the seventh Gay Games in Chicago from July 15-22 and some also participated in the first Outgames in Montreal from July 29-August 5. It was great to have continued representation at these international events. The Chorus’ annual Sea Tea benefit was held on Sunday, July 30, aboard the Queen of Hearts.
2006-2007 CO-DIRECTORS CONTINUE FOR SEASON 27
As the search for a new Artistic Director continued, season 27 once gain saw the codirectorship of Gary Miller and Casey J. Hayes, as in season 26. Gary would again conduct the holiday concert and Casey would conduct both the spring and pride concerts. The first event of the season was the annual Seventh Street Fair, where the Chorus performed half hour sets every hour.
Opera Orchestra New York once again engaged the Chorus to participate in their production of Donizetti’s Dom Sébastien performed at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, November 7. The opera presented Bulgarian soprano Vesselina Kasarova as Zayda, the opera’s only woman, along with tenor Dmitry Korchak, baritone Stephen Powell and baritone Stephen Gaertner. The Chorus joined the Scott Choral Artists of New York as the ensemble.
On Saturday, November 11, at All Saints Episcopal Church, the Ambassadors joined Potomac Fever, the small ensemble from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, for Autumn in New York, an evening of delightfully eclectic music ranging from traditional Native American songs to American folk tunes, from early Renaissance to the Beatles. Each group performed their own set before joining to perform together. Several Chorus members were fortunate enough to
others as backup singers for Barbara Cook at Carnegie Hall on November 18.
The Holiday Spectacular concert this year at Carnegie Hall on December 11, featured Charles Busch as guest artist. Former Artistic Director Barry Oliver also returned as guest organist for two numbers, and there was also an appearance by the Youth Pride Chorus. Gary Miller programmed an evening filled with traditional and contemporary holiday music with some comic surprises along the way. The evening began with the festive Gloria by Randol Alan Bass, featuring Barry Oliver on organ. This was followed by Jan Sweelinck’s
join
Hodie Christus natus est. In celebration of Hanukkah the Chorus premiered Larry Moore’s arrangement of Likhtelekh, which was commissioned by the Milken Archive of American Jewish Music. The first group of songs ended with Robert Seeley’s arrangement of familiar carols, With Harps of Gold, which included a finale singalong with the audience.
The Ambassador Chorus then performed Dean X Johnson’s arrangement of the 12th century carol, Wexford Carol. The full Chorus performing Esta Noche, and Scott Warrender’s arrangement of O Holy Night for chorus and no soloist followed this!
The Youth Pride Chorus presented three numbers. The first was with the main Chorus in an arrangement of Amanda McBroom’s The Rose juxtaposed with Michael Praetorious’ Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming. Two upbeat numbers were then presented featuring several young singers. First in Something to Believe In followed by Deliver Me.
Charles Busch was then introduced and presented an Eric Lane Barnes fun-filled number, Forgotten Carols from Other Lands. The inimitable Busch took the audience on a whirlwind world tour through his love life - his loves all met unfortunate ends, but, fortunately, left him their fortunesfrom Canada: where, "because of the exchange rate," there are only "Eight Days of Christmas," but such blessings as "universal health care" and
"a maple leaf" to Scotland: leading to a choral paean to haggis to Luxembourg, Australia, and Sweden: for "You Are a Christmas Star" to the tune of ABBA's "Dancing Queen"! And to end the first half, Barry Oliver returned to the organ to perform David Maddux’s arrangement of CharlesMarie Widor’s Toccata (Christus natus est) with the Chorus.
The second half of the concert was ushered in by an intricate arrangement of Felix Mendelssohn’s Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Former Board member, Lindy Linder, was then introduced as the winner of the annual auction item to conduct the Chorus. She conducted this year’s presentation, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
Charles Busch returned to the stage as the Chorus sang Forgotten Hanukkah Carols. Charles gave commentary on the carols while the Chorus sang. Doing a similar number on Hanukkah, Busch queried, to the melody of "Angels We Have Heard on High," "What happened to your appetite?/ I made this kugel just for you!" with a choral response of "Oy, gevalt!" employing the notes of the "Gloria" section. "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentile Men," to a beat out of "Fiddler on the Roof," was another highlight of this segment. Larry Moore’s arrangement of David Friedman’s Truth About Christmas followed with the composer at the piano. A comic skit of The Annoying Drummer Boy was then presented followed by Harry Simeone’s The Little Drummer Boy.
In 1997, the Chorus commissioned Joseph Jennings to compose a piece for Kwanzaa, and Harambee was then presented. Broadway performer Michael McElroy then joined the Chorus to perform his arrangement of Go Tell It On the Mountain in a rousing gospel version that was co-arranged by Joseph Joubert who performed at the piano. The final number of the concert was Larry Moore’s arrangement of Christmas in Manhattan, this year featuring a dancing corps including The MENhattans, as choreographed by veteran Radio City Rockette Ann Cooley-Presley. The concert ended with the traditional encore of Silent Night, first sung in German, then in English, then a hummed verse with American Sign Language and finally a silent verse in just sign language.
Michael McElroy, Gary Miller and Charles Busch
The spring concert was Classically NYCGMC, an evening of classical music presented at Merkin Concert Hall for two performances on March 12 and 13. Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Kathryn Day was the special guest for the evening. The concert opened with “The Party Scene” from Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus with the Chorus entering the stage from several points including through the audience. David N. Childs’ a cappella O sancrum convivium followed. A spritely Neopolitan song, Funiculì, Funiculà by Luigi Denza was next.
The Ambassador Chorus took center stage with two pieces. The first was Franz Schubert’s Die Nachtigall with guitar and piano accompaniment followed by Jan Sweelinck’s Psalm 96. The full Chorus returned with Pavel Chesnokov’s Salvation is Created, sung in Russian. Aaron Copland’s traditional setting of Zion’s Walls followed. Kathryn Day made her first appearance of the evening with Franz Schubert’s Ständchen, which was followed by Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Finale” from The Gondoliers to finish the first half.
The second half opened with Images of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff with three movements presented – “O Fortuna,” “In Taberna Quando Sumus,” Kathryn Day performing “In Trutina, ” and a reprise of “O Fortuna.” The Ambassador
Chorus then presented three light songs from P.D.Q. Bach’s The Art of the Ground Round. A contemporary Alleluia from Ralph Manuel composed in 1997 was next with the full Chorus. Jacques Offenbach’s “Barcarolle” from The Tales of Hoffmann followed.
Commissioned for the Ohio State University Men’s Glee Club by Brant Adams, Musica! was next on the program. David N. Childs’ Weep No More followed and the evening ended with Richard Wagner’s “Pilgrim’s Chorus” from Tannhäuser. Gaudiamus Igitur was performed as the encore for the evening. The concerts were recorded live and released on CD in June as the eighth recording of the Chorus.
April 9 was the presentation of the annual Chorus Auction Benefit, Out on Stage, again held at the American Airlines Penthouse. Broadway star Joanna Gleason performed. The Ambassadors performed at Horace Mann Book Day on April 12, which featured an appearance by playwright Tony Kushner. They also took part in a discussion with students on performing in a gay group.
On May 4, members of the Chorus traveled to Philadelphia to participate in the GALA Choruses 25th Anniversary celebration as part of Equality Forum. The oldest chorus in GALA, Anna Crusis Women’s Choir repertoire ranged from traditional
Zulu music to works from Croatia and a modern piece called Cell Phone Madrigals. The Lollipop Guild ensemble from the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, the oldest men’s chorus in GALA, performed Broadway show tunes and selections from Robert Seeley’s Naked Man. The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus was the youngest of the three groups and their program included works by Aaron Copland and Franz Schubert. New York ended the first half of the program following ANNA Crusis, but joined The Lollipop Guild at the end of the second act to perform “Marry Us” from Naked Man in support of marriage equality.
Also on May 19, members of the Chorus participated in the Wedding March across the Brooklyn Bridge in a statement of marriage equality, and performed at Cadman Plaza with State Senator Thomas Duane in attendance. The following day, members performed for the annual GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park. This was the first time the Chorus had performed for this event.
Members of The Ambassadors who participated in the Equality Forum concert traveled on to Washington, DC, to perform with Potomac Fever of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, as part of their exchange program having hosted Potomac Fever the previous November. Let Us Entertain You was held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church on May 5. Each group did a set before combining to perform What Matters and also Robert Seeley’s “Never Ever” from Naked Man.
June was a filled pride month. On June 9th, the Chorus participated in Brooklyn Pride Parade as a Grand Marshal. It was an evening march through the streets of Brooklyn and another first for the Chorus. On Sunday, June 10th, the annual Rosebud Party was again held at La Cascatella in Bronxville.
NYCGMC members backstage at Equality Forum GALA Chorus 25th Anniversary concert in Philadelphia.
The Ambassadors at St. Margaret’s Church in Washington, DC
Members at Wedding March in Brooklyn
The Youth Pride Chorus gave their June concert on June 13th at New World Stages. They presented an evening entitled Songs from the Fight. Under the direction of Wes Webb the youth presented songs from Aretha Franklin, Melissa Etheridge and David Bowie as well as social justice songs of the 60s and 70s. It was a great way to get fired up for the upcoming Pride. The Folsom Street East street fair was held on West 28th Street on Sunday, June 17th
On Monday, June 18th, the Chorus presented their pride concert, Take the A Train, the music of Billy Strayhorn, at the Nokia Theater. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and New York City Gay Men’s Chorus jointly commissioned Alan Broadbent to arrange the music of Billy Strayhorn. GMCLA performed their concert in April, and the New York version was the Pride concert. Broadway performers Darius de Haas and Judy
Blazer were the guests for the evening. Broadway
star, and Chorus friend, Joanna Gleason, wrote and directed the show. The program from the evening began with Coge el A Train that was followed by On the Wrong Side of the Railroad Tracks. Darius de Haas then took stage to sing the haunting Lush Life. This was followed by Oo, You Make Me Tingle!, Kissin’ Bug, and Just A-settin’ and A-rockin’. Chorus members were featured in Something to Live For. Judy Blazer was up next with Satin Doll. The Chorus followed with three songs Love Like This Can’t Last, Rhythm Pum-tepum, and Imaginary Guy. Judy Blazer returned with Day Dream, Uptown Express did their version of I’m Checkin’ Out, Goombye! and the Ambassadors performed September Rain. Darius de Haas took stage again for My Flame Burns Blue and the final two Chorus numbers were Lotus Blossom and Take the A Train.
Chorus members with Christine Quinn before Brooklyn Pride Parade
On Saturday, June 30, members of the Chorus traveled to Fire Island Pines to perform a version of the Take the A Train concert. Originally scheduled to be at Whyte Hall, there were logistic problems and the evening was moved to the Fire House. A full house enjoyed the performance by the Chorus, the first in many years on the island. After the concert there was a reception and many of the members who stayed overnight were put up by local friends, sharing their summer homes.
R Family Vacations had invited the Chorus to perform on their Caribbean cruise from July 7-14. There were two dock performances before the ship set sail the evening of July 7. Then those members who were traveling on the cruise boarded the ship for the sunset cruise out of New
York harbor. There were stops along the way including Key West. An evening performance in the theater of the Norwegian Dawn drew a capacity audience. Gary Miller was on hand to conduct the members through the song set that delighted the audience of gay and lesbian parents and their children. This was a great opportunity for the Chorus to perform in front of a new audience.
The final event of the season was the annual Sea Tea benefit aboard the Queen of Hearts that sailed the New York harbor on August 5. Sea Tea hosts many gay-cultural groups, including among others: Heritage of Pride and the Gay Men's Chorus, and celebrates with special theme cruises for major gay events like Gay Pride and Leather Weekend. The Queen Of Hearts is a friendly and comfortable escape from Manhattan to a sociable and romantic trip around the island.
Clockwise from top L – Joanna Gleason, Casey J. Hayes, Judy Blazer, Darius de Haas
NYCGMC at Fire Island Fire House
Gary Miller, center, introducing the Chorus on the Norwegian Dawn.
NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BEGINS SEASON 28
A new Artistic Director had been chosen earlier in the year and his tenure began with the new season which commenced in lateAugust.Dr. Charles Beale came to the Chorus after five years conducting the London Gay Men’s Chorus. Prior to his official arrival the Chorus performed for the Big Apple SoftballLeague’s Playing for Life Tourney kickoffat the Stonewall Inn on August 31. A small ensemble sang Take Me Out to the Ball Game and “Heart” from Damn Yankees to celebrate the event.
As has become the custom, the Chorus started the season with the annual Street Festival, this year on Seventh Avenue near Carnegie Hall. It was a chance for the new director to get his feet wet as he led members of the Chorus in selections for the public. It was a chance to introduce the season and the ChorusandtheeventwaswellattendedonSaturday, September 8. Several days later, on Tuesday, September 11, members of the Chorus performed on the steps of the New York Public Library to commemorate 9/11 with an event called the September Concert. The mission of the September Concert Foundation is to bring communities together, to reaffirm the hope for peace, and to celebrate our universal humanity.
The foundation accomplishes this by inviting musicians of every age and genre to bring their gift of music anywhere space is available on the days surrounding the anniversary of September 11.
Concerts are held in parks, gardens, schools, libraries, churches, restaurants, cafes, galleries, office buildings, stores, senior centers, community centers.
There are three principles behind the September Concert: Freedom for anyone to organize a concert with any genre and venue; Equality between the different musicians and styles of music; and Accessibility: all of the concerts are free.
TheAmbassadorsensembleoftheChoruscontinued for this concert period as Dr. Beale became acquainted with the organization. They performed at Brooklyn College on October 10 at an event titled Making a Difference Through Music. This was an opportunity for the Chorus to get into the outer boroughs.
OnNovember12atTheTownHall, the Chorus took part in a benefit celebration, Totally Tisch Gala Benefit. The event is the annual celebration of the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. The Chorus was invited to perform and celebrate the philanthropist Joan Tisch. The Chorus ended the program by enteringtheaislesofthetheaterandperforming“My Best Girl” from Mame.
In late November, the Chorus was invited to the headquarters of PepsiCo in Purchase, New York, to perform some holiday songs for their diversity program. This was a great opportunity to forge a connection with a major corporation and to create a larger corporate relationship.
The first concert of the season as Holiday Spectacular at Carnegie Hall on December 11. Special guests for the concert were Broadway star Kelli O’Hara and bass-baritone Robert Osborne.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Beale noted “…this year’s show is about angels bringing comfort. It is about peace; it is about change; it is about the universal theme on which our organization has been built over the last 28 years: the hope, joy, and community that comes from mutual respect and tolerance. It is about love.”
The evening began with a traditional Cornish carol, Sound Sound Your Instruments of Joy. This was followed by Handel’s coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest. A triumphant and regal beginning for the concert. A holiday adaptation of Hooray for Hollywood was next as Hooray for Holidays! The traditional Ner Li, a beautiful children’s song about lighting a candle for Hanukkah followed. Gerald Finzi’s In Terra Pax came next. This piece featured soprano Kelli O’Hara and bass-baritone Robert Osborne. The cantata ends with the Chorus singing the magical words: “And peace on earth…goodwill towards men.” An exuberant statement of freedom and solidarity followed with All Girl Band. Kelli O’Hara then took the stage with a pair of holiday classics: I’ll Be Home for Christmas and Let It Snow. Thefirstactfinishedwithagospel-inspiredrendition of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a team of elves.
The second half of the concert began with a traditional Georgian song, Aslanuri Mravalzhamier, a celebratory song wishing the listener a long life. A mashup of the Glouchestershire Wassail and Bernstein’s New York. Franz Gruber’s Silent Night and Irving
Berlin’s White Christmas followed.Itwouldn’tbean NYCGMC concert without an annual sing-along –this year’s song was The Twelve Days of Christmas. Dr. Beale split up the audience into 12 sections and each section was instructed to stand when they were to sing their portion of the song. This new audience involvement was a hit with the audience. The pops ensembleoftheChorus,UptownExpress,performed next with a rendition of The Christmas Song. They werealsofeaturedonSarahMcLachlan’s Angel. The evening ended with two pop songs, first Heart’s You’re the Voice andfinallyJackieDeShannon’s Put a Little Love In Your Heart.
The new year began with a fundraising event at Big Apple Ranch on January 19. The country-western dance evening was a benefit for the Chorus titled Leather Meets Levis. An ensemble of Chorus members performed and also enjoyed an evening of two-stepping and country dance. Proceeds from the evening went to the Chorus. On February 9, the Chorus participated in the Valentine’s Dance at the LGBT Community Center.
On Monday, April 15, the annual gala benefit was held. This year it was redesigned with some aspects from the first benefit. Retitled to With a Song in Our Heart, the benefit was held at the Warwick Hotel. The evening began with cocktails and buffet dining while perusing the more than 100 silent auction items. New this year was the addition of an online aspect to the auction. This was started three weeks before the event and raised over $15,000 before the evening even began! The evening was structured with two award winners – one a longtime donor (Norman Hanson) and the other a business that had given to the gay community (R Family Vacations). The main program included three
performances by Liz McCartney (Broadway performer), Sharon McNight (cabaret performer and Honorary Chorus Member), and Ann Hampton Callaway (singer/songwriter). The program was hosted by Scott Nevins. The evening was the most successful benefit to date, raising over $60,000 for the Chorus.
Thespringconcert,thisyear, was a paid performance at NJPAC in Newark. The Chorus did a reprise of their Strayhorn concert from the previous season. Take the A Train was performed on a program with Lavender Light Gospel Choir. It also featured songs that would be performedattheupcomingJuneconcert.Theconcert was held on Saturday, May 17 at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.
The evening began with Anthony Newley’s Feelin’ Good before moving into the Strayhorn songs. The first half was a mixture of the Strayhorn songs from the previous concert interspersed with songs by Rufus Wainwright. The second half began with the Lavender Light Gospel Choir singing four songs before NYCGMC finished the program. First, they sang three African songs and then concluded the program with more Billy Strayhorn songs from the previousconcert.Thiswasagreatopportunityforthe Chorus to reach outside the Manhattan area to a new audience.
ThefinalconcertofDr.Beale’sinauguralseasonwas Vibrate held on June 4 and 5 at FIT’s Haft Auditorium in Chelsea, New York City. Guests on this program included transgender performer Our Lady J and also the Youth Pride Chorus. As Dr. Beale noted in his program remarks “Tonight’s concert is entitled ‘Vibrate’ because we are a renewing organization, determined to make waves and looking forward to the future with confidence and pride.”
The program was an eclectic mix of contemporary songsalongwithsomenewworksspecificallyforthe Chorus. Beginning the program was Anthony Newley’s Feelin’ Good and Everybody Dance by Chic. A section entitled Peace, followed. It included two Latvian songs and a new work by Gwyneth Walker called Tree of Peace. The next section was Jazz by a black gay man and included three songs by Billy Strayhorn. These were followed by a section called Rufus Wainwright; A contemporary queer perspective and included three of Wainwright’s songs.
The second half of the program began with the Chorus performing Maneater by Nelly Furtado. The Youth Pride Chorus then took the stage and performedthreesongs.Thiswasfollowedbyasmall Chorus ensemble singing Doors by Richard Maltby and David Shire. Three revival songs from South Africa sung by the Chorus followed. The guest Our LadyJtooktothepianotoplayhertwocompositions andsingwiththeChoruson Africa and Psalm. These
were followed by the song I Believe, made famous by Fantasia. The concert concluded with a production number mash-up titled Wind It Up, a mix of Gwen Stefani and Rodgers and Hammerstein!
The month of June was filled with Pride events. On Saturday, June 7, was the annual Rosebud Party held at the home of Chorus member Mark Short in Bronxville. This annual fundraiser raises money at an afternoon party where guests enjoy food, drink and music.
On Saturday, June 14, the Chorus took part in Brooklyn Pride by performing at Prospect Park. Sunday, June 22, was the kickoff of Pride week with two events that the Chorus took part in. At Bryant Park was the Pride Rally and in Chelsea was Folsom Street East, a street fair. Monday, June 23 was the annualLGBTCenterGardenPartywheretheChorus performed. Bloomingdales held a pride event on Thursday, June 26 and on Sunday, June 29, the annual Pride March was held down Fifth Avenue.
TocompletethisseasontheChorusperformedintwo outreach performances on July 9 for the Hudson GuildandVillageCares.FromJuly12-19theChorus took part in the eighth GALA Festival in Miami for LGBTchoruses.Theseasonendedwithacelebratory cruise on the Queen of Hearts with the Sea Tea Benefit. This was quite a fun-filled season to mark Dr. Beale’s introduction as the new music director.
Home of Mark Short, site of Rosebud Party
Royals – Sir Ted, HRM Ermine Muff and Ray Sheen
2008-2009
SEASON 29 FEATURES OUTREACH
This season began as many others with the annual performance at the Seventh Avenue Street Fair. The performance was held across from Carnegie Hall near 57th Street and was the kick-off for the season. The performances occurred at various times during the afternoon to a welcoming crowd. This performance was on Saturday, September 6. The following Thursday, September 11, the Chorus performed on the steps of the New York Public Library for the September Concert Foundation’s annual event to reaffirm hope for peace and celebrate universal humanity.
For three performances on September 17, 20, and 21, the new group, Broadway Voices, presented a cabaret concert of the music of Maltby and Shire. I Want It All was held at the Metropolitan Room and Dr. Beale was music director. The three evenings helped raise funds for the Chorus.
The American Diabetes Association and Spokesperson, Grammy-Winning Diva Gloria Gaynor, invite New Yorkers to Step OuttoFightDiabeteson Sunday,October 26, 2008. This 5K walk will raise awareness and money for diabetes research and education. Gloria Gaynor and The New York City Gay Men's Chorus will perform at this year's culminating concert at South Street Seaport.
On Sunday, October 26, the Chorus appeared South Street Seaport to perform for the Diabetes Foundation. Their annual Step Out Walk to Stop DiabetesbeganatSouthStreetSeaportandwentover the Brooklyn Bridge. The American Diabetes named Gloria Gaynor to be the Spokesperson for the walk. She was to perform with the Chorus but was unable to attend. The Chorus performed anyway.
Saturday, November 1, was the date of a taping with Joan Rivers for the finale of Celebrity Apprentice.
Short notice was given to the Chorus and a rehearsal was scheduled to rehearse Take the A Train changing A to J in Joan’s honor. The day before the gig the producers said we could not perform and thus were cancelled. However. Ms. Rivers, in true fashion, invited any member who wanted to come to the event.
Take time out of your holiday shopping to kick off the festive season with a performanceofseasonalfavoriteswithone of our city's most beloved groups! Come on out to The Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Broadway and 66th street in the Lincoln CenterAreaofNewYorkCityandcatchtwo performances of the NYCGMC: one at 2:00 pmandanotherat3:30pm. Plus,theguys will be giftwrapping all day from 11am to 9pm. This event is free and open to the public.
On Saturday, November 29, the Chorus kicked off the holiday season with an appearance at Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Triangle. This was not a performance, but a chance for the Chorus to help with gift wrapping for the season. This was the beginning of the holiday season and a promotional opportunity for the upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall.
The annual holiday concert was on Tuesday, December 9, at Carnegie Hall. Celebrate Me Home was a concert about what “home” means to you! The Chorus celebrated local non-profit organizations whose missions focus on family and home. PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Ali Forney Center are two organizations that assist individuals facing issues. PFLAG does incredible educational work with families and friends of LGBT people. The Ali Forney Center helps provide home and holiday
cheer for the many LGBT young people that are homeless in the city.
The cast of the Broadway musical title of show were the special guests for the concert. The concert commenced with a couple of early music songs, Veni, Veni Emmanuel and Gaudete. These were followed by the contemporary holiday hit from Mariah Carey, All I Want for Christmas is You. Hanukkah was represented with the prayer Shehekianu. A small ensemble from the Chorus, Consort of Voices, presented an early 17th century song Lute Book Lullaby. Three new carols from northern Spain were presented in Three Basque Carols. The following pair of songs were arranged by long-time Chorus arranger Larry Moore. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm were based on interpretations by Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald.
The cast members from title of show performed a small skit, Holiday Story, featuring The Christmas Song. The piece featured Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell, Heidi Blickenstaff and Jeff Bowen. Sleigh Ride followed and in place of the original recording Andrews Sisters, featured members of the Chorus as the Andrews Misters. The first half of the concert concluded with two Latino carols. The first was Llega la Navidad by Ramón Díaz and is from the Dominican Republic. The second was a salsa arrangement by Cuban composer/arranger Hilario Durán and an interpretation of Jingle Bells (Cascabel).
The second half of the concert opened with two songs celebrating the African-American community. First was a song from South Africa in Sotho, a Bantu language. Ke Nale Monna is a song of family brotherhood and often sung at weddings and celebrations. The traditional children’s counting song, Children Go Where I Send Thee, was next and featured many members of the Chorus.
Two audience favorites followed. First was Twelve Days of Christmas which was done as an audience sing-along. The audience was divided into 12 sections and when their number came up they were to stand and sing their phrase. A great activity for the audienceandonetheyenjoyed.FranzGruber’s Silent Night was next and this version incorporated the use of sign language by the entire Chorus throughout. The final version was signed by the Chorus in unison with no music. A fantastic moment for the audience and one which always elicited a pause after it was finished before the audience ovation.
Homeless by Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa followed along with Kurt Bestor’s Prayer of the Children. The latter song was written in memory ofthechildrenofYugoslaviainlightoftheYugoslav wars. Kenny Loggins’ Celebrate Me Home was the penultimate number and featured a Chorus soloist and also the stories of several Chorus members. To end the concert the Chorus sang the carol Joy to the World in an inspirational version inspired by the version sung by Whiney Houston in The Preacher’s Wife
After the concert the Chorus continued the holiday spiritwithseveraloutreachconcertsofholidaymusic and caroling in the city. Outreach holiday concerts were held on Tuesday, December 16 at the Hudson Guild in Chelsea, on Wednesday, December 17 at Rivington House on the Lower East Side, and on Friday, December 19 at the Chelsea AIDS Treatment Center. In addition to those performances, member of the Chorus also did holiday caroling in the West Village on December 16 and in Hell’s Kitchen on December 17.
Cast of (title of shoe) with 3 Chorus girls
Hunter Bell, Michael Berresse, Jeff Bowen
Heidi Blickenstaff, Susan Blackwell
To begin the new year, the Chorus traveled to Purchase, New York, to perform at a Diversity Outreach event for MasterCard at their headquarters. A benefit for the Chorus was again held at Big Apple Ranch during the evening of Leather Meets Levis. As the audience enjoyed two-stepping during the evening, members of the Chorus provided a short entertainment as beneficiaries of the evening.
On Monday evening, February 23, the Broadway community came together in a benefit for marriage equality. The concert was held at the Gershwin Theatre, home to Wicked, and was titled Defying Inequality. The Chorus backed up Broadway star Shoshona Bean singing House of Love. This special star-studded evening featured performers from stage & screen - from Saturday Night Live to Spring Awakening - all to benefit Family Equality Council, Empire State Pride Agenda, Equality California, Garden State Equality, and The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force. The special evening, hosted by theBroadwaycastof Wicked,includedtheBroadway debut of Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Marc Shaiman's Prop 8 - The Musical and a special performance by Stephen Schwartz (Oscar winner and Tony nominated composer of Broadway's smash hit Wicked), plus: Douglas Carter Beane (Tony Award nominee), PJ Benjamin (Wicked), Stephanie J. Block (Wicked), Tamara Braun (All My Children), Kerry Butler (Tony Award nominee), Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), Gavin Creel (Tony Award nominee), Harvey Fierstein (Tony Award winner), John Gallagher, Jr. (Tony Award winner), Jonathan Groff(TonyAwardnominee),MarkIndelicato(Ugly Betty), Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu, All Shook Up), Capathia Jenkins (Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Caroline, or Change), Carson Kressley (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), Laughing Pizza (Parents Choice Awards, PBS daily), Adriane Lenox (Tony
Award winner), Cameron Mathison (All My Children, Dancing With the Stars), Rue McClanahan (Golden Girls, Sordid Lives), Nicole Parker (MAD TV, Wicked), Billy Porter (Ghetto Superstar), Rosie's Broadway Kids, Seth Rudesky (Sirius Radio, Seth's Broadway Chatterbox), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), The Broadway Boys, Don't Quit Your Night Job, the closing cast of Gypsy, the cast of Jersey Boys, the castof The Lion King,thecastof The Little Mermaid, the cast of Mary Poppins, cast members from Saturday Night Live, the cast of Sesame Street, original cast members from Spring Awakening, the cast of Wicked and more. 100% of the profits from this spectacular event were donated directly to Family Equality Council, Empire State Pride
Agenda, Equality California, Garden State Equality, andTheVermontFreedomtoMarryTaskForce,five charitable organizations working to promote equality and protect civil rights for the gay and lesbian community.
NYCGMC at Defying Inequality concert
Judy Gold, Robert Verdi, Jessica Kirson, ANT at LOL Gala
On Tuesday, February 24, was the annual gala benefit for the Chorus. This year’s benefit was LOL – Laugh Out Loud. It was hosted by Robert Verdi at the Westside Loft in the Garment District. Along with the silent and live auction items were performances from comedians ANT, Jessica Kirson and Judy Gold.
On Thursday, March 19, members of the Chorus participated at the Manhattan Center on America’s Got Talent. In the first round of auditions the Chorus sang Beyoncé’s Single Ladies. It received a great ovation and approval from the judges. The Chorus, however, did not move further in the audition process, but it was national exposure for the Chorus. This episode appeared on the season premiere on Tuesday, June 23.
The spring concert for the Chorus introduced a new concept – the sing-along concert. Big Gay Sing is a concert with lots of production values – costumes, dancers, drag queens – and most important audience participation. Several of the songs had lyrics projected on a screen for the audience to sing-along with the Chorus. This first Big Gay Sing was hosted by Scott Nevins and featured a guest appearance by Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original Annie. The concert was filled with contemporary and classic hits.
Theeveningbeganwith Get This Party Started toput everyone in the mood before We Are Family and the hit from ABBA, Dancing Queen. From the movie, Cabaret, was the classic Maybe This Time. Toni Basil’s Mickey followed with a presentation from the dance team as cheerleaders and football team! Two additional classic Broadway standards followed with Sondheim’s Time Heals Everything and from Dreamgirls the showstopping And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going. A salute to Madonna with a three song medley featured many Madonna looks over the
years from the drag queens as the Chorus sang –Vogue/Ray of Light/Express Yourself.
The second act opened with “O Fortuna” from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The dance team then recreated the classic dance from the video of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Tammy Wynette’s Stand By Your Man followed. The small ensemble, Broadway Voices, sang Irving Berlin’s “An Old Fashioned Wedding” from Annie Get Your Gun. The iconic Judy Garland was saluted with a version of Over the Rainbow. “Summer Nights” from Grease followed and featured two audience in makeovers as Danny and Sandy (with reverse genders – a female Danny and a male Sandy). Beyoncé’s Single Ladies was next and a new version based on the Frank Sinatra recording of Kander and Ebb’s New York, New York followed. The concert concluded with Chic’s classic I’m Coming Out, made popular by Diana Ross. During the evening Andrea McArdle was featured with her classic “Tomorrow” from Annie with the audience singing along.
On Monday, April 13, the Chorus participated in another benefit at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Symphony Space, Broadway for a New America. This concert was presented by the Jewish Alliance for Change and was a benefit for equality and a progressive agenda for change. Featured on the program were Stockard Channing, Richard Belzer, Tovah Feldshuh, Ann Hampton Callaway, Marni Nixon, and Seth Rudetsky. Jim Dale acted as emcee.
On Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, Broadway Voices presented their I Want It All cabaret concert again.ThistimeatDon’tTellMama.Inadditionthey also participated in the Broadway Close-Up Series at Merkin Hall later in the year, featuring Maltby and Shire.
On Sunday, May 17, the Chorus participated at the opening of the GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park. This was the beginning of an ongoing relationship with GMHC and their annual AIDS Walk fundraising event.
This year instead of the usual Pride concert, the Chorus opted to do a month of outreach performances. Beginning at the end of May the Chorus performed in every borough. On Wednesday, May 27 was the Bronx Pride Gala Event held at the New York Botanical Garden.
The annual fundraising benefit, Rosebud Party, was held on Saturday, May 30 at La Cascatella in Bronxville.
On Sunday, May 31, the Chorus traveled to Staten Island for the Staten Island Pride Gala held at the HiltonGardenInn.QueensPridewasheldinJackson Heights on Saturday, June 7.
NYCGMC on stage at AIDS Walk
NYCGMC at Botanical Garden Pride
Rosebud Party at La Cascatella
NYCGMC at Staten Island Pride
On Tuesday June 9 a Museum Mile performance was held at Museum of the City of New York. The Chorus took part in Brooklyn Pride at Prospect Park on Saturday, June 13.
Pride concerts were held on Tuesday June 16 at New York Life and at Bloomingdales on Thursday, June
18. The Chorus took part in Folsom Street East street fair on Saturday, June 21.
On Wednesday, June 24, the Chorus was part of the Spirit of Pride Concert held at Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The concert as a service of Thanksgiving and celebration, a special interfaith event in support of equal rights for all LGBT citizens to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. The event included performances by Broadway stars Jackie Hoffman and Jose Llana and remarks from Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell and Kevin Jennings, founder of Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). The Chorus performed Gwyneth Walker’s Tree of Peace and other songs. Remarks from GLSEN founder, Kevin Jennings and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn were also presented.. Sunday, June 28, was the annual Heritage of Pride March down Fifth Avenue to the West Village.
OnSunday,August2,theChoruswasthebeneficiary of the Sea Tea Cruise in New York Harbor to end the season.
NYCGMC at Brooklyn Pride
NYCGMC at Pride March
30th Season Opens at The Town Hall
The30th seasonbeganwiththeusualStreetFair.This year it was held on Broadway near 56th Street. Members of the Chorus performed for the public in half-hour performances during the afternoon of Sunday, August 30.
On Friday, October 23, members of the Chorus performed an outreach program in the lobby of NJPAC in Newark, NJ before a Lily Tomlin concert. This was a great way to advertise the upcoming season and holiday concert.
On Sunday, November 22, Scott Nevins, who had hosted Big Gay Sing, gave a benefit performance to help the Chorus raise funds. His program – Scott Nevins Birthday Suit – was held at the Julia Miles Theatre on West 55 Street.
In December, prior to the holiday concert, members of the Chorus toured both Chelsea and the West Village with the annual caroling performances. This was a great way to promote the upcoming Holiday concert.
Theholidayconcert, Together at Town Hall, featured Broadway star Victoria Clark. The concert had two performances on Sunday, December 20, and they wereheldatTheTownHall.TheChorusmovedtheir holiday performance from Carnegie Hall to The Town Hall in an effort to help offset some major expenses and also to increase the amount of income from this concert. This was the first time the Chorus had a matinee performance.
The program for Together at Town Hall opened with JasonRobertBrown’s“TheNewWorld”from Songs for a New World. It was followed by Jule Styne’s Together Wherever We Go with additional lyrics from Chorus members. Larry Moore’s arrangement of Appalachian Carols was next and featured four Chorus soloists. Traditional holiday fare followed with the ever popular Carol of the Bells and Mark Riese’s commissioned piece for the Chorus, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Kirby Shaw’s Run to the Manger completed this set.
Guest artist Victoria Clark took the stage with two songs. The first was Christmas Eve by Jeffrey Harris. She followed that with the standard Adolphe Adam’s O Holy Night. The first half of the concert concluded with the fun (Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man with the Bag by Harold Stanley, Irving Taylor and Dudley Brooks and featured a dance group of Chorus members.
The second half opened with Stephen Sondheim’s Back in Business followed by Harry Connick Jr.’s I Pray On Christmas. Victoria Clark returned to the stage for her version of Santa Baby. The Chorus then followed with Bill and Gloria Gaither’s Gentle Shepherd. Next came the audience participation song – Twelve Days of Christmas. The audience was divided into 12 sections and when their number came up in the song, they were to sing their verse as they stoodup.Thiscausedgreatfunfortheaudience.This year the piece was conducted by Chorus member Kevin Sterns who won that opportunity as the high bidder in the annual Chorus benefit.
TheremainingCharterMembersintheChorus(there were seven) and members who had been singing for 20 years were featured in Peter Yarrow’s Light One Candle. Franz Gruber’s Silent Night followed in the annual tradition of singing and signing this song, with the final verse entirely signed in silence.
The final section of the concert included Benjamin Britten’s Concord, Choral Dances from Gloriana, Get Together by Chester W. Powers and a mashup entitled united we stand on the mountain high enough.
Though a nor’easter storm had hit the city overnight, the crowds still came out to this debut concert at The Town Hall, and both performances were well attended.
As the new year began, the Chorus was looking optimistically to the future. On Saturday, January 16, 2010,theChorusonceagainheldtheir Leather Meets Levis fundraiser at the Big Apple Ranch. This fun evening of country western music and dance helped raise funds for the Chorus. Members of the Chorus were also on hand to sing a couple songs for the audience in attendance.
The annual benefit had been rebranded as Harmony and was held at Christie’s auction house on Monday, February 8. The evening included light refreshments and drinks while the audience perused the silent auction items. Members of the Chorus sang a song before the evening’s entertainment began in the main auction hall. John Tartaglia, from Avenue Q, began the evening before the main event, Tony nominated Liz Callaway took the stage. There was also a performance from Youth Pride Chorus. The live auction took place and raised several thousand
dollars for the Chorus. A fun, enjoyable evening was had by all.
Over the weekend of March 19-21, the Chorus traveled to Asbury Park for their annual out-of-town retreat. A weekend filled with intensive rehearsals and also camaraderie culminated with a free concert for the public of the upcoming concert. This year it was the second version of Big Gay Sing. This was a great way for the Chorus to do a rehearsal performance with costumes and staging in front of a live audience. Though missing the band and guest stars, the performance was still a fun afternoon for the many that turned out for this debut in Asbury Park.
For two performances at Skirball Center at NYU on Thursday and Friday, March 25-26, the Chorus presented Big Gay Sing 2. The evening was hosted once again by Scott Nevins, and this year featured legendary singer Petula Clark. Once again, the show featured an audience sing-along with songs from Broadway and contemporary pop.
NYCGMC at Big Apple Ranch
The evening began with Harry Kreiger’s Dreamgirls whichfeaturedthreeChorusmembersastheDreams. George Michael’s Freedom followed with a vibrant dance crew. The Sound of Music Medley included characters from the musical – Maria, Capt. Von Trapp, nuns, children, Rolf, and soldiers – as the medley followed the storyline ultimately taking the family over the mountain!
In the age of Glee, the Chorus provided their version of Don’t Stop Believin’. This was followed by the appearance of guest star, Petula Clark with her classic hit, Downtown. Leonard Bernstein’s “Quintet” from West Side Story was next featuring Maria, Anita, Tony, Riff and the Chorus. Freddie Mercury’s We Are the Champions had the audience really singing their hearts out. The first act ended with a Weather Medley that included It’s Raining Men, Singin’ in the Rain, Don’t Rain on My Parade, I Can See Clearly Now and Let the Sunshine In.
The second half of the concert opened with Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance featuring a dance crew. Petula Clark returned to the stage to offer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “With One Look” from Sunset Boulevard in which she portrayed Norma Desmond in London and during the US Tour. The Chorus then offered a look at one of the songs from the pride concert, “If You Only Knew” from Michael Shaieb’s Through a Glass, Darkly. Putting a new twist on a pop favorite was the iBaton version of Beyonce’s Single Ladies –using an app which causes several humorous moments.
A section reflecting the political status – John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever,dedicatedtothose who were discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, followed by Samuel Ward’s America the Beautiful. And then Here’s Where I Stand from the movie Camp in honor of gay marriage in Iowa.
The I Am, I Will, I Did Medley followed with selections “I Am What I Am,” “Maybe This Time,” and “My Way.” The Chorus then featured their allout costume parade as they saluted Cher over the yearswith10differentCherlooksastheChorussang her hits – Believe; Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves; I Got You Babe; and Shoop Shoop Song. This all led to the grand finale, If I Could Turn Back Time.
The two performances of Big Gay Sing 2 were sold out and showed that this type of program was what the audience wants. The concept would continue to grow.
On Sunday and Monday, May 2-3, at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, another cabaret program was offered by the Chorus subgroup, Broadway Voices. This year the program featured the music of William Finn and was entitled What More Can I Say? The composer was in attendance and also helped during rehearsals for the show with the group.
The many Cher’s if Big Gay Sing 2 (photo: Matty Baker)
Asthespringseasoncontinuedalong,theChorushad many outreach opportunities and performances. On Sunday, May 16, the Chorus made their appearance at GMHC’s AIDS Walk in Central Park. Performing for the walkers before they took their first step, the Chorus also participated and raised several thousand dollars to fight AIDS.
The home of Chorus member Mark Short, La Cascatella, in Bronxville was the sight of the annual Rosebud Party, which was a celebration and fundraiser for the Chorus, this year held on Saturday, May 22.
Brooklyn Borough Hall was the sight on Thursday, June 10, as the Chorus was honored by Brooklyn Pride. Pride performances at New York Life on Tuesday, June 15, and Bloomingdales on Friday, June 18, continued the presence of the Chorus at corporate functions.
Saturday, June 19, the Chorus participated in the annual Pride Rally, this year at Central Park.
NYCGMC at AIDS Walk
Celebrating 30 years at Rosebud Party
Dr. Charles Beale leading NYCGMC at Bloomingdales
Sunday, June 20, the Chorus had a presence at Folsom Street East, a festival for the leather community.
The annual Heritage of Pride March down Fifth Avenue was on Sunday, June 27.
This year’s Pride concert occurred after the Pride March on Wednesday, June 30, at Skirball Center at NYU. This year’s theme focused on the battle the community has had with addiction, specifically meth addiction. The concert was called High and featured a new choral work. Michael Shaieb composed a song cycle following a couple going through the addiction process. The piece was called Through a Glass, Darkly.
The concert was a single set and began with “Put on a Happy Face” from Bye, Bye Birdie. Freddie Mercury’s Don’t Stop Me Now followed along with James Brown’s I Got You (I Feel Good). Placebo’s haunting In the Cold Light of Morning was the final song before the staged song cycle, Through a Glass, Darkly. The concert concluded with two Coldplay songs, Fix You and Viva la Vida. After the concert there was a discussion with representatives from community organizations. In attendance were Dr. Sarit Golub from CHEST (Hunter College’s Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training), Joe Ruggerio, PhD, the director of Crystal Clear Project at the Addiction Institute of New York, and Reverend John Foran of the Sacred Center New York. They participated in a talkback about the show and hot the issue of crystal meth is affecting our community along with composer Michael Shaieb and Chorus member Stuart Perez.
The season officially ended with the annual Sea Tea Benefit. Boarding the Queen of Hearts at Pier 40, attendees were taken on an evening cruise around New York harbor. The cruise included food, drink, dance and music. It was a great way for Chorus members and others to end the season and also raise some money for the Chorus.
NYCGMC marching down 5th in annual Pride March
2010-2011 OUTREACH, FRIENDS, REMEMBRANCE
The 31st season began like many before with the annual Street Fair. This year’s performance was on Broadway and 56th Street. This first public performance of the season is always a great way to introduce the Chorus to a new audience.
At rehearsal on Monday, October 4, the Chorus created their version of the It Gets Better video for the project created by writer-activist Dan Savage. It was the Chorus’s way of helping to support LGBT youth who are struggling with their identity.
Wednesday, November 17, was a sad day. We bid farewelltoCharterMemberFredGoldhaberwhohad passed away due to complications from AIDS. His funeral was at the Church of St. Veronica in Greenwich Village. The church had one of the first public memorials to victims of the AIDS plague in New York.
On the first weekend in December (3-5), the Chorus participated in the annual Holiday Christmas Tree Sing at the South Street Seaport. Members of the Chorus stood in a formation on risers that created a human tree and sang carols and holiday songs for the public visiting and shopping the Seaport area.
On Monday, December 6, members of the Chorus took part in a corporate holiday party for ALCOA at the New York Public Library. On Friday, December 10, and Saturday, December 11, members of the Chorus performed holiday carols in Chelsea, the WestVillage,andattheHighlinetobringtheholiday spirit to the public and also to help promote the upcoming holiday concert.
On Sunday, December 19, the Chorus presented Sing Your Brass Off at The Town Hall. Special guest for this concert was Liz Callaway, a long-time friend of the Chorus. Liz was given an Honorary Membership at this concert and is now a member of the Chorus. There were two performances of the concert, a matinee at 3 and an evening at 8.
South Street Seaport Christmas Tree
For this concert, the band consisted of five brass players along with piano, bass, and drums. The program songs were interspersed with spoken word sections titled Dear Santa. The program began with the Gabrieli Hodie Christus natus est and followed by Nando Lauria’s Gloria and Maurice White’s Sing a Song. Liz Callaway’s first appearance was an Alan Menken song from Life with Mikey entitled “Cold Enough to Snow.” Sir Christémas by William Mathias followed before the first Dear Santa selection. A small ensemble from the Chorus performed a 15th century song, There is no rose of swych vertu. Chorus alumni, Howard Rosner’s Freedom, Merriment and Joy was next. The second Dear Santa followed and went into John Ondrasik’s Superman (It’s Not Easy.) Liz Callaway returned to finish the first act with a version of It’s the Most Llyrics from members of the Chorus. She ended the act with James Lord Pierpont’s Jingle Bells, the version made popular by Barbra Streisand.
The second half opened with the band playing Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, which featured the brass. A touch of international flavor followed with A. R. Rahman’s “Ganesh” from Bollywood Dreams. “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah was next before the third Dear Santa reading. Edgar Colón-Hernández’s arrangement of traditional Puerto Rican Christmas music, !Venid, Pastores a Belén! Following this was the audience carol singalong. The final Dear Santa reading came next followed by the humorous Coming Out on Christmas by former Chorus Assistant Conductor Dean X Johnson.TheannualsingingofFranzGruber’s Silent Night followed and concluded with the ever popular ASL version. Morten Lauridsen’s O magnum mysterium came next before the Hark, the Happy Holiday Hallelujah Finale, a mash-up of several well-known carols and songs. Liz Callaway returned
to send folks off with Alex Rybeck’s arrangement of Joy to the World.
The new year started off with a fundraiser at Big Apple Ranch. Leather and Levis was a country western evening of dance and song. The Chorus wouldperformasongortwoandbenefitfromagrant from the Big Apple Ranch. The event was held on Saturday, January 22, 2011.
The LGBT Community Center was the site of the memorial for Charter Member Fred Goldhaber who has passed away in November. The event was held on Monday, February 10. On Sunday, February 20, members of the Chorus, along with Anna Crusis Women’s Choir and Lavender Light Gospel Choir, performed at Marble Collegiate Church in a program for Believe Out Loud. This is a program created to encourageclergytovoicetheiraffirmationforLGBT people.
Monday, February 28, 2011, was the annual Harmony Benefit. It was held at Christie’s in Rockefeller Center. Longtime Chorus friend, Ann Harada, was the special guest. She was given an Honorary Chorus Membership at this event. The event featured members of the Chorus performing prior to the main auction/performance event. A live auction was held and performances from Ann Harada and the Youth Pride Chorus were part of the evening. The event is the major fundraiser for the Chorus.
The Chorus traveled to Asbury Park, New Jersey, in March for an intensive weekend of rehearsals for their Big Gay Sing 3D show. On Sunday, March 20, the Chorus gave a free concert to the local community of their dress rehearsal. This was the second year in Asbury Park, and the audience attendance increased to a standing room only crowd.
Liz Callaway with NYCGMC
Rehearsing Big Gay Sing 3D in Asbury Park
For two performances on March 25 and 26, the Chorus presented their third edition of Big Gay Sing. Tony nominated actor, Christopher Sieber, was the host for the evening. The program was a mix of contemporary music, theater and movie, and favoritesfromthepast.Theeveningfeaturedtheever popular production numbers with over 40 members of the Chorus taking part in some form during the evening.
The program opened with Cole Porter’s “Another Opening, Another Show” from Kiss Me, Kate. Steve Milloy’s arrangement of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, madepopularbyCyndiLauper,camenext.This was followed by Christopher Sieber singing Scott Alan’s ballad, Nothing More. Chip Prince’s arrangement of “Do You Hear the People Sing” from Les Misérables came next. Alicia Keyes’s Empire State of Mind followed along with a medley of songs made famous by Donna Summer. Included in the Steve Milloy medley were I Feel Love, Bad Girls, Hot Stuff, Enough is Enough, and Last Dance. The Monster Sing-along Medley finished the first half and featured songs The Addams Family, Monster Mash, Little Shop of Horrors, Bad Things, March of the Winkies, Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, Ghost Busters, and Time Warp.
The second half of the program opened with Katy Perry’s current hit, Firework. Christopher Sieber followed with another solo number. This time it was Sam Davis’s Love and Real Estate. The Big Gay Idol winner was featured on “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. Son of a Preacher Man, made popular by Dusty Springfield, followed and then Non, Je ne regrette rien, made famous by Edith Piaf. A memorable moment came with You Raise Me Up, which featured the Chorus forming a triangle on stage with the soloist at the point downstage center. This was followed by the Dreams Come True medley, complete with princesses and princes. The concert ended with Lady Gaga’s hit Born This Way, which was just released in February. Another two sold-out performances for this popular series.
Princes and Princesses from Big Gay Sing 3D (photo: The Drunken Photographer)
Sunday, May 15, saw members of the Chorus take part in the annual GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park. The Chorus sang before the walk for team members before starting off on the walk. The Chorus has taken part since the beginning of this program. Each year they have managed to raise record setting funds.
Tuesday, May 17, saw a small ensemble convene at the WNET PBS studios to tape songs for Pride. Katy Perry’s Firework was the featured selection.
On Monday, May 23, the Chorus took part in the rededication ceremonies for the New York Pubic Library. Many city dignitaries were in attendance at this Centennial Gala. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in attendance with Barbara Walters hosting the evening.AmongthereaderswasNobelPrizewinner, Toni Morrison.
June saw a number of outreach performances. Among them was the Sunday, June 5, performance in Jackson Heights for Queens Pride. June 8 was the airing of the PBS performance taped earlier. It was called Out in America.
A preview of the June concert was held at the LGBT Community Center on Monday, June 13. There was an outreach performance at Bloomingdale’s on Tuesday, June 14, and on Wednesday, June 15, an
appearance at the Stonewall Foundation Vision Dinner. Sunday, June 19, had appearance at the Folsom Street East festival and on June 22, there was a performance for New York Life at their Pride Luncheon. Sunday, June 26, was the annual Heritage of Pride March down Fifth Avenue. The Chorus took part in the Pier Dance by hosting one of the many bars.Thiscommunityactionbroughtindonationsfor the Chorus.
On Wednesday, June 29, at NYU Skirball Center for thePerformingArts,theChoruspresentedtheirPride show. This year’s program was (Accentuate the) Positive, and featured original Rent actor Fredi Walker-Browne. The program had the subtitle –SingingNewStoriesAboutHIV/AIDS.Theprogram partnered with community organizations to promote education about HIV/AIDS. Those participating included AID for AIDS International, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Center for HIV Education Studies and Testing (CHEST), Friends in Deed, and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).
NYCGMC at AIDS Walk
Pier Bar crew during Pride
(Accentuate the) Positive at Skirball NYU (photo: Michael R. Dekker)
The program was a mix of music and story-telling and included video and data presentations. Along the way there were education moments with chats from the community partners. The program began with Morten Lauridsen’s glorious rendition of Sure on This Shining Night. Life is a Celebration followed by Blues in B flat, Twelve (Pinball Number Count) and Crazy in Love Tango from Beyoncé. Fredi WalkerBrowne gave a performance of Vincent Youmans’s Tea for Two. Would You Harbor Me? made famous by Sweet Honey in the Rock, came next along with “Totally Fucked” from Spring Awakening by Duncan Sheik. Former Chorus accompanist, Our Lady J, created a piece titled Take Me Home. It had two parts, part one performed at the end of the first half.
A mash-up of The Love You Save and “You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want” from Avenue Q, opened the second half of the program. Three South African HIV songs followed. They were introduced and taught by Mollie Stone. Ms. Stone studied how South Africans use choral music in the struggle against HIV. Many of these songs are taught from an oral tradition. Fredi Walker-Browne returned to the stage to perform Baby Mama Drama. Edith Piaf’s signature song, Non, Je ne regrette rien, was once again performed in this concert. “Falling Slowly” from the film, Once, preceded the second part of Our Lady J’s Take Me Home. The program concluded with the Chorus and Fredi Walker-Browne performing Sting’s After the Rain Has Fallen.
NYCGMC at (Accentuate the) Positive (photo: Michael R. Dekker)
In July, from July 9 to 16, the Chorus was invited to participate at Summer Camp by R Family Vacations held at Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida. The season concluded with the annual Sea Tea Benefit held on Sunday, July 31.
2011-2012
LOOKING FORWARD WITH HOPE
The 32nd season of the Chorus started with a postponement. The annual Street Festival was to occur on Sunday, August 28. However, this was the year of Hurricane Irene which caused several disruptions. The Street Festival was postponed until later in September.
September 11, 2011, was the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and memorial and remembrance services were being held all over the city and the country. At the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, there was an all-day remembrance with services, messages and music. At 5:30 pm, NYCGMC was joined by the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus from Oregon to perform selections by Robert Seeley. Portland performed their commission, Brave Souls and Dreamers, about the consequences of war and the need for peace.
On Saturday, September 17, the Chorus gave their first open-air free concert. It was titled, Sing-athon and was a full afternoon of music with the Chorus performing half-hour sets followed by members doingsolosandgroupnumbersforthenexthalfhour. These occurred all afternoon and the program was a way for the Chorus to give back to the community as well as to promote themselves for the upcoming season. This event was held at Jackson Square Park in the West Village.
Sunday, September 25, was the date for the Street Festival that had been postponed from August. It was
held on Sixth Avenue and the Chorus performed half-hour sets on the street between 46th and 47th Street. This was another opportunity for the Chorus to share their music with an audience that was not aware of the Chorus. It was an opportunity to also present information about the Chorus and the season to the public.
On Sunday, October 23, the Chorus had the great opportunity to perform at a high profile, same-sex marriage ceremony in New York. Bill White and Bryan Eure had their reception at the Four Seasons Restaurant on Park Avenue. The Chorus lined the entry way as guests made their way inside to be serenaded by Aretha Franklin. Officials and celebrities passed as the Chorus sang their welcome to the event. This was one of the first high-profile same-sex marriages after New York had declared Marriage Equality.
As the holiday season approached, the Chorus was seen at several events. They performed for the Holiday Lighting Event at Jackson Square Park on December 1. Over the weekend of December 9-11, they took part in the Holiday Christmas Tree Sing at the South Street Seaport. On Thursday, December 15, the Chorus performed for the Holiday Party held by the Diageo, one of the world’s largest producers of beers and spirits.
NYCGMC Sing-athon at Jackson Square Park
The annual holiday concert was held at The Town Hall on Sunday, December 18, with two performances at 3 pm and 8 pm. Holiday House of Love was a concert celebrating gospel music as well as traditions from other religions and included guest appearances by Lillias White and the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson.
The program began with three Hindi welcomes followed by a rousing gospel opening, Peace and Favor Rest on Us. The first half included spoken word segments from Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, giving the welcome, and Chorus members reading segments from Twas the Night Before Christmas, Different Who Can Tell?, and Mothers and Sons. Interspersed with the spoken word segments were songsfromvariousculturesincludingaYarubasong, Olomo Lo Laiye, the traditional Little Drummer Boy, Eric Lane Barnes’s Am I Welcome Here about the response of the church to LGBT persons, the Spanish Vamos a bailar, and the gospel Go Tell It On the
Mountain. LilliasWhiteprovidedJorgeCalandrelli’s Through the Eyes of a Child.
The second half of the program began with a Muslim welcome followed by a reprise of Go Tell It On the Mountain. Handel’s Joy to the World came next with a humorous piece titles Elf the Truth, which was basically a nonsensical version of Henry Mancini’s Pink Panther Theme. A Hanukkah folk song, Ocho Kandelikas and the traditional Amazing Grace, and the 18th century hymn, Oh, Happy Day came next. Rt. Rev. Robinson then gave a very moving reflection on the times. The Chorus followed with their annual Silent Night, including the sign language. Lillias White then joined the Chorus for House of Love before the finale medley Deck the Joyful Dancing in the Street.
In the new year, the Chorus performed at the Museum of the City of New York, for the Induction of Analise Torres to the New York State Supreme Court on January 6. On January 21, the Chorus had their annual benefit at Big Apple Ranch, Leather and Levis. Aneveningofcountrywesternsonganddance with the Chorus performing a couple songs.
On February 13, members of the Chorus performed at the inaugural benefit of the American Cancer Society’s Encore of Hope. This was an evening of cocktails and performances to benefit the organization’s efforts with the LGBT community. The event was held at Providence on West 57th Street and was hosted by Judy Gold. Featured during the evening along with the Chorus were Joey Arias, Sherry Vine, Manila Luzon, Sahara Davenport, 2 to Fly Aerial, Choimatic, Tituss Burgess, Jaime
Cepero, Ben Allison and news anchor Thomas Roberts.
On Monday, February 27, was the annual benefit, Harmony, again held at Christie’s Auction House. The guest artist this year was American Idol contestant and Broadway performer, Frenchie Davis. Theeveningbeganwithcocktailsandasilentauction with a short musical performance from the Chorus. The main auction and entertainment occurred in the main hall with performances from Youth Pride Chorus and Frenchie Davis. Another successful benefit helped raise much needed funds for the Chorus.
TheChorusannualretreatwasheldovertheweekend of March 9-11 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Following two days of intense rehearsal and some camaraderie, the Chorus presented a free presentation of Big Gay Sing 4. Original Rent performer Fredi Walker-Browne was on hand to give this year’s production an added zest. With each succeeding year the Asbury audience continued to grow to standing room only.
The following weekend saw two performances of Big Gay Sing 4. The performances at Skirball Center NYU were held on Friday and Saturday evenings, March 16-17. The host for the concerts was Broadway star Jackie Hoffman who added her own touch of colorful humor to the evening.
The concert began with a production number that included I Got the Music in Me and Party Rock Anthem. This was followed by Love Shack. Jackie Hoffmanthengaveaveryfunny Stop Making Out (in front of me). A medley of TV Themes followed. The
Chorus then moved a bit classical with “Habanera” from Carmen and“MarchandChorus”from Carmen Jones. The Big Gay Idol contest winner was presented next performing Adele’s Someone Like You. To finish the first act the Chorus presented another production number. With a dance crew on roller skates, the Chorus presented Xanadu with all its uplifting music.
The second half of the program opened with Not Just for Gays Anymore whichwastheopeningnumberfor the 65th Tony Awards in 2011. Jackie Hoffman returned with another colorful song Can I Say f*^k? AtendermomentoccurrednextwithapairofChorus soloists performing “I Know Him So Well” from Chess. A medley with choreography followed, Mad About the Boyfriend. The Chorus then gave an empowered Keep Holding On from Avril Lavigne. Friend of Dorothy Medley included songs from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. For the finale, the Chorus presented Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, with not just one Tina, but five!! It was another rousing year for Big Gay Sing.
On Saturday, April 28, members of the Chorus sang at a birthday party for a member of the influential Tisch Family. And on May 20 the Chorus had its annual presentation at the GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park.
Saturday, June 2, saw the Lily Garden Party Kickoff at OUTNYC on West 42 Street.
A couple of Pride outreach events also occurred in June. On June 14 there was a concert at Bloomingdales and on June 21 a noon concert was held at New York Life to celebrate their Pride events. The annual Heritage of Pride March was held on Sunday, June 24, marching down Fifth Avenue.
The Pride concert was held on Wednesday, June 27, at Skirball Center NYU. This year’s title was What Now?(!) and was a look at what to do now that Marriage Equality is legal? The concert was hosted by longtime activist and former executive director of GLAAD, Joan Garry. The concert began with the final movement of Randall Thompson’s Testament of Freedom. This was followed by Anthony Newley’s Feeling Good. Rufus Wainwright’s Oh What a World came next. A choral version of “Back to Before” from Ragtime followed along with the African-Americanfolksong We Shall Not Be Moved.
Tina Turner (Christopher Anderson) at Big Gay Sing 4
Charlie Beale conducting the Chorus at GMHC AIDS Walk (photo: Michael R. Dekker)
Wilson Cruz, HRH Lily Putian at Lily Garden (photo: Michael R. Dekker)
Sir John and HRH Baronessa Schneider at Pride March
The Chorus then presented a staged excerpt from Proposition 8, a theatrical piece using the actual words from the lawsuit in California to overturn the legislation that banned same-sex marriage. The piece was originally produced by the American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact. Guest star for the concert, Julia Murney, then sang Sam Cook’s A Change Is Gonna Come. There was then a presentation of Scott Alan’s Nothing More from the Chorus, and a reprise of Avril Lavigne’s Keep Holding On from Big Gay Sing 4 concluded the first half of the concert.
The second half began with an arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner from Chorus Charter Member Edgar Colón-Hernández. Adam Goddard’s spoken word Yes We Can, But No We Haven’t and Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now followed. Julia Murney returned to give a full version of Stephen Flaherty’s “Back to Before ” The Chorus followed this with Michael McElroy’s arrangement of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George. The concert concluded with Sexual
Revolution from Macy Gray. This concert also had community partners including Freedom to Marry, Hetrick-Martin Institute, SAGE, and the LGBT Community Center.
On July 2, the Chorus presented a preview of their program for the quadrennial GALA Festival. It was held at Church of the Holy Trinity on the Upper East Side. From July 7-11 the Chorus took part in the ninth GALA Festival in Denver. The presentation of programs from hundreds of choruses and thousands of singers energized everyone who attended. The concert was an excerpt from the (Accentuate the) Positive concert of June 2011.
The season ended with the Sea Tea Benefit on Sunday August 5. Once gain the Queen of Hearts sailedtheHudsonandtheChoruswasthebeneficiary of donations for that event.
Direector Skie Ocasio, special guest Julia Murney, Artistic Director Charlie Beale, Host Joan Garry For the What Now ?(!) concert
NYCGMC on stage at GALA 9 in Denver
2012-2013
AN AMERICAN SEASON
As with other seasons, this one began with outreach performances. The Second Sing-athon in Jackson Square Park occurred on Saturday, September 15. It was an afternoon filled with the Chorus performing half-hour sets interspersed with Chorus members then performing solos and group numbers. It was a way to present the Chorus to the public and some self-promotion for the upcoming season. Then on Saturday, September 29, two weeks later, the Chorus performed at the annual Street Festival on Sixth Avenue. Singing similar half-hour sets on the street between 46th and 47th Streets, the Chorus sang for an audience that did not often hear the Chorus.
On Sunday, October 21, the Chorus performed at a wedding of two of its members. James Matte and Christopher Beck were married at the art deco Essex House hotel on Central Park South. The Chorus performed during the ceremony which included several Chorus members as attendants. It was one of the first weddings of Chorus members that the Chorus would perform for over the years, now that marriage equality was legal in New York.
On October 25, the Chorus was the entertainment for the high profile event of the fashion industry. Coordinated by Chorus member Jack Alexander, the Fashion Group International Gala –Night of StarsDreamcatchers - was held at the Wall Street Cipriani restaurant. Simon Doonan was the host for the evening and Carolina Herrera was the Superstar Honoree.
Matthew Broderick, Norm Lewis, Ashley Brown, Adrienne Warren and Jay Armstrong Johnson are among the special guests who will appear at Make Believe on Broadway, the 13th annual gala event by charity organization Only Make Believe on November 5. Law & Order: SVU actor Chris Meloni will host the event, which honors celebrity supporters Ian McKellen, Guy Chiarello and Petra Nemcova, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
Directed by Joe DiPietro, the evening featured performances by Broderick, Lewis, Brown, Warren, Johnson, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, Broadway Kids Care, David Bryan, Derrick Brown, John Eric Parker, Seth Rudetsky, Antoine L. Smith,
Ken Robinson, Moya Angela, Alysha Umphress, Stephanie Gibson, Marla Mindelle, Jason Michael Snow and Trevon Davis.
The event was a benefit for Only Make Believe, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing theater to children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The charity was established in 1999 by Dena Hammerstein, daughter-in-law of Broadway legend Oscar Hammerstein.
On Tuesday, December 4, a new venture was presented. Chorus member Jimmy Horan and organized a cabaret revue of Chorus members as a benefit.TheDuplexwasthesightfor One Night Only where a group of Chorus members performed solo and group numbers for a sold-out audience.
With the theme for the season looking at America, the holiday concert was presented at The Town Hall on Sunday, December 16 with two performances at 3 and 8. An American Holiday featured guest artist, legendary Judy Collins.
The concert began with words of Langston Hughes and a new piece from Chorus member Arri Simon, The American Dream. Then the American Holiday Opener, which was a mash up of Gershwin and Berlin holiday songs. Three carols from William Billings, Bruckner’s Ave Maria, and an old Basque noel. These were interspersed with readings relating to the holiday and America. Chorus accompanist, Aaron Dai, was commissioned for the next piece, You Yourself Must Change It, text by Adrienne Rich. Robert Seeley’s moving Over the Skies of Yisrael was presented representing Hanukkah. Then followed a mash up of Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas
Time Is Here and Ralph Blane’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The first half ended with Holding Out for a Hero and honored the Fire Department of New York.
To open the second half, the Chorus presented a medley of “want” holiday songs. The medley mixed I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth, I’m Getting Nuttin’ for Christmas, and All I Want for Christmas is You. A humorous High, Middle, Low was presented speaking of the parts of a song and putting them together to create a whole. A singalong of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen followed with some updatedversesrelatingtoeventsofmarriageequality and building community. Judy Collins then took the stageandpresentedtwosongs, Let It Snow and Silver Bells. To have this legendary singer was truly a holiday gift. Hard Candy Christmas by Carol Hall followed along with the annual version of Silent Night, with sign language verse. Longtime arranger Steve Milloy composed This Holiday about bringing everyone together. To conclude the program the
Chorussangarousing Christmas Time’s a-comin’ by Tex Logan.
The new year began again with the Leather Meets Levi’s benefit at the Big Apple Ranch on Saturday, January 12. The evening featured cowboy boots, chaps, and hats in a rousing country show. There was dancing and a performance by Chorus members. The Chorus was the beneficiary of the event.
On Thursday, February 7, the Chorus performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the State of the Borough address from Borough President Scott Stringer. Members of the Chorus were part of the musical portion of the program providing The StarSpangled Banner and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way.
On Tuesday, February 12, the annual gala benefit, Harmony, was held. This year it moved to Phillips auction house which had just moved to its new space on Park Avenue. Jazz singer and Chorus friend Ann Hampton Callaway provided the musical entertainment for the evening. The program started off with a small musical presentation by Chorus members prior to the evening’s main auction event. The evening included cocktails, a raffle, a silent auction and the live auction. Among the live auction items were trips to Morocco, Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, Sonoma California, and Hawaii. Over $50,000 was raised from just the live auction and the raise the paddle portion of the evening. Another very successful fundraiser.
The spring concert occurred in March. But before the concert there was the annual out-of-town retreat weekend where the Chorus gathered for intensive rehearsal as well as friendly camaraderie. From March 8-10 the Chorus gathered in Asbury Park to rehearse for Big Gay Sing 5: Broadway. To culminate the weekend the Chorus presented a concert to the community on Sunday afternoon. This was a type of dress rehearsal with an audience before the main event the following weekend in New York. Presented again for two performances on March 15 and 16 at Skirball Center NYU, Big Gay Sing 5: Broadway was hosted by Jim Caruso and featured guest artist Christina Bianco.
To get the show started the Chorus presented a medley of Broadway songs from A Chorus Line, Oliver and Annie Get Your Gun andthenmovedright into “On Broadway” from Smokey Joe’s Café to set the mood. The Chorus then presented a medley of songs from shows titled Classics Medley. Songs were featured from Oklahoma, Showboat, Singing in
the Rain, and Hello Dolly. Guest host Jim Caruso then sang a jazzy mash up of Nat King Cole’s I’m an Errand Boy for Rhythm and Rhythm in My Nursery Rhymes by Saul Chaplin and Jimmie Lunceford. Chorus member Jimmy Horan had composed a show about Chopin and the Chorus presented a song from Chopin and Sand titled “In His Music.” Guest artist ChristinaBiancoappearednext.Sheisknownforher impersonations of singers. First, she gave a rendition of “Anything You Can Do” from Annie Get Your Gun along with Jim Caruso and a small ensemble from the Chorus. She followed that with “Being Alive” from Company in the voices of a multitude of singersfromJulieAndrewstoBetteMidlertoBarbra Streisand. The first half concluded with another medley titled Garters and Chairs. Included in the medley were songs from Three Penny Opera, Chicago, Sweet Charity and Cabaret.
The second half opened with the rousing “Masquerade” from Phantom of the Opera. The Chorus then gave the very emotional “Seasons of Love” from Rent. The next big medley was Dames and Dudes and included songs from South Pacific, West Side Story, Smokey Joe’s Café and Jersey Boys. Christina Bianco returned to provide her own rendition of “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have Now?” from On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. It was again time for another medley from the Chorus. Couples Medley included songs from Dreamgirls, South Pacific, My Fair Lady and Falsettos. Then followed “Make Our Garden Grow” from Leonard Bernstein’s Candide. And the finale was another mash up of “I Am What I Am” from La Cage aux Folles and “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from Annie Get Your Gun.
On March 24, the American Theater Wing presented the Jonathan Larson Grants given to emerging musical theater writers. Members of the Chorus performed at the Jerome L. Greene Space with a presentation of “Seasons of Love” from Rent.
On March 26, members of the Chorus present Aaron Dai’s You Yourself Must Change It on Seth Rudetsky’slivebroadcastonSiriusRadio.OnMarch 28, members of the Chorus were on hand at The Town Hall for the celebration of the designation of the site as a National Historic Landmark. Also performing on the free concert were Broadway star Jeremy Jordan, cast members from Chicago, Phantom of the Opera and Avenue Q as well as The Town Hall Broadway’s Rising Stars Chorus.
On April 3, members of the Chorus were on hand at the memorial service for PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford. The memorial was held at Church of the Village in the West Village. On April 4 was the memorial service for Chorus member John Hawkins, also known as The Duchess. It was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Christopher Street.
May brought some happier events. Starting on May 11 the Chorus performed for a same-sex wedding held at The Boathouse in Central Park. On May 15, Jimmy Horan presented another cabaret evening. Night Out was held at The Duplex. A second performance was held on May 23. On Sunday, May 19, the Chorus was again part of the opening ceremonies for the GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park.
NYCGMC performing at Town Hall
Wet chorus members at AIDS Walk (photo Michael Dekker)
Leading off events in June was the annual Pride concert. Saturday, June 15, saw the Chorus present America the Beautiful at Skirball Center NYU. The concert’s theme took a look at the way America has treated the LGBT community in many areas. It presented songs from a variety of genres and timeframes. The concert began with Leonard Bernstein’s “America” from West Side Story. The Chorus then sang the provocative Sex Kills by Joni Mitchell,asongaboutAmericaataspecifictime(the Los Angeles riots of 1992). Haven Gillespie’s God’s Country followed and then David Bowie’s I’m Afraid of Americans. Charles Ives’s war song march, They Are There came next and then “Quiet” from Matilda by Tim Minchin. The first half concluded with the peaceful The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre.
The second half opened with Pat Methaney’s Minuano (Six-Eight). Drop Kick Me Jesus (Thriugh the Goalposts of Life) by Paul Craft came next. Dar Williams’s Teen for God followed. Both songs gave an outlook on religion and its effect on people.
America the Beautiful, in an arrangement by Charles Beale, was next. This version was more traditional. It was followed by Bill and Gloria Gaither’s Gentle Shepherd. “The Promise of Living” from Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land was then presented. It was followed by Steve Milloy’s arrangement of America the Beautiful, which was an imitation of the Ray Charles version. Finally, to bring everything together the Chorus concluded the concert with Home by Gary Holden and Drew Pearson and made popular by American Idol winner Philip Phillips.
On Saturday, June 1, the second Lily Garden took placeontheSpaDeckofTheOUTNYC.Manywere in attendance in their colorful dress to help fundraise for the Chorus at this new benefit.
On Saturday, June 22, members of the Chorus performed at the USA finals of Mr. Gay World contestheldatSkirballCenterNYU.OnWednesday, June 26, there was a filming of the Chorus performing The Man I Love for the HBO movie Normal Heart which would air in 2014. The Chorus performed at the annual Pride Rally, which was held on Friday, June 28, at Hudson River Park, Pier 26. The annual Heritage of Pride March was held on Fifth Avenue on Sunday June 30. Members of the Chorus sang for a wedding held at Salina’s in Chelsea on Sunday, August 4. And to end the season, the Chorus performed for the SAGE Summer Singalong on August 16.
2013-2014
AN INTERNATIONAL SEASON
The 34th season actually started where most seasons end, with the annual Sea Tea Benefit. The Queen of Hearts sails from Pier 40 around the New York Harbor with a buffet and music. The evening cruise is used to benefit non-profits, and the Chorus has been the recipient for many years. The Sea Tea was held on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
The Third Annual Sing-athon was held at Jackson Square Park on Sunday, September 15. The Chorus presented half-hour song sets on the hour. On the half-hour, individual singers from the Chorus would present song selections. The Sing-athon is a free public concert and used to promote the Chorus as well as start the season with a free-will offering fundraiser. On Saturday, September 28, the Chorus participated in the annual Street Festival on Sixth Avenue between 46 and 47 Streets. Similar to the Sing-athon, the Chorus presented song sets to the generalpublicduringthestreetfestival.Itwasagreat way to reach a new audience that is not familiar with the Chorus.
Since the Marriage Equality Act was passed in 2011, the Chorus has been performing for all types of weddings.OnSaturday,October5,therewasanother same-sex wedding held at the Skylark Terrace. The venue had views of the Empire State Building and major activist, David Mixner, was the officiant at the ceremony.
Tuesday, October 22, was the annual Fashion Group International Gala held at Cipriani, Wall Street. The Chorus performed during the evening ceremony. This was the 30th Anniversary of the Gala and was called Galaxy. The evening was
hosted by Simon Doonan and the Superstar recipients were Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy. The major entertainment this year was icon Aretha Franklin.
Tuesday, November 12, saw members of the Chorus singforthestaffatMemorialSloanKettering.Onthe following Friday, November 15, members of the Chorus performed their SAGE Sing-along with members of the senior group, SAGE. It was a fun evening of both Chorus and elders singing songs led by Jimmy Horan.
On December 2, the Department of Health and Hygiene held a World AIDS Day Breakfast. The Chorus was present to present some music for the event held by the City of New York. On Tuesday, December 3, the Stonewall Inn was the site of a Chorus led Open Mic Cabaret. Members of the Chorus performed songs in front of a sold out audience upstairs at Stonewall.
The holiday concert, What a Wonderful World, had an international theme this year. It was again held for two performances on Sunday, December 15, at The Town Hall. There was no celebrity guest, but instead there were video presentations from GLBT choruses from around the world during the program.
From Artistic Director, Dr. Charles Beale:
“So tonight, join us as we paint a picture of the diverse tapestry of queer voices that is currently emerging across our new and wonderful world. And, at this season of New Year reflection, imagine what you can do to make the world an even more wonderful place in 2014.”
The evening concert began with William Billings’s hymn, Africa. It was followed by two movements from Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. A video presentation from the London Gay Men’s Chorus came next. “These nights pass slowly” from Paul Carey’s Winter Solstice followed with Adam Lay Ybounden by Boris Ord. Chorus member, Takefumi Semba introduced a video by the ChoirboysofTokyo,Japan. Infant Joy fromJapanese composer Rikuya Terashima followed along with the English traditional Sussex Carol. From Russia came PavelTschesnokoff’s Salvation is Created. Nextwas a traditional miner’s song from Zimbabwe, Shosholoza, which is often sung to convey a message of hope and solidarity. Chorus member Tony Lin introduced a video presentation from the Shiney Jazz ChorusofBeijing,China.Thefirsthalfoftheconcert concluded with a Mandarin song from Ah Niu called
Tao hua duo duo kai (Peach Blossom). It featured Chorus soloists Ray Sheen and Tony Lin and The Children’s Choir of the Brooklyn Waldorf School.
The second half began with Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque, a beautiful piece sounding like angels singing. Indian composer, A. R. Rahman wrote two pieces which were combined for the next selection. “Chaiyya, Chaiyya” was from a 1998 Bollywood film and also used in the Broadway musical, Bombay Dreams. The other song, “Jai Ho, ” which came from the film, Slumdog Millionaire. Light a Candle by Diana Silver and Phil Hall was next and was conducted by guest conductor, Guy Jacobs, who won the opportunity to conduct at the annual Chorus benefit. Chorus member Herminio Delgado introduced the next video from Coro Gay Ciudad de MéxicofromMexicoCityandPuertoVallartaMen’s Chorus, both from Mexico. The Ladino song by Flory Jagoda, Ocho Kandelikas, celebrating Hanukkah, followed the video. A video from the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir from Australia came next and was followed by Bob Brown’s Earth Song. The Children’s Choir of the Brooklyn Waldorf School were again featured on the next song, What a Wonderful World, originally made popular by Louis Armstrong. The concert concluded with jazzy Jon Hendricks song, Love Makes the World Go ‘Round. For an encore the Chorus presented Franz Gruber’s Silent Night, and as has become a tradition, with the sign language verse to audience appreciation.
On Thursday, December 26, several members of the Chorus traveled to Brooklyn to backup songwriter/performer Dar Williams for a concert at Bell House.
The new year saw the Chorus back at Big Apple Ranch for their annual Leather Meets Levis benefit on January 11, 2014. The country themed evening
Chorus members with Dar Williams
includedmusic,dancing,andaperformancefromthe Chorus. Sunday, February 16, saw members of the Chorus travel to Plainfield, New Jersey, to participate in the wedding of Chorus members James Horan and Antonio Torrence. On Wednesday, February 18, the annual Chorus benefit, Harmony, washeldatAffirmationArtswithguestartistCarolee Carmello performing. On Saturday, March 1, members of the Chorus traveled to Montclair, New Jersey, to perform at the Montclair Film Festival.
The annual Big Gay Sing was held in March. But before the concert the Chorus would travel to Asbury Park, New Jersey, for the weekend retreat. The weekend of March 7-9 was filled with rehearsal and camaraderie. On Sunday, March 9, the Chorus presented a free-will concert for the public as a dress rehearsal for the full concert the following week in New York.
The club icon and original Weather Girl, Martha Wash, was guest performer for the concert. The concert opened with the Scissor Sisters hit, Let’s Have a Kiki. It was followed by Pink’s Raise Your Glass. Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe came next followed by a mashup of We Are Family and Get Lucky, both written in part by Nile Rodgers. Martha Wash then appeared to perform her hit with the Chorus, It’s Raining Men. A short chat between Ms. Walsh and Dr. Beale followed and gave some insight into the disco/club era. Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory came next and featured two Chorus members in a pas de deux. The Big Gay Idol contest winner was announced and performed Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive with the Chorus. Next the Chorus presented Usher’s Without You featuring two Chorus soloists. To conclude the first half of the concert the Chorus presented a medley of Gloria Estefan’s hits including Turn the Beat Around, Oye Mi Canto, and Conga, with dancers performing the conga through the audience and out to the lobby for intermission.
Wings by British girl group Little Mix opened the second half of the concert. Martha Wash returned to the stage and performed It’s My Time and I’m Not Coming Down. Guest conductor, Chorus member James Matte, took the stage to conduct a medley of Big Gay Sing greatest hits including ABBA’s Dancing Queen, Madonna’s Vogue, and Cher’s Believe. The Irish folk song (S)he moved through the fair was next. It was a preview of a song the Chorus would take on tour in June. Janet Jackson’s Together Again followed. Coming next was a tribute to Whitney Houston featured in a medley of her hits, I Will Always Love You and I’m Every Woman. To conclude the concert, Rihanna’s Don’t Stop the Music was presented.
Friday, March 28, was another SAGE Sing-along with members performing for and with members of SAGE. Cipriani, 42 Street, was the sight of the Heartworks Benefit for the Marlan Foundation on Thursday, April 10. Members of the Chorus were present to perform for the evening.
On Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, Big Gay Sing 6: Club Night Out! was held at Skirball Center NYU.
Wednesday and Thursday, May 7-8, was another cabaret benefit at the Duplex. This evening was titled Nobody Does It Better and was a salute to composer Marvin Hamlisch.
May 8th was also the date of another Chorus wedding. Chorus member Dick Donahue and longtime partner Skip Skwarek were married in a ceremony at East of Eighth restaurant on West 23 Street. Members of the Chorus were on hand to sing for the couple.
Saturday, May 10, saw a remembrance service for longtime Chorus member Tom Cunningham. The service was held at St. John’s in the Village. Another SAGE Sing-along took place on Friday, May 16 at SAGEoffices.OnSunday,May18,theChorusagain took part in opening ceremonies for GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park. HBO’s film, The Normal Heart, aired on television on Sunday, May 25. The Chorus had filmed their participation in June 2013, where they performed Irving Berlin’s The Man I Love.
The annual Pride concert was moved from June to May as the Chorus was touring in June. Held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the concert featured the first time that all four LGBT choruses in New York performed together. Joining the Chorus were Empire City Men’s Chorus, Stonewall Chorale, and Lavender Light. The concert was held on Saturday, May 31, and was titled Four Choirs and a Cathedral.
The concert opened with all four choruses performing a traditional chant, Ama Ibu O Iye as they processed from different parts of the Cathedral. Then all choruses performed Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque. First to present their portion of the program was the Empire City Men’s Chorus. They opened their segment with Armenian Vartapet Komitas’s Bazmutunq. This was followed by John Conahan’s One Song and Mark Hayes’s The Gettysburg Address. To complete their set, they performed Joseph Gregorio’s Dona nobis pacem. The Stonewall Chorale took their places next. They led with John Tavener’s Song of Athene followed by Chris deBlasio’s Sonnet (I Am in Need of Music).
Chorus shot from The Normal Heart (HBO)
Ralph Vaughan Williams’s The Cloud-Capp’d Towers and finished with James Mulholland’s O, Love’s Like a Red, Red, Rose. To end the first half of the concert, the two choruses came together to sing Paul Halley’s Sound Over All Waters.
New York City Gay Men’s Chorus opened the second half of the concert with The American Dream by A. Lawton Simon with words by Martin Luther King, Jr. “The New World” from Jason Robert Brown’s Songs of a New World came next. The Couples Medley featuring songs from Dreamgirls, South Pacific and Falsettos followed. The Chorus ended their segment with Michael McElroy’s arrangement of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George. The Chorus was then joined by Lavender Light and they performed Gary Holden’s Home. Lavender Light was the final chorus to perform, giving their trademark gospel feel to their songs. They first presented Every Praise by J. David Bratton followed by Scott Underwood’s Take My Life (Holiness). Carol Antrom’s He’ll Meet My Needs came next with Praise You by Elizabeth Goodine. Stand! by Milton Bimghom and You Are Good from Israel Houghton completed their set. All four choruses then came together for the final song, Make a Better World by Earl King.
June saw the Chorus tour to England and Ireland. Arriving by Sunday, June 8, the Chorus had a rehearsal with London Gay Men’s Chorus on Monday, June 9. Tuesday, June 10, the Chorus performed at the US Embassy in London. The program was part of Pride Festivities by the Embassy and US Ambassador Matthew Barzun was on hand with his family. Five songs from the season’s repertoire were among those chosen to perform. They included American Dream, The New World, Earth Song, Sunday, and Home. That evening was a mixer with both Choruses getting to know each other over a drink or two.
Wednesday, June 11, was the concert with London Gay Men’s Chorus. Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre was the sight of the concert, You Say Tomato!
LondonbegantheconcertwithCarlySimon’s Let the River Run and Our House from British pop band Madness. Common People from English alternative rock band Pulp followed. They were then joined on stage by New York and together they sang “Consider Yourself” from the musical Oliver. London left the stage for New York to perform their first set. It included songs from previous season repertoire including A. Lawton Simon’s American Dream, “TheNewWorld”fromJasonRobertBrown’s Songs for a New World, Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque, LadyGaga’s Edge of Glory,andendingwithStephen Sondheim’s “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George. London returned for their second set to finish the first half. They performed One Day Like This by English rock band Elbow, Rufus Wainwright’s Memphis Skyline and finished the first half with Sia’s Titanium.
Michael Miller, US Ambassador Matthew Barzun, Drew McCarthy
New York opened the second half of the concert with Kenny Loggins’s Celebrate Me Home followed by Greg Holden’s Home. They concluded their set with David Guetta’s Without You. London took the stage with Adele’s Hometown Glory followed by Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now and Rule the World by Take That. New York then performed George Michael’s Freedom 90 which segues into London performingGeorgeMichael’s Freedom. Toconclude the concert the two choruses joined forces to give a rousing rendition of A.R. Rahman’s Chaiyya Chaiyya/Jai Ho.
This concert formed a bond between the two Choruses. Dr. Charles Beale had been the director of London for five years before taking the baton in New York. He had now formed a bond between the two Choruses with many friendships forming between members of the two choruses.
On Thursday, May 12, New York traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to take part in the European gay chorus festival, Various Voices from June 13 to June 16. There was a welcome party for participants that evening. On Friday, June 16, the Chorus performed at the US Embassy in Dublin. The Interim Chief of Missions Stuart A. Dwyer was on hand for the concert which featured songs from the same set as theLondonembassyperformance.Laterthatevening the Chorus performed their set for the Various Voices Festival. Along with the song set list for the embassies, Edge of Glory and Home were added to the concert program.
NYCGMC on stage at Various Voices
On Saturday, June 15, the Chorus presented Big Gay Sing Dublin as a benefit for the Marriage Equality initiative in Ireland. The evening concert was hosted by drag queen and gay activist Panti Bliss. The concert was held at the Bord Gai Energy Theater, a 2000+ seat theater, the largest in Ireland.
Big Gay Sing Dublin was a truncated version of Big Gay Sing 6: Club Night Out! Also featured on the program was Gloria, Dublin’s gay and lesbian choir. The evening was a benefit for marriage equality and raised over 35,000 Euros for the cause. A special event took place during the concert as Chorus member Scott Davenport proposed to his longtime partner, Bradley Dodson, on stage. It was a fitting and poignant moment for this event.
Once back in New York the annual June events continued to take place. Wednesday, June 18, members of the Chorus performed for the annual Pride Celebration by the City Council. This year’s event was held at the Great Hall at Cooper Union. On Monday, June 23, several members of the Chorus took part in the LOGO Trailblazers Awards celebration at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine as backup singers to Sia.
Two corporate pride events saw performances by the Chorus at Bloomingdales and Bernstein Global, both on Wednesday, June 25. The annual Heritage of Pride March took place on Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 29. To end the season the Chorus had one last SAGE Sing-along on Friday, August 2.
NEW MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS 35th SEASON
The 35th Season of the Chorus started out on a sad note. Longtime supporter, Joan Rivers, had passed away and the Chorus had been invited by Joan’s daughter, Melissa, to perform at her memorial service. On Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Temple Emanuel, the Chorus opened the program. Ms. Rivers had requested “a big showbiz affair.” The New York Times wrote:
Inside, white gardenias — Ms. Rivers’ favorite flowers, some friends said — lined the front of the sanctuary. The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus performed several numbers, including “What a Wonderful World,” “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” and “Big Spender.” Later, the Broadway luminaries Audra McDonald and Hugh Jackman appeared. Her daughter, Melissa, also spoke.
The memorial was an invitation only event with celebrities including Joy Behar, Kathie Lee Gifford, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, Charlie Rose, Diane Sawyer, and Barbara Walters, among others. Ms. Rivers patronage of the Chorus spanned close to two decades. The Chorus had appeared on her television show, sang at her celebrated open house on Christmas for many years, had her host a benefit and also a movie concert as a last minute replacement. She was a great friend to the Chorus.
The same day as Joan Rivers’ memorial members of the Chorus traveled to South Orange, New Jersey, to sing for Chorus member Scott Davenport as he married his partner, Bradley Dodson. Scott had proposedtoBradleyduringtheChorustourtoDublin earlier this year in June, on stage at the Bord Gaïs Energy Theatre.
On Monday, September 9, the Chorus had been invited to sing at Rockefeller Center for Access Hollywood LIVE, as they remembered Joan Rivers. This last minute invitation was a great honor for the Chorus to again remember their supporter, Joan Rivers.
The weekend of September 13-14 saw the Chorus prepare for their fourth Sing-athon in Jackson Square Park. However, the weather did not cooperate, and the event was cancelled on Saturday. On Sunday, the 14th, the Chorus still held their annual Sea Tea Benefit as they cruised the waters of the Hudson during the evening.
The annual Street Festival was held on Sixth Avenue with the Chorus performing half hour sets on the street between 46th and 47th Streets. This has always been a way for the Chorus to promote their season and the group to the general public. The festival was held on Saturday, September 27.
NYCGMC at Access Hollywood Liv
On Thursday, October 23, at Cipriani Wall Street, members of the Chorus made their third appearance at the Fashion Group International GALA. This Night of Stars was entitled, The Protagonists, and its Superstar was Diane Von Furstenberg. The event was again hosted by Simon Doonan.
Two events of opposite emotions were the site of performances from the Chorus. On Saturday, October 25, the Chorus performed at St. Joseph’s Church in the Village for the wedding of Karrie Goldberg and Gregor Baran. The following Friday, October 31, the Chorus sang at the funeral of Terry Keenan at Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue.
On Tuesday, December 2, members of the Chorus performed a Holiday Outreach Concert at Bernstein Alliance. At The Duplex, on December 2-3, there was a Spotlight Cabaret Series with guest Natalie Douglas, as a benefit for the Chorus. On Wednesday, December 3, members of the Chorus performed at New York City Council for their World AIDS Day presentation honoring Alan Cumming.
This year’s holiday concert, Home for the Holidays, was held at NYU Skirball Center. This year’s program was an original theatrical event created and written by Chorus member Michael Scheman. Like a holiday pageant, the tale told of a young man just coming out to his family and journeying to New York City where he finds his family of choice. Woven into the story are the musical numbers the Chorus performed to comment on the action of the story.
The story began with the traditional A Christmas Roundelay. The lead in the play, Spencer, then performed The Time is Now, a song by Chorus members A. Lawton Simon and Michael Scheman. Christmas Angel followed and was performed by the character Sugarplum Mary and the Elves. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree came next. The newly formed group, The SAGE Chorus, came on stage and sang Mary’s Boy Child. This chorus was a joint venture between SAGE and NYCGMC. When a Child Was Born featured the character Frosty and the Elves. Ellie Goulding’s Burn came next and was followed by Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
NYCGMC at Fashion Group International Gala
and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town to end the first half.
The second half of the concert began with a Carol Medley and Mark Riese’s I Saw Three Ships. Santa Baby followed in a rather risqué rendition by Mrs. Claus and the Elves. The Elves then were featured in Working Elf Blues and followed by The Twelve Days After Christmas. Special guest for this concert, Carolee Carmello, took the stage to present What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? Glen Ballard’s Believe was then presented followed by a mash-up of Irving Berlin and Pharrell Williams for Happy (Holiday). The pageant concluded with the Spanish Te Deseo Feliz Navidad.
ThenewyearsawtheChoruspreparefortheirannual Big Gay Sing. This year’s theme was the movies. During the annual retreat in Asbury Park the Chorus presented their free concert for the local community on Sunday, March 15. This proved successful with another SRO audience in attendance. The following weekend saw three performances for Big Gay Sing 7: Movie Mania on Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, at NYU Skirball Center. This year’s host was the celebrated writer Bruce Vilanch, known for his many
scripts of the presentation of the Oscar at the Academy Awards.
Big Gay Sing 7: Movie Mania was the first concert to expand to three performances. Over the weekend from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, the Chorus performed songs from movies. Bruce Vilanch was the host for the evening and gave commentary. The evening began with a mashup of an original song, Big Gay Sing by Chorus member Jeff Lettiere, Artistic Director Charles Beale, and arranger Steve Milloy. This song was combined with the title song from Footloose. An homage medley to Barbra Streisand was next that included Don’t Rain On My Parade, People, and The Way We Were. Assistant Director John Atorino took the podium to conduct the Chorus in a Steve Milloy arrangement of Henry Mancini’s Moon River. A sing-along of ABBA’s Mamma Mia, followed. The Chorus then did George Gershwin’s The Man I Love, which had been sung by the Chorus in the film of The Normal Heart on HBO the previous year. The first half ended with a sing-along of Grease Is the Word.
The Elves
Bitchy Butch Cookie
Horny Shady Sleazy
Trampy Twinkie
Shaken Not Stirred, a James Bond celebration, opened the second half of the concert. It featured songs from You Only Live Twice, Goldfinger, Skyfall, Live and Let Die and the iconic Bond theme. A preview of a song from the upcoming June concert was next. Brother, Because of You was a part of Tyler’s Suite, a song cycle about the death of college student Tyler Clementi due to cyber bullying. The cycle was written by several composers and this song was by Stephen Schwartz. A Bette Midler medley followed with Place Your Bettes. It included Under the Boardwalk, From a Distance, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and The Rose. Celebrating Diana Ross, the Chorus chose Do You Know Where You’re Going To? From the film Mahogany. The popular Disney film, Frozen, made an appearance with two songs, Vuelie and Let It Go in a mashup.
Before the next song, Chorus member Eugene Lovendusky took center stage. With the blessing of the Artistic Director, and unbeknownst to the membership, Eugene invited his partner to center stage. Here he made the grand gesture of a proposal. This was followed by “Come What May” from Baz Luhrman’s film, Moulin Rouge. The membership had a time keeping their emotions in check while singing this song!
NYCGMC performing Come What May
The concert concluded with a trilogy mashup. From the popular Pitch Perfect, the Chorus performed “Price Tag,” “Don’t You Forget About Me,” and “Give Me Everything (Tonight).” These were arranged by the film’s arranger, Deke Sharon.
On Friday, May 1, members of the Chorus once again presented a cabaret benefit performance at The
Duplex. This time it was the music of John Bucchino and titled Grateful. Under the music direction of Jimmy Horan, the Chorus once again provided a sold out evening of entertainment.
The annual GMHC AIDS Walk was held on Sunday, May 17, and the Chorus once again took part in the opening ceremony with a performance before walking the route to raise money for this cause.
The Chorus performed at two weddings in about two weeks. The first was for Chorus member Daniel Hurewitz and his partner Michael Ravitch at the Picnic House in Prospect Park, Brooklyn on Saturday, May 23. On Saturday, June 6, members traveled to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to perform for donors Deb Stahl and Lydia Whitefield.
Between the weddings, the Chorus presented their annual Gala Benefit, Harmony. This year it was held on Tuesday, May 26, at Marquee in Chelsea. The highlight of the evening was the performance from the incomparable Betty Buckley. A week later, the Chorus kicked off June with a Pride Outreach performance at New York Life on Madison Avenue near Madison Square Park.
Saturday, June 6, the Chorus made their debut at the Brooklyn Museum of Art for a Target Saturday performance of Tyler’s Suite. This performance was agreatpreludetotheupcomingJuneconcertandwas a way to bring a touch of Pride to the borough. A standing room audience was very appreciative.
NYCGMC at Brooklyn Museum
The following Saturday, June 13, the Chorus presented their full June concert, Generation Y, at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. The special guest for this concert was Ann Hampton Callaway. The concert began with the song cycle, Tyler’s Suite. The piece was nine movements written by different composers and telling the tale of the Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi, who committed suicide after being cyber bullied. The piece was commissioned by several GALA choruses including San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, Seattle Men’s Chorus, San
Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Turtle Creek Chorale (Dallas), and Windy City Gay Chorus (Chicago).
Tyler was a violinist and the piece was for chorus, piano and violin throughout. It is structured in three parts. The first part is called Tyler and features Nolan Gasser’s I Have Songs You Haven’t Heard and Craig Carnelia’s The Unicycle Song. Part 2: Reflections contains four songs – A Wish by Lance Horne, Just a Boy by John Bucchino, Brother, Because of You by Stephen Schwartz, and I Love You More by Ann Hampton Callaway, who also performed it in concert. The third and final part, The Narrow Bridge, featured John Corigliano’s Meditation, a reprise of NolanGasser’s I Have Songs You Haven’t Heard and concludes with Jack Heggie’s The Narrow Bridge.
After intermission, the Chorus presented Gen Y, a theatrical piece relating stories of different generations – Baby Boomer, Gen Xer, Millennial. Alanis Morissette’s Hand in My Pocket opened this section and was followed by John Rzeznik’s Iris. A
NYCGMC at New York Life for Pride
mashup of Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance and Stephen Schwartz’s Defying Gravity followed. Ann Hampton Callaway came to the stage to present her version of the classic, It Had to Be You. The Circle Game by Joni Mitchell was next and then Atlas from Coldplay. The concert concluded with We Are Young from the group Fun.
Two weeks later, on June 27, the Chorus traveled to Ridgewood, New Jersey, to perform Tyler’s Suite at West Side Presbyterian Church. This was a performance in Tyler Clementi’s hometown, and his family and friends were in attendance. The Tyler Clementi Foundation was formed to promote safe, inclusive and respectful social environments in homes, schools, churches, and the digital world for vulnerable youth, LGBT youth, and their allies.
The following day, on Monday, June 29, members of the Chorus appeared on the Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore on Comedy Central as part of their Pride celebration.
Another wedding appearance at a private home in the West Village occurred on Wednesday, July 8. The final event of the season was the summer SAGE Sing-along at SAGE where once again Jimmy Horan led his group in singing with the seniors in attendance to life voices together. The final event of the season was the annual Lily Garden benefit held on August 4 at Tavern on the Green.
The annual Heritage of Pride March was held on Sunday, June 28, and again marched down Fifth Avenue to the West Village.
Tyler’s Suite in Ridgewood, New Jersey
Pride March
NYCGMC on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore
2015-2016 GUEST APPEARANCES HIGHLIGHT THE SEASON
The season began with members singing at the cabaret club 54 Below as guests on the 15th anniversary performance of John Bucchino’s album Grateful. It was an honor to be able to work with the composer on preparing for this performance, and he was generous to those who appeared. The concert was held on Wednesday, September 9.
The annual Sea Tea Benefit cruise was held on Sunday, September 13. And the fifth annual Singathon was held at Jackson Square Park on Saturday, September 19. The annual Street Festival on Sixth Avenue took place on Saturday, September 26 between 46th and 47th Streets.
Thefirstofseveralguestappearancesthisseasonwas an appearance by members of the Chorus on Neil Patrick Harris’ television program, Best Times Ever. The program was filmed at Kaufman Studios in Astoria, New York, The program was a live variety series adapted from a British series. The appearance on September 22 featured guest announcer Alex Baldwin, live guest Seth Meyers, and there was an audience singalong of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart. The Chorus performed with co-host Nicole Scherzinger and Bonnie Tyler for the finale Holding Out For a Hero.
On Monday, November 2, the Chorus started their rehearsal in the West Village by brushing up on Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George. They then traveled uptown to the Plaza Hotel where they would be guests for the Drama League’s Centennial Gala. The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza was filled with celebrities and supporters as they honored Bernadette Peters. When the Chorus performed, they took to the stage as well as the side arches surrounding the audience. The moving song “Sunday” was well received and brought tears to the eyes of Ms. Peters.
Members of the Chorus returned to Bernstein Alliance this year on Monday, November 16, to again perform for an HRC Celebration. Chorus members also took part in the Love Comes in Lavender Benefit at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Christopher Street in the West Village. The benefit was for LGBT homeless youth and presented by the Lavender Emergency Assistance Fund. On Tuesday, December 1, members of the Chorus took part in events honoring World AIDS Day at the Apollo
Theater in Harlem. Members of the Chorus performed Love Lives On.
The annual holiday concert took place once again at The Town Hall. This year there were two performances on Sunday, December 13, 2015. The concert, entitled Light: A Holiday Celebration, featured trans activist and performer, Justin Vivian Bond.
The concert opened with a combined piece featuring “I Will Sing” from Harmony, Kansas by composer Anna K. Jacobs and lyricist Bill Nelson, and James
Taylor’s Shed a Little Light. This was followed by John Rutter’s three movement work, Gloria. To celebrate Hanukkah, the common Jewish prayer, Shehecheyanu was performed with a speaker and members holding candles. Justin Vivian Bond took the stage and performed their original piece, Christmas Spells. This was followed by the traditional Silent Night including the sign language verse which has become a standard for holiday concerts. A new work commissioned by the Chorus from Rona Siddiqui, What’s At the Intersection, concluded the first half. The song combined the season emotions with the political aspect of the “outsider” of the community.
Michael McElroy’s gospel rendition of Go Tell It On the Mountain opened the second half of the concert. The lighthearted Text Me Merry Christmas and Tom Lehrer’s humorous (I’m Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica came next. Robin Peckhold’s White Winter Hymnal followed along with the traditional I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Justin Vivian Bond returned to the stage to perform Someone’s House Always Burns at Christmas and then Harry Nilsson’s Remember with the Chorus. Eric Whitacre’s glorious Lux Aurumque followed and then for the finale the Chorus presented Light by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey from their musical Next to Normal. Encores includedBobbyMcFerrin’s Psalm 23 andwithJustin Vivian Bond Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Later that week on Friday and Saturday, December 18-19, the Chorus appeared as guests of the New York Philharmonic’s holiday celebration. The concert was held at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and was entitled Oh, What Fun! A
Philharmonic Holiday. Under the direction of Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic, Courtney Lewis, the concert presented holiday favorites from the NY Philharmonic Orchestra including selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, carols, and You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch featuring bassbaritone Eric Owens.
The Chorus presented Mark Riese’s A Choral Fantasy which included “I Saw Three Ships,” “What Child Is This,” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” Also programmed were I’ll Be Home for Christmas, All I Want for Christmas Is You, and a mashup of Pharrell Williams’ Happy with Irving Berlin’s Happy Holiday. The Chorus ended the first act. At the finale of the concert the Chorus was again on hand to help with the audience carol sing-along. The carols included Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night and Joy to the World. This was a wonderful opportunity for the Chorus to perform once again at Lincoln Center and to an audience who may not have been familiar with the Chorus.
On Monday, January 25, 2016, members of the ChorustooktothestageofBrunoWalterAuditorium at the New York Public Library of the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center for a concert, Songbook:
Broadway’s Future. The concert was a celebration of new music from Broadway composers and lyricists sungbyBroadwayvocalists.ItwaspresentedbyArts and Artists at St. Paul under the direction of John Znidarsic. The ensemble from the Chorus sang “I Will Sing” from the musical Harmony, Kansas by Anna K. Jacobs and Bill Nelson.
On February 4, members of the Chorus appeared at the United Nations for their Free and Equal event. This event was the unveiling of the Free and Equal Stamp sponsored by the United Nations Postal Administration. The issuing of the stamp was in support of global LGBT Equality. The Chorus performed I Will Sing, George Michael’s Freedom 90, The Man I Love, Seasons of Love, We Are Young, and Home. Another great visibility event for the Chorus.
On Monday, February 8, the Chorus was honored to be a guest for the Carnegie Hall concert, Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs. The sold-out concert was a recreation of his cabaret act and feature guest appearances from Ricki Lake, Darren Criss and Kristin Chenoweth. The Chorus performed a
Firework mashup and a special song by Alan, Next
to Me. It was great to be back on the Carnegie Hall stage singing backup for Alan Cumming.
The annual Chorus benefit, Harmony, moved to the Diamond Horseshoe at the Paramount Hotel in the theater district. This year’s benefit featured performances from Youth Pride Chorus; NYCGMC; the newly formed a cappella group of the Chorus, Tonewall; and special guest, Nick Adams. The event included a silent and live auction and after the main eventandaddeddancepartywasheldfeaturingErika Jayne. The event was held on Monday, February 22.
The spring concert was the eighth version of Big Gay Sing. Thisyear’srenditionwasentitled Mind the Gap and saluted the music from Britain. Over the weekend of March 11-13, the Chorus attended their annual out-of-town retreat in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to put the finishing touches on the program. On Sunday, March 13, they gave a free performance to the public of a preview of Big Gay Sing: Mind the Gap. The following week the Chorus took the program to NYU Skirball Center for three performances on March 18-20. Special guest for this concert was the legendary Lorna Luft.
As a tip to British tradition, the concert began with God Save the Queen and followed by Queen’s We Will Rock You. Next came Jessie J’s Burnin’ Up and featured a production number with over 30 members involved. A sing-along from the Spice Girls came next and featured the songs Spice Up Your Life and Wannabe. The recently formed SAGE Chorus took to the stage and was featured in (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of
the Rolling Stones. The Beatles’ Love Me Do followed along with You Really Got Me by Ray Davies for the Kinks. These three songs were part of the British Invasion Sing-along. Special guest, Lorna Luft, took to the stage and sang “Who Will Buy” from the musical Oliver. The Chorus then performed Adele’s Hello before presenting a trio of songs made popular by three British women—Dusty Springfield,
Petula Clark, and Shirley Bassey. The songs were Son of a Preacher Man, Downtown, and This Is My Life. Amash-upofEltonJohn’s Your Song and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me was next and featured guest conductor Michael Byre Baker who had won the opportunity to conduct at the annual Harmony benefit auction. The first half of the concert concluded with a big dance production to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go from the group Wham!
Thesecondhalfoftheconcertopenedwiththeiconic Bohemian Rhapsody from Freddie Mercury and Queen. A sing-along followed with three songs—
Annie Lenox’s Sweet Dreams, The Buggles’ Video Killed the Radio Star, and Just Can’t Get Enough from Depeche Mode. Lorna Luft returned to the stage to perform another song from Oliver, “As Long As He Needs Me.” She had major success while touring for many years in the United Kingdom. David Bowie’s Life on Mars and Changes followed. An emotional rendition of Radiohead’s hit Creep came next. It included a modern dance trio performing a very moving piece to the song. Shake It Out from Florence and the Machine featured another dance production from members of the Chorus. Clean Bandit’s Rather Be came next with another dance number. Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand featuring the a cappella group from the Chorus, Tonewall, concluded the concert. For the encore the Chorus sang Jessie J’s Bang Bang.
May would begin the multitude of outreach performances through June. The first was on May 9 and was an Inclusion and Diversity Reception at Estée Lauder Headquarters. The annual GMHC AIDS Walk was held at Central Park on Sunday May 15 and the Chorus was on hand to perform at the opening ceremonies. Target First Saturdays at Brooklyn Museum of Art was the sight for a preview performance of the upcoming Pride concert. This was held on Saturday, June 4.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, there was a mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The club was a gay bar, dance club and nightclub in the city. 49 patrons of the club were shot. This event stunned the community—both the general and gay. During the day of the 12th the Chorus was notified of their request to perform on Good Morning America on Monday morning. 60
members of the Chorus showed up to perform “Light” from Next to Normal on the street in front of the GMA Studios in Times Square. The movement We Are Orlando was formed to remember the event and galvanize the community.
On Friday, June 17, the annual Pride concert was held at NYU Skirball Center. It’s Complicated was a show that looked at the everyday lives of gay couples in 2016. Life as a gay couple is indeed complicated. The one-act concert was composed of classic songs as well as modern ones and these were interspersed with storytellers and tales of what it is to be a couple.
Before the program started, Jason Cannon, Acting Executive Director, gave a short speech and invited Chorus members in the audience to join those on
stage in a tribute to the Pulse shooting. Then there was a performance of Light as had been sung on Good Morning America on Monday.
The concert began with Love Is a Many Splendored Thing followed by When You’re Young and In Love. Kurt Weill’s Sing Me Not a Ballad came next and then Jerome Kern’s The Folks Who Live On the Hill. The Right Time byLewHermanwasfeaturedinthree segments through the concert, and the first part followed here. Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin came next and was followed by Where Are My Keys? From Lorraine Feather. The Right Time (2) returnedbefore Desperado fromGlennFreyandDon Henley. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Bushes and Briars followed and then The Right Time (3). Katrina and the Waves’ hit Walking on Sunshine came next before A Great Big World’s Say Something. A reprise of The Folks Who Live On the Hill preceded the finale of Ben Folds’ The Luckiest. The encore to send the audience home was Kacey Musgraves’ Follow Your Arrow.
The following week on June 24, the a cappella group Tonewall would perform at the Pride Rally for the first time. The same day there was a Pride Event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where members of the Chorus would sing form the balcony overlooking the entranceway.
NYCGMC at the MET Pride Event
There was a wedding in Fort Tryon Park where members would serenade the lovely couple. On Sunday,June26,theChoruswouldjointheirsponsor
JetBlue and march Fifth Avenue for the annual Heritage of Pride March. Tuesday, June 28, was a Pride Event at New York Life office on Madison Avenue.
The Tenth Anniversary of the GALA Festival was held in Denver, Colorado, from July 1-6. For this specialevent,theChorushadbeeninvitedtoperform at the Opening Ceremonies as part of these songs: Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, “Glory” from Selma, Turn the World Around, Sky Full of Stars, and We Are the Ones. The Chorus would also perform Monarch with the composer Matt Alber.
For the set during their concert block the Chorus performed selections from earlier concerts including: Light, Creep, Shake It Out, Life On Mars, Say Something, Psalm 23, and Hold My Hand.
Following the GALA Festival appearance, the annual Lily Garden fundraiser was held on August 2 at Tavern on the Green in Central Park.
Also, on Saturday, August 13, some members of the Chorus would take part in the Mostly Mozart 50th Anniversary at Lincoln Center. The World Premiere from Pulitzer-Prize winning composer, David Lang was the piece the public domain and was performed in a free concert on the plaza of Lincoln Center with 1,000 professional and amateur singers.
NYCGMC marching down Fifth Avenue
NYCGMC performing during Opening Ceremony
NYCGMC in concert at GALA
HRH Lily Garden, HRM April Foolz-Daye, Sir Daniel at Lily Garden
NYCGMC members during Mostly Mozart
2016-2017
COLLABORATIONS HIGHLIGHT SEASON
The new season began as many others with the Sixth Sing-A-Thon in Jackson Square Park. The afternoon performance featured the Chorus singing half-hour sets on the hour with members of the Chorus appearing in solo numbers for a half-hour. The day was an introduction to the public of the Chorus and the season as well as a fundraiser to kick off the new season. It was held on Saturday, September 17, 2016. The following day would have the Chorus at the annual Sea Tea Benefit sailing from Pier 40. The evening cruise around the New York harbor was a fun way to also raise some funds for the Chorus.
Sea Tea Attendees
And on September 30 members of the Chorus performed for the SAGE Sing-along held at the SAGE Center. This was a way for the Chorus to mix with LGBT elders and perform and entertain them.
On October 3, 2016, members of the Chorus were honored to perform at St. Paul’s Chapel on the Columbia University campus for the wedding of ChorusaccompanistAaronDaiandhishusbandTom Ashe. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon spent celebrating these two men.
On Thursday, October 6, members of the Chorus gathered in Central Park to be a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Benefit, Light the Night. Assistant Conductor John Atorino led the Chorus
through their two numbers—Seasons of Love and Home. Also featured on the program was Vanessa Carlton who performed her hit song, A Thousand Miles. It was an honor to sing at this benefit as longtime member Gary Lambert has been fighting a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Gary was present at the performance.
On Monday, November 7, the Chorus was honored to collaborate with Chita Rivera for her Carnegie Hall concert Nowadays. The evening featured song and dance with guests Alan Cumming, Andy Karl, Javier Muñoz. Prior to the performance Chita had commented on working with the Chorus –
“I’ve been wanting to work with them for a long time, and just talking about it moves me – to have them in my show,” she said. “At this time in our lives, after the horrible things that have been happening in Florida and all around, we need reminders. We need strength. So, yes, for me, that’s going to be a wonderful moment.”
Light the Night with Gary Lambert (white light)
This review from the one and only LIZ SMITHher review of Chita's concert on Mondayspecifically the Chorus presentation –
“EVEN THOUGH it was the night before the election, “Nowadays” was blessedly free of politics. Except, well — there was “Somewhere,” the soaring Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim composition about acceptance, from “West Side Story.” Chita, partnered with Andy Karl and Javier Munoz, remarked simply, “This song has as much resonance now, if not more, than it did 59 years ago.” They sang the first few bars, and were then joined, onstage and in the aisles of Carnegie Hall, by the New York Gay Men’s Chorus. The New York City GayMen'sChorustookthestagewithAndyKarland Javier Muñoz singing "Somewhere" from "West Side Story." There wasn't a dry eye in the house! The emotion quotient was sky high. No names had to be named. No causes promoted. No policies politicked. The audience was awash in tears, and so too were the singers.
If you weren’t rung out before that, “Somewhere” was the scrape-em'-up-off-the-floor moment.”
Several outreach performances occurred prior to the annual holiday concert. On Wednesday, November 9, member of the Chorus appeared at Memorial Sloan Kettering to perform for the doctors and staff as a respite from their work with cancer patients. The performance included several songs from recent repertoire as well as individual members giving short talks about their experiences. It was a great way to thank these essential workers.
Two performances highlighted December 1, World AIDS Day. In the morning there was the official unveiling of the New York City AIDS Memorial at St. Vincent’s Triangle in the West Village. Mayor Bill De Blasio
was on hand for the dedication. The Chorus performed Home and Sky Full of Stars.
KickingofftheholidayseasonmemberoftheChorus appeared at the Winter Garden Atrium at Brookfield Place as part of their Winter Garden Lighting Event. The Chorus performed two sets of holiday carols for the early evening crowds at the shopping complex.
Caroling at the Winter Garden Atrium
On Saturday, December 3, members of the Chorus were on hand to perform holiday carols for Miracle on Madison. This is an annual shopping benefit and this year the recipient was the pediatric programs of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering. Members of the Chorus performed on the street at Madison and 67th to get the shoppers in the holiday mood with carols of the season.
AsapreludetotheannualholidayconcerttheChorus venturedtoStatenIslandonThursday,December15, to perform the holiday concert at Snug Harbor Music Hall. The Season’s Upon Us was a good outreach to a borough that is often neglected. The Chorus made a connection to the community and had a good audience for this first venture. The performance was a redistribution of the program for the main concert and also featured the Youth Pride Chorus who performed two numbers on the program.
Theholidayconcert, Xmas and Chill, washeldatThe Town Hall for two performances on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18. Special guests were the string quartet Well-Strung. The concert was a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday fare.
To open the concert the Chorus performed Gabrieli’s Hodie Chrsitus natus est. This was followed by Mykola Leontovich’s Carol of the Bells. Two selections from Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, “Gloria in Excelsis” and “Half of the People,” came next. In the Bleak Midwinter by Gustov Holst followed before the premiere of Aaron Dai’s December 1 set to words by Ted Kooser. Ann Hampton Callaway’s Manhattan in December camenextandwasfollowed by two songs celebrating different heritages. First wastheHebrew Bashan Haba’ah byNirovHirshand then the traditional Spanish carol Esta Noche. WellStrung then appeared for their first set. This string quartet combines classical music with contemporary pop songs for a new type of mash-up. Their first
selection was “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons combined with Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi. This was followed by Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. The Chorus followed with a Michael McElroy arrangement of The Little Drummer Boy. Next came Ola Gjeilo’s New Year’s Carol which featured WellStrung as the accompaniment. The first half of the concert concluded with Jingle Bells in the Barbra Streisand variation.
The second half of the concert opened with Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) made famous by Darlene Love in 1963. Assistant Conductor John Atorino’s arrangement of Frosty the Snowman followed and then a medley of seasonal favorites. Snow Extravagaaaanza featured Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn,” the traditional carol “Good King Wenceslas,” Berlin’s “Snow,” and “White Christmas.” Well-Strung returned to the stage for two numbers. First was Frank Loesser’s What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? which was followed by a parody version of the Devil Went Down to Georgia. This dueling fiddle version was called Santa Went Down to Target. The futuristic Chiron Beta Prime from Jonathan Coulton followed and then the traditional Silent Night which ends with a sign language verse from the Chorus. Tim Minchin’s White Wine in the Sun came next and then the risqué The Season’s Upon Us from the Dropkick Murphys. Leroy Brathwaite’s Togetherness concluded the program. It is a song with strong lyrics of unity, community and togetherness. For an encore the Chorus performed the popular anthem, Home.
To conclude the holiday season the Chorus ventured to JFK Airport to perform for Chorus sponsor JetBlue at the JetBlue Terminal 5. The early evening performance featured selections from the recent holiday concert at The Town Hall. This was a great way to great travelers during the season as well as give back to our major sponsor.
The new year began with another SAGE Sing-along on January 20, 2017 at the SAGE Center. Jimmy Horan once again created a fun evening of songs for both Chorus members and members of SAGE alike.
The Chorus’ annual Gala Benefit, Harmony, was held on Friday, February 17 at the Diamond HorseshoeattheParamountHotel.Thisyear’stheme was Studio 54 and special guest for the evening was
Shoshana Bean. The Chorus performed three songs including Empire State of Mind with Shoshana Bean.
Also performing was Youth Pride Chorus. A silent and live auction were components of the evening as well as a raffle to win tickets to Hello Dolly with Bette Midler. A dance party was also scheduled after the evening to continue the fun into the late hours. The award honorees this year were Jason Hayes of Disarm Hate for the Gary Miller Award and Broadwaychoreographer/directorJerryMitchellwas honored with the Arts in Action Award.
At the annual out-of-town retreat weekend before the spring concert the Chorus once again gave a free concert as their dress rehearsal while in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This year’s concert was Big Gay Sing: Welcome to New York and the free concert was on Sunday, March 19. The weekend retreat is a time where the Chorus has an intensive rehearsal schedule and also some bonding time with other members during this weekend out of the city. It is a great place to put the final touches on the program before the big concert in New York.
Big Gay Sing: Welcome to New York was performed at NYU Skriball Center for three performances on March 24-26, 2017. For this concert the Chorus collaborated with Coro Gay Ciudad de México (Gay Chorus of Mexico City) as guest performers. The concert opened with “Just Arrived” from Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. Irving Berlin’s “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” from Miss Liberty was mashed up with Taylor Swift’s Welcome to New York. The Beastie Boys’ An Open Letter to NYC followed and then Rodgers & Hart’s Manhattan. My My MetroCard by Le Tigre was next followed by a medley which included Broadway standards Lullaby of Broadway, Broadway Baby, and Give My Regards to Broadway. Adding a different flare was New York
from K-pop girl group Mamamoo. This was followed by Barry Manilow’s New York City Rhythm. Coro Gay Ciudad de México took the stage to perform Tito Puente’s Oye Como Va with the Chorus. The Mexican chorus then performed a medley of songs by Juan Gabriel and New York concluded the first half of the concert with Alicia Keyes’ Empire State of Mind.
The second half of the concert opened with a mashup of songs from RuPaul affectionately titled Come Through Mama Ru and featured “Jealous of My Boogie” and “Sissy That Walk.” The 1977 Odyssey hit Native New Yorker came next followed by Sara Bareilles’ Manhattan. Terri Odabi’s Gentrification Blues followed along with a reprise of An Open Letter to NYC. Coro Gay Ciudad de México returned to the stage to join the Chorus on Un Verano en Nueva York which also featured CGCDMX director Horacio Mendoza as one of the soloists. CGCDMX then performed La Bamba before being joined by NYCGMC for the Ritchie Valens version.
Chorus members with Shoshana Bean
CGCDMX then performed Chucho Monge’s México lindo y querido before joining NYCGMC for Stephen Schwartz’s “Beautiful City” from Godspell. NYCGMC concluded the concert with “N.Y.C.” from Annie. After the bows came the Kander & Ebb classic New York, New York to end the evening.
The third SAGE Sing-along took place at SAGE Center on April 7. These special evenings have been one of the highlights of the members of SAGE. One comment from a member: “One of our favorite events and a chance to sing with members from one of the best choruses in the country.”
A new program was started in April with the School Outreach Program modeled after a similar program by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. The debut of this program was in collaboration with VOICE Charter School in Long Island City. The program took place in the morning of April 13. It began with three or four members of the Chorus joining a classroom of middle schoolers for an advisory
session. This was a time where students were able to ask questions of Chorus members and learn more about singing in a Chorus. Following the advisory the Chorus would give a 40 minute concert with speeches from members before the full middle schoolers. This initial program featured the songs Home, Freedom 90, Creep and Bird Set Free. Many of these students had never heard a Chorus sing contemporary music and were very appreciative of thetimetheChorusspentwiththem.Thiswasagreat first effort helmed by Assistant Conductor John Atorino who had been a school music teacher so was very at home in this environment.
On Sunday, April 23, sixteen members of the Chorus went to the recording studio to perform backup for the song Love Is Love Is Love by Anthony and Will Nunziata. It was a great experience to work with these two brothers.
The third concert of the season was I See Fire— Anthems for a New Era. The concert was on Saturday, May 20 and featured the London Gay Men’s Chorus as guests and was held at NYU Skirball Center. The concert opened with the Chorus singing Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. This was followed by Roland Orzabal’s Mad World and “Why We Build the Wall” from Hadestown. Avril Lavigne’s Holding On and Ellie Goulding’s Burn came next. The London Gay Men’s Chorus took the stage for their first set. They opened with Mimi Farina’s Bread and Roses. This was followed by a song used for the American Civil Rights Movement, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free This was followed by Sara Bareilles’ Brave. British singer-songwriter Tom Robinson’s Glad to Be Gay was nest. Considered to be the Britain’s national gay anthem since its release
Coro Gay Ciudad de México and NYCGMC
Members at VOICE Charter School
Nunziata Brothers Recording
in 1978. Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come followed before Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand concluded the first half.
London opened the second half with the Michael Gore/Dean Pitchford song “I Sing the Body Electric” from Fame. This was followed by the 2014 Eurovision winning song Rise Like a Phoenix made famous by Conchita Wurst. Simon and Garfinkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water came next and their set concluded with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Keep It Gay” from Me and Juliet. New York took the stage with I’m Still Singing and then the combined choruses performed John Legend’s “Glory” from the film Selma. The power ballad You’re the Voice made popular by Australian singer John Farnham came next. The concert concluded with Lily Allen’s F*ck You; It is an upbeat quasi-gay anthem that was a European hit. For an encore the Chorus sang an a cappella version of the Irish tune Parting Glass to send the audience out with good wishes.
London Gay Men’s Chorus stayed in town for a few days and was on hand for Sunday, May 21, to participate in GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park. The two choruses performed during the opening for the teams and walked together before meeting for an afternoon get together in Hell’s Kitchen. London would then travel on to Chicago where they would perform.
The Chorus took part again in Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum on Saturday, June 3. This was a kick-off for pride events and the Chorus presented some songs from their Welcome to New York concert from March. Held in the front atrium the standing room only audience was very appreciative as the Chorus sang their program.
The following weekend, June 10-11, the Chorus traveled to Washington DC for two important events. On Saturday the 10th the Chorus participated with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington in their annual Pride March through the streets of Washington. The following day members took part in the National Equality March on Washington. This march featured singers from GALA choruses across the nation coming together to march for quality through the streets to the National Mall before the United States Capitol. The choruses were early in the march and arrived on the Mall before many of the other marchers. They would perform an impromptu performance of songs of protest from the past.
On Wednesday, June 14, the Chorus participated in the Gilbert Baker Memorial Rally. Gilbert Baker was the creator of the Rainbow Flag as well as many banners of protest. There was a ceremony on Christopher Street near the Stonewall Inn and then a march through the streets of the West Village to the pier to raise a large Rainbow Flag for the balance of pride month.
On Thursday, June 22, members of the Chorus performed with pop artist Julia Michaels at the VH1
Logo Trailblazer Honors held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The event celebrates the leaders at the forefront of LGBTQ equality. Among the recipients was Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund, activist Cleve Jones, producers Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, and Alvin Ailey Dance Company.
For Pride Weekend the Chorus took part in Pride Island—three days of dance parties—by hosting the VIP Bar during Friday’s Pride Island event on Pier 26 on June 23. On Sunday, June 25, the Chorus took part in the annual Heritage of Pride March down Fifth Avenue.
Following the main event, the Chorus continued pride with an event at New York Life near Madison Square Park. On Thursday June 29 members of the Chorus celebrated pride with gay and lesbian employees.
During the summer there were two events that the Chorus took part in. First on July 21 was the final SAGE Sing-along of the season at the SAGE Center. The event continues to be popular among the LGBT seniors. And to close out the season was the summer benefit, Lily Garden, hosted by HRH Lily Putian. A fun and festive benefit at Tavern on the Green in Central Park draws many in all their summer fineness.
Trailblazer Honors with Julia Michaels
New York Life Pride Event
2017-2018 GUESTS AND REFLECTIONS
The 37th season began as many others with the Seventh Annual Sing-a-thon in Jackson Square Park. Each year the Chorus would present a free concert to thepublicatthebeginningoftheseason.Itwasaway toshowcasetheChorus,inviteanewaudiencetojoin with us for the season, and also raise a little money in the process. The afternoon saw the Chorus perform half-hour sets on the hour with individual Chorus members presenting songs during the other half-hour. Jimmy Horan was responsible for the individual singers and always managed to corral a group of great singers to entertain the audience. This year’s sing-a-thon was on Saturday, September 16. It was followed on Sunday, September 17, with the Annual Sea Tea Benefit. The Chorus was the beneficiary of the evening cruise around the New York harbor and was a way to socialize as well as raise some funds for the Chorus.
Annual Sea Tea Attendees
On Saturday, October 14, the Chorus was invited to perform at Kids Fest at Madison Square Park. The afternoon was filled with fun and song for kids of all ages.ItwasthefirsttimetheChorushadcollaborated with the Madison Square Park Conservancy. The park was filled with events for kids from 1-12 and their families including face painting, acrobats, magic, and more. The Chorus performed on the Agastache Stage at the south end of the park. It was another exciting way to expand the message of the Chorus to a new audience.
On Saturday, October 28, a new benefit was created, Hallo-kween, a party and fundraiser. It was held in the home of Chorus members Nick Deyo and Donovan Jones. A costume party with entertainment and drinks, the evening was a good start to an annual tradition.
The first of the season’s SAGE Sing-alongs was on Friday, November 3 at the SAGE Center. Jimmy Horan led the evening of Chorus members and audience alike joining in song. The members of SAGE are always happy to see the Chorus perform this show and enthusiastic to join in on the fun as well.
On Monday, November 6, members of the Chorus were honored to perform during the funeral of Joan Tisch at Central Synagogue on Lexington Avenue. Joan Tisch was a great supporter of GMHC donating her time and money to help the organization in its early years.
On Tuesday, November 7, members of the Chorus performedattheAmericanCancer SocietyBenefitin support of Hope Lodge. Hope Lodge is a program thatprovidesafreehomeawayfromhomeforcancer patients and their caregivers. It provides a place to stay during treatment, a supportive community atmosphere and meals. Members of the Chorus performed “The Best of Times,” “Seasons of Love,” and “Love Lives On.” The benefit was held at Gustavino’s on East 59th Street.
On Friday, December 1, members of the Chorus took part in the wedding of Chorus member David Boyd and his partner Denis Perani at Kirkland Chapel of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. As Denis was from Austria the grooms had a Sound of Music themed wedding with much of the music from the film. It was a very festive ceremony and the Chorus members were glad to be on hand to wish the grooms well.
On Tuesday, December 5, members of the Chorus traveled to Harlem to perform a holiday concert for the clients at the Ali Forney Center on West 125 Street. The Ali Forney Center provides support for homeless LGBT youth, and this program was a way to bring some holiday cheer into their lives. On Saturday, December 9, members of the Chorus would be back in Harlem. This time they would sing for the Coca Cola Winter Wonderland toy and book drive.Theafternoonwasfilledwithactivitiesandthe falling snow aided in bringing the season to Harlem.
For three performance on Thursday to Saturday, December 14-16, the Chorus presented their annual holiday show. This year was Holiday Slay and featured The Bang Group; a rhythm-driven dance company noted for their holiday production of Nut/Cracked. The concert was held at NYU Skirball Center.
The concert began with Jerry Herman’s “We Need a Little Christmas” and was followed by Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols. The short and light The Sleigh (à la Russe) came next. There was then the traditional carol The Holly and the Ivy. Next came the first of many movements from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. First was a “Miniature Overture” followed by “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.” These pieces all featured dance from The Bang Group. A song of tolerance, Not in Our Town, came next with a NYCGMC commission, Harambee, a call to unity, by Joseph Jennings celebrating Kwanzaa. The first half of the concert concluded with the gospel rendition of Rise Up, Shepherd! Arranged by Michael McElroy of Broadway Inspirational Voices.
Kelly Clarkson’s Underneath the Christmas Tree opened the second half of the program. It was followed by a dance number from The Bang Group to Tchaikovsky’s “Christmas Tree (Battle).” Katie
Thompson’s comic I Like Christmas for the Food was performed to perfection by Ryan Scoble and Zachary Ares from the Chorus. Gregorio Fernandez’s Está Nevando a Villanicico” added a Spanish flavor to the program. Another Tchaikovsky selection, “Waltz of the Flowers” followed as did the audience participation song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Samuel Barber’s Sure on This Shining Night featured a solo dance by Chorus member Keiji Kuboandtheeverpopular Silent Night hadaSpanish solo this year along with the sign language verse. Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson’s Winter Song followedbeforeanotherTchaikovskysegmentwhich included Dance of the Reed Flutes” and “Trepak (Russian Disco)” which both featured The Bang Group and members of the Chorus as dancers. The program concluded with a reprise of Jerry Herman’s “We Need a Little Christmas” and for the encore the Chorus sang a song of hope, Carry On.
On Tuesday, December 19, the Chorus traveled to Staten Island to perform once again at Snug Harbor. This concert was titled Comfort and Joy featured many of the songs from the Holiday Slay concert. Since The Bang Group was not with the Chorus, many of the dance numbers were not presented. It was once again a great outreach to the community in Staten Island to bring some holiday cheer to the audience.
A corporate holiday performance was performed on Thursday, December 21, at Namely in downtown Manhattan. It was a presentation to the Diversity Group of the company and featured six songs and carols from the recent holiday concert. These corporate gigs are a great way to expose the Chorus to a new audience.
The first event of the new year was the season’s second SAGE sing-along. It was again held at the SAGECenteronSeventhAvenueandwasonFriday, February 9, 2018.
The annual Gala Benefit, Harmony, was held on Wednesday, February 14. A special Valentine’s Day edition was at Current on Pier 59, part of the Chelsea Piers complex. The guest performer for the evening was Broadway star Eden Espinosa (Wicked, Brooklyn the Musical, Rent). The Gary Miller Award was given to Jay Wegman the Senior Director at NYU Skirball Center. The Arts in Action Award went to American Ballet Theater Principal Dancer James Whiteside and also Dan Donigan, aka Milk, a figure skater and drag performer. This year’s event was reimagined and included cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during a silent auction prior to a sit-down dinner and the evening’s program of entertainment and awards.
OnSunday,February18,agroupofChorusmembers appeared on a segment of the HBO program Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The members were part of the final segment where John Oliver defends America to the World. They sang Smash Mouth’s All Star during Oliver’s monologue to close out the program.
From Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4, the Chorus had their annual out-of-town retreat in Asbury Park. As part of the intensive rehearsal weekend the Chorus presented a free concert on Sunday afternoon as a dress rehearsal for their upcoming concert in New York. This year’s theme was Big Gay Sing X, the tenth anniversary of this annual sing-along over-the-top production performance. Once again there was a standing room only audience for the performance.
Members on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
The following weekend, Friday-Sunday, March 911,theChoruspresentedthefull Big Gay Sing X with all the bells and whistles including band, lights, and sound at NYU Skirball Center for three sold-out performances. The program featured many of the highlights over the past Big Gay Sing concerts presented again along with a couple of new additions.
The evening began with Cole Porter’s “Another Openin’, Another Show” from Kiss Me Kate, originally presented in Big Gay Sing 3D in 2011 This was followed by the sing-along Just Can’t Get Enough Sweet Dreams, a truncated version of the original mashup presented in Big Gay Sing Mind the Gay in 2016. Leonard Bernstein’s “Tonight Quintet” from West Side Story came next after having been performed in 2010’s Big Gay Sing 2. Moon River by Henry Mancini followed and had. Been performed in Big Gay Sing 7 – Movie Mania in 2015. A new song, Rainbow by Kesha, was then presented before the Summer Songs medley of Donna Summer songs
originally presented in 2011’s Big Gay Sing 3D. A reprise of Xanadu from Big Gay Sing 4 in 2012 came next complete with dance team on roller skates. The previous year’s medley, Come Thru Mama Ru followed, and the first half of the concert closed with a new arrangement of the popular song from The Greatest Showman, “This Is Me” which brought the audience to their feet.
The second half opened with Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody which had been part of 2016’s Mind the Gap concert. “The Time Warp” from Rocky Horror Picture Show came as a stand-alone. It had previously been done as part of a medley of monster songs in Big Gay Sing 3D. The a cappella group, Tonewall, appeared and presented two songs, Ed Sheehan’s Perfect and Beautiful by Betty Who. The Chorus then did a double chorus version of Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory which had been performed in 2014’s Big Gay Sing 6: Club Night Out as well as part of the 2014 Tour to London and Dublin. A new mashup of I’m Every Woman and Man! I Feel Like a Woman was created for this concert. I’m Every Woman had previously appeared as part of a mashup in Big Gay Sing 6: Club Night Out in 2014. A new song, “You Will Be Found” from the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen was presented before the final closing medleys. The first medley was two songs from The Wizard of Oz and the second was a mashup of “Ease on the Down the Road” and “Everybody Rejoice” from The Wiz. This final mashup also included the famous covering of the Chorus with the witch’s dress before she melts and reveals a costume-changed Chorus. These Ozian songs were previous performed in 2012’s Big Gay Sing 4. The encore for the concert was Tina Turner’s Proud Mary with five Tina Turners performing with the Chorus. It was previously performed in 2012’s Big Gay Sing 4.
The Chorus performed at a number of outreach events during the next several weeks. First was the Tuesday, March 13 appearance for the National Anthem at the New York Knicks basketball game at Madison Square Garden which was aired nationally.
Then on Friday, March 16, the Chorus had been invited to perform as backup singers for Demi Lovato on her concert tour. At The Barclay Center the Chorus appeared on stage in front of thousand to sing Tell Me That You Love Me
A performance at Montefiore Medical Center on Thursday,March22whereselectionsfromtherecent Big Gay Sing were performed. Continuing the school outreach program was a presentation on Friday March 23 at Uncommon Preparatory Charter School inCanarsie,Brooklyn.Asecondschoolprogramwas again presented at VOICE Charter School in Astoria, Queens on Friday, April 6.
On Tuesday, March 27, members of the Chorus performed two songs at the keynote event of Big Brothers Big Sisters as they launched their LGBTQ youth mentoring program. The event was hosted by BuzzFeed at their offices in Gramercy. The event featured a keynote by journalist Jonathan Capehart.
Two reprise performances of Big Gay Sing X were performed out of town. The first was on Saturday, April 14 at Alexander Hall on the Princeton University Campus in Princeton, New Jersey. The second was on Saturday, April 28 at the Wall Street
Theatre in Norwalk, Connecticut. These concerts were great opportunities to reach an audience that wouldn’t normally see our concerts.
On Friday, April 20, members of the Chorus would appear for their third seasonal SAGE sing-along at the SAGE Center. The theme of this performance was the music of Lerner and Loewe. On Monday, May 8, several members of the Chorus would appear on the Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show as backup performers for guest appearance by Father John Mistyasheperformedhislatestrelease, Mr. Tillman.
On Saturday, May 19, the Chorus presented their third concert of the season, Queer Genius: David Bowie and Beyond. The Angel City Chorale from Los Angeles was the special guest on the program held at Skirball Center NYU.
Demi Lovato Finale at Barclay Center
NYCGMC at Princeton University
The Chorus began the program with the first half dedicated to the music of David Bowie. The Chorus opened with Space Oddity followed by Life on Mars. I Am Afraid of Americans and Fame came next. Boyes Keep Swinging, All the Young Dudes, and Ashes to Ashes followed. Chorus member Jürgen Jones performed a stunning rendition of Lazarus. The Chorus then performed Bobby McFerrin’s The 23rd Psalm before concluding the first half with Bowie’s Changes.
Opening the second half of the program were both Choruses joining for Toto’s Africa This inspired arrangement utilized body percussion and sound effects to create the sounds of a rainstorm during the song. Angel City Chorale is known for this version and would go on to perform it during the season’s America’s Got Talent program.
Angel City Chorale then performed their segment of the concert with Christopher Tin’s Swahili Baba Yetu followed by Annie Lennox’s A Thousand Beautiful Things. The Russian folk song, Korobeiniki came next. Los Angeles singer/songwriterGaryStockdale’shumorous That’s Los Angeles followed. NYCGMC returned to join Angel City Chorale in a reprise of The 23rd Psalm and David Bowie’s Where Are We Now? The finale of the concert was both Choruses singing Marvin Gaye’s Dancing in the Street. Heroes by David Bowie was the encore for the concert.
On Sunday, May 20, members of Angel City Chorale joined NYCGMC as they performed for the opening of the GMHC AIDS Walk in Central Park. The two choruses then joined forces to walk to rise funds for GMHC before an afternoon reception.
On Saturday, June 2, the Chorus performed selections from Queer Genius at Target’s First Saturdays free events at Brooklyn Museum.
Angel City Chorale
It was also the kickoff to Gay Pride Month. Members of the Chorus would gather at One Police Plaza on Tuesday, June 12, to perform for the NYPD Pride Celebration presented by the Gay Officers Action League. The Chorus performed the National Anthem during the program.
At G.O.A.L. Pride Celebration
On Saturday, June 16 at Pulse Studios members of the Chorus took part in a recording of George M. Cohan songs for a documentary film on Broadway producer Leonard Soloway. The Chorus gave a Pride concert on Wednesday, June 20, at New York Life, an annual event. Sunday, June 24, was the annual Heritage of Pride March on Fifth Avenue.
Members of the Chorus traveled to Mexico City to perform with Coro Gay Ciudad de México. The Dreaming Together concerts were on Friday and Saturday, June 6-7 at Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris, one of the most prestigious venues in Mexico City.
The two choruses then traveled to Puerto Vallarta to join the Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus for a performance of Dreaming Together at Teatro Vallarta. This was a great continued relationship that the two choruses had formed following CGCDMX’s appearance at the 2017 Big Gay Sing – Welcome to New York concert.
The season concluded with the summer benefit, Lily Garden. Once again HRH Lily Putian created an event at Tavern on the Green which brought out the summer crowd for an evening of drinks and fundraising. It was held on Tuesday, July 31.
Coro Gay Ciudad de México from the wings
2018-2019
SEASON CULMINATES IN STONEWALL 50
CELEBRATION
The 39th season of the Chorus actually began with some preparation in August. Members of the Chorus took part in a project from singer and recording artist, MAX. He had been engaged by ESPN to create a video presentation of his hit song, Still New York. Members were in the recording studio in August and also created a video at Festival Stage, Pier 17, South Street Seaport on August 30 for broadcast on ESPN as part of a special remembering the heroes of 9/11. On the morning of September 11, members joined MAX at the Z100 radio studio to perform the song and stay for an interview. On the same evening, ESPN aired their special, Comeback Season, about the various New York area sports teams and how they uplifted and inspired the city and the country during the 9/11 tragedy. The finale of the program was the video of MAX and the members at the Festival Stage with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
On Sunday, September 16, the annual benefit, Sea Tea, was held from Pier 40 where members and participants shared an evening cruise around the New York harbor with music and refreshments. On Saturday, September 29, the Chorus combined their annual Sing-athon and Street Festival appearance into one performance during the Street Festival on Sixth Avenue. The usual venue of Jackson Square Park was under renovation, so the combined event was a great way for the Chorus to share their music with the public that wouldn’t normally hear them.
Also, on September 29, members of the Chorus joined Broadway performer Keala Settle to perform “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman as part of the Global Citizen Festival held at Central Park. The Chorus was seen by an audience of over 60,000 at Central Park and millions more who had tuned in from around the globe.
October 4 and October 16 were two dates for members of the Chorus who recorded a promotional spot for the December 14 premiere of RuPaul’s All Stars 4. The promotional spot featured the Chorus performing Carol of the Bells with new lyrics related to the show. The promo spot aired November 26, and the YouTube video version of Carol of the Queens had been viewed by over 102,000 times.
Other October performance opportunities included an appearance at Saint Bartholomew’s Church on Park Avenue for the Municipal Art Society of New York’s Summit for New York. The summit is an all-day conference that brings together a diverse group of policy-makers, industry leaders and engaged citizens. The Chorus was the entertainment for the closing of the summit. The members performed Beautiful City, Home and Come Thru Mama Ru. This performance was on Tuesday, October 9.
FridayOctober16sawtwoperformances.Therewasthe SAGE Sing-along at the SAGE Center on Seventh Avenue with a group of members in attendance. Another group of members who had earlier performed
with MAX joined him at the season opener for the BrooklynNets/NewYorkKnicksbasketballgameatthe Barclay Center in Brooklyn. The members performed Still New York with MAX as part of the half-time performance.
Halloween was celebrated with two events. There was the Chorus fundraiser, Hallokween, held at Hudson Terrace on Friday, October 26. On Wednesday, October 31, members of the Chorus joined Broadway Inspirational Voices to perform at a fundraiser for the Research Foundation to Cure AIDS. MasCUREAIDS Ball was held at Performance Space New York in the East Village.
In December, prior to the annual holiday concert, there were a couple of performance opportunities for the Chorus. On Wednesday, December 5, members of the Chorus appeared at the new Soho address of Kiehl’s for their opening and performed holiday carols for the shoppers.
On Wednesday, December 12, members joined Glee star Lea Michele for a performance at Bryant Park Skating Rink for an Old Navy Holiday program. The following day, Thursday, December 13, six members of the Chorus performed at various corporations in the city
with a short set of holiday carols. This program was part of Old Navy Telegrams program for the holiday season.
The annual holiday concert was held over the weekend from Friday, December 14 through Sunday, December 16. The concert, Comfort and Joy, was again held at SkirballCenterNYU.Theprogramthisyearwasamore traditional program featuring classic and contemporary holiday songs for the season.
The concert opened with “Counting Down to Christmas” from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s A Christmas Story: The Musical. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year followed along with “Choose Something Like a Star” from Randall Thompson’s Frostiana. Though not a holiday song, When You Wish Upon a Star followed maintaining the star theme. Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride came next and a small ensemble performed A Quiet Place from composer Ralph Carmichael. Two selections from Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols followed. They were “There Is No Rose” and “This Little Babe.” To honor Hanukkah the Russian Jewish folk song Tumbalalaika was performed. This was conducted by Chorus member Bruce Ward who gave background to the audience on the sang, dressed in full Russian fur hat with ornamentation. To round out the first half of the program, the Chorus performed “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” from Frozen and Sia’s Snowman.
The second half of the program opened with the Chorus performing Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and was followed by the small ensemble performing Mel Tormé’s The Christmas Song. Merry Christmas, Darling from the Carpenters was next and was followed by the Spanish Mi Regalo, Favorito. Author Daniel Kibbelsmiththentookthestageandinvitedanychildren in the audience to join him. He then read from his book, Santa’s Husband to great joy from the children and audience alike. Keeping with the children theme the Chorus performed Prayer of the Children and On Children. The Chorus then performed the Nigerian Christmas carol, Betelehemu which featured soloists and percussionists from the Chorus. The program finishedwith ThisIstheNewYear byIanAxelandChad Kind and the finale of Kenny Loggins’s Celebrate Me Home.
The new year brought some new opportunities. On Thursday, February 14, there was a morning performance for the opening of a new Hermès store on Madison Avenue. The Chorus performed for the employees of the company, singing from the balcony overlooking the main floor.
That evening was the annual Gala Benefit, Harmony. The event was again held at Current, Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, from 6 – 11 pm. The evening began with cocktails and the silent auction with performances from Tonewall andYouthPrideChorus.Thencamethesit-downdinner during which the raffle winners were announced. The live auction took place and was followed by
performances from five Broadway leading ladies— Faith Prince, Janet Dacal, Jessica Handy, Marla Louissaint, and Bonnie Milligan. CK Swett acted as auctioneer and Ms. Ermine Muff was the Mistress of Ceremony. The second SAGE Sing-along took place on Friday, February 22 at the SAGE Center.
Before the spring concert the Chorus found their way to a new place for their annual out-of-town retreat. Members traveled to New Haven, Connecticut, and were hosted at the Omni Hotel for the three-day weekend beginning on Friday, March 15. It was a new space and everyone was checking out things. During the stay the Chorus was not the only residents of the hotel. Several university athletic teams were also housed by the Omni as there were several tournaments occurring in the area. The Chorus gave their free concert of a pared-down version of the Big Gay Sing: Body and Soul. This concert took a look the influence of music written or performed by Black performers on the cultural landscape. A new audience attended the performance on Sunday afternoon, March 17, and was very enthusiastic.
The following weekend saw the Chorus perform the show with all the bells and whistles at Skirball Center NYU from Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24. Guest star for the concert was Peppermint, the first out trans woman to originate a role in a Broadway production when she appeared in Head Over Heels.
The program began with what is known as the Black national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. The first night it was amazing that the audience actually stood when this was sung! Then came a song from Beyoncé, Get Me Bodied. A medley of three Motown hits followed along with Stay, a hit from Rihanna. The 1930 jazz standard, Body and Soul came next along with AnitaBaker’s Sweet Love. Lip Gloss fromLilMamaput a rap beat to the evening. Paul McCartney’s Got to Get YouIntoMyLife followedinaversionfromEarth,Wind and Fire. The first half of the concert concluded with a tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Thesecondhalfoftheconcertopenedwiththestandard, Feeling Good, a hit for Nina Simone. Janelle Monáe’s Tightrope came next along with Stevie Wonder’s Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing. Peppermint, who had commentary through the evening, took stage to perform Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly. She was followed by the Chorus performing John Legend’s All of Me. Miguel’s Now was next with a commentary on the fate of immigrants. A reprise of Lift Every Voice and Sing came next and the concert concluded with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation. Beyoncé’s Love on Top was the encore to send the audience into the evening with an upbeat.
The Chorus performed the National Anthem at twosportingeventsover thenextmonth.Thefirst appearance was at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks Pride Night on Saturday, March 30.
This performance was aired on national television. The second performance was for the Gotham Knights, the New York gay rugby team. They had their game at Brooklyn Cyclones Stadium in Coney Island on Saturday, April 20.
In May members of the Chorus gave two outreach performances for their School Outreach Program. These were half-day programs where members performed as well as interacted with middle school students about music and what it was like being gay. The first program was at the International School of Brooklyn on Thursday, May 9. The second was a return to VOICE Charter School in Long Island City on Wednesday, May 22.
On Tuesday, May 21, members of the Chorus met on the Red Steps in Duffy Square to tape a performance of a segment of Quiet No More for promotional purposes. This performance would be part of a video that would be released in June to honor Stonewall 50 as well as publicize the upcoming historic concert at Carnegie Hall.
Pride month began with a performance by the Chorus at the Brooklyn Museum for their First Saturdays program on Saturday, June 1. The concert featured selections from the upcoming concert including segments of the commission, Quiet No More, a celebration of Stonewall 50. Additional performances of Quiet No More selections were also presented for PMC Media’s Pride Celebration on Thursday, June 6, on a terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue and the New York Public Library. A live performance on WQXR occurred on Tuesday, June 11 at The Greene Space in Soho. AT&T’s new advertising company Xandr was host for
a lunchtime Pride Performance for its employees on Wednesday, June 19.
Thursday, June 27, saw the Chorus return to Carnegie Hall to present their pride concert, Quiet No More. This concert not only featured the Chorus but also guest chorus, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. The first half of the program included NYCGMC opening with “Light” from the Broadway musical Next to Normal. This was followed with a staple from the Chorus of GregHolden’s Home. TheSpanish UnVeranoenNueva York followed and then Ben Folds’s The Luckiest. NYCGMC then invited GMCLA to take the stage and they performed Leonard Bernstein’s “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story. The two choruses then joined forces to perform Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque and Jason Robert Brown’s The New World. To conclude the first half the choruses sang Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s “From Now On” from the movie The Greatest Showman. The two choruses were joined during this song by the additional singers from eight choruses across the country. They entered the stage from the wings as well as taking space in the aisles of the main floor. A rousing ending to the first half with the audience on their feet.
The second half of the program was the commissioned piece, Quiet No More. This piece was a song cycle of eight movements from six composers. It tells the story from that fateful night in June 1969 through the AIDS pandemic years and what to look forward to in the future. The movements were interspersed with dialogue and commentary. The opening two movements were composed by Michael Shaieb and were “Prologue: It Was the Day” and “The Only Place That You Can Dance.” Our Lady J composed the third movement,
“Glorious Beauties” which told the tale of the drag queens of that night. The fourth movement was again from Michael Shaieb and recalled some of his earlier music from the second movement. This movement was called “Gotta Get Down to Downtown.” Julian Hornik composed the fifth movement, “And We Walked.” It takes us through the AIDS pandemic and the protesting that was done and continues. Michael McElroy composed an upbeat gospel movement for the sixth entry, “We Are a Celebration.” Ann Hampton Callaway’s contribution was “What If Truth Is All We Have?” which had been performed numerous times during the month of June. The piece concluded with Jane Ramseyer Miller’s “Speak Out,” a call to action to continue the fight for equality for all.
The concert stage was filled with close to 600 singers from across the country. Additional singers were from ANNA Crusis, Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, Denver Women’s Chorus, Heartland Men’s Chorus, OurSong, Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Stonewall Chorale, and Triad Pride Performing Arts. Also featured during the piece were video presentations from three international choruses, Coro Gay Ciudad de México, Sing! Men’s Chorus (Singapore), and Sydney Lesbian and Gay Choir. The concert was a fitting remembrance of Stonewall.
On Friday, June 28, members of the Chorus joined other singers from various lesbian and gay choruses around thecountryontheRedStepsinDuffySquaretoperform under the direction Thea Kano, the Artistic Director of Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. The mass chorus performed selections from the previous night’s concert including “We Are a Celebration,” “What If Truth Is All We Have,” “Speak Out,” and “From Now On.”
On Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, the Chorus had been invited to perform on the program for the Hugh Jackman Tour that was held at Madison Square Garden. Thosewhoparticipatedsanginthreepartsoftheconcert program. The first appearance was for “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen. The singers joined Hugh on stage placed around the perimeter and including the runway. For the second appearance they appeared in a choral formation on stage for the “One Day More” selection from Les Misérables. The final appearance was near the conclusion of the concert when they appeared throughout the seated floor audience while singing “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. These were thrilling appearances for the Chorus.
On Sunday, June 30, was the annual Heritage of Pride March down Fifth Avenue. This year New York was also the site of World Pride and the city was filled with thousands of celebrants for this pride. The march formed off Fifth Avenue in the 30s. This year’s march went down Fifth Avenue and then crossed Eighth Street to Seventh Avenue and proceeded uptown and then dispersed around 23rd Street. With so many participants the march lasted for hours but was a historic moment.
On Saturday, July 6, members of the Chorus boarded a bus to travel to Catskill, New York, to perform Quiet No More for Summer at the Lumberyard, a center for the performing arts. The concert featured additional selections from the recent pride show with Quiet No More as the centerpiece of the evening performance. Another audience outreach that normally doesn’t have the opportunity to hear the Chorus.
The summer benefit, Lily Garden, was held again at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. HRH Lily Putian once again presented a fantastic evening of cocktails and fundraising.
Members of the Chorus traveled to Los Angeles to appear with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles as they presented their program of Quiet No More at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of their 40th Anniversary Gala Benefit. GMCLA presented their program during the first half and near the end NYCGMC performed and then combined with GMCLA for a song. The second half included the commission, Quiet No More. In addition to NYCGMC there were singers from additional choruses that all sang the commission. The concert took place on Friday, August 16.
On Friday, August 23, the Chorus took part in the National Trans-visibility March Concert from Washington, DC. It was broadcast to 14 cities. NYCGMC had taped two songs on August 22 for inclusion in this concert. “And We Walked” and “What If Truth Is All We Have” were the selections performed by the Chorus.
On Monday, August 26, several members of the Chorus spent the day in the studio recording video clips for inclusion in Bark Box’s National Dog Day celebration. Filmed at Gum Studios in Long Island City, the vignettes included the chorus in various costume changes to sing basic jingles with the special day in mind. There were even times when they performed with dogs of all shapes and sizes. It was a fun creative day to conclude the season.
Dr. Charles Beale, 2007 – 2019
NYCGMC Artistic Director
Dr. Charles Beale joined the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus in September 2007 and served until September 2019. He is an international choral director, jazz educator, composer-arranger and author, who speaks on the arts and LGBTIQ+ issues.
A passionate campaigner for stylistic diversity within choral singing, 2018-19 was his 12th and final season as conductor and Artistic Director of New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. Under his energized leadership, NYCGMC expanded to 300 singers, achieved strong commercial success, and remains recognized for its innovative, entertaining and impactful performances locally, across the US and internationally.
Highlights included performances to stadium-sized audiences with Sia and Demi Lovato, singing on the Emmy Award-winning movie of Larry Kramer's iconic The Normal Heart (2010), a 2014 European tour to London and Dublin, and a 2015 performance with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center. In June 2019, the development of Quiet No More, a 45 minute choral work celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, performed by 25 choirs across the US and internationally. The project culminated in a massed choral performance under his direction by 600 singers at Carnegie Hall.
NYCGMC’s Connect program included Youth Pride Chorus, queer a cappella ensemble Tonewall and a singalong program for LGTBTIQ+ elders across all five boroughs of New York City. During his time with NYCGMC, he amassed a library of over 200 arrangements in all styles for TTBB chorus, and he is an award-winning arranger in jazz and choral music, published by Oxford, Hal Leonard, Faber and ABRSM Publishing. He also penned the chapter in LGBTIQ+ choral singing in the recent Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy. Now Vice President of the Board of Directors of GALA Choruses, Charlie is a leading voice in the queer choral movement, and in turbulent and uncertain times is especially passionate about music as a way to unify, heal and bring people together.
In 2020-21, Charlie’s main focus will be the international choral scene. He has long relationships with several choirs around the world, including the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Coro Gay Ciudad de México and the Sydney Lesbian and Gay Choir. He worked with an all-Australia LGBTQ+ chorus of 200 in Summer 2013, and since 2009 has been central to 'Big Gay Sing' events in Denver Colorado, Trafalgar Square in London and New York City. As Chair of the GALA Choruses External Relations Committee, he currently leads a global alliance of choral leaders that present festivals and share best practice across the queer choral movement. In Spring 2020, he returned from a 4 month sabbatical tour of South East Asia and Australia, which included workshops, presentations, performances and meetings across the region, and events in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Manila, Ubud (Bali), Sydney and the Out and Loud Festival, in Canberra Australia.
Currently locked down, Charlie is focusing on writing, teaching, Board work and consultancy. His home remains Brooklyn, New York, where he lives with Yuwrajh, his life partner and husband of 29 years.
2019-2020 ANNIVERSARY SEASON OPENS WITH NEW DIRECTOR
At the end of last season it was announced that the new Artistic Director of the Chorus would be Gavin Thrasher. Gavin had been the Interim Artistic Director and Conductor for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles since January 2019. Previous to that he had been their Assistant Director as well as the Director of the Youth Programs for GMCLA. Upon his arrival his schedule was immediately filled with a multitude of events.
The first event was on Wednesday, September 18, at the Marriott Marquis Ballroom. This was an appearance of Chorus members for the Walter Kaitz Foundation Dinner. The foundation is the entertainment and telecommunication industry’s leading national foundation dedicated to advocacy around diversity, equity and inclusion, and provides resoutces and significant funding to key organizations that support vital programs and initiatives that further diversity’s impact. The ensemble performed “What If Truth Is All We Have” from Quiet No More before a room filled with executives from the top telecommunications corporations.
On Thursday, September 19, members of the Chorus were at the Viacom lobby to perform a selection of songs as the company celebrated their Diversity Day. The members performed several sets while the employees were arriving for their work day.
The Nineth Annual Sing-athon took place at Jackson Square Park on Saturday, September 28. There was a slight delay to the opening as a lack of power had occurred. However, once up and running the Chorus performed sets of recent music interspersed with solos from members under the direction of James Horan. This was again a way for the Chorus to sing and promote the Chorus to a new audience. It was also the debut for Gavin in front of a New York audience.
The following Saturday, October 5, members of the Chorus traveled to the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale to do a repeat performance as backup for the Hugh Jackman Concert during his final New York appearance. Again the members added their voices to You Will Be Found, One Day More, and A Million Dreams during the concert. Hugh Jackman was again as gracious as he was in June at Madison Square Garden.
On Thursday, October 10, members of the Chorus were at JetBlue headquarters in Long Island City to entertain for their National Coming Out Day celebration. The company was honoring the diversity of their employees and the Chorus performed several songs for them. JetBlue continued to be a sponsor of the Chorus for the season.
The recent event for Halloween took place at Hudson Terrace on Friday, October 25. Hallokween was a fun evening with loads of costumes and performances. Bigger and better than ever, this year's event featured sexy live performances by NYC's premiere Boylesque and drag entertainers, one-of-a-kind raffle prizes, a costume contest, and beats provided by DJ Vescovo.
The holiday concert, Extravaganza, was again held for three performances at Skirball Center NYU on December 13-15. This year’s program was more traditional and featured just the Chorus and their sound. The program opened with Scott Hendersons’ You’re Home for the Holidays. It was followed by Love is Christmas by Sara Bareilles and Tom Lehrer’s Hanukkah in Santa Monica. Robert Seeley’s Over the Skies of Yisrael followed along with Randall Thompson’s setting of Robert Frost’s Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening. Mark Riese’s arrangement of I Saw Three Ships came next and followed by Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), a hit for Darlene Love in 1963. To round out the first half of the concert the Chorus performed Charles Beale’s arrangement of Jingle Bells.
The second half of the concert opened with “A Christmas Song” from the Broadway musical Elf. It was followed by another Mark Riese holiday arrangement. This time it was his glorious God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Morton Lauridsen’s setting of James Agee’s Sure On This Shining Night came next along with Michael McElroy’s gospel arrangement of Joy to the World. A mashup of The Little Drummer Boy and
Peace On Earth followed. The classic Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas came next. What has become a Chorus tradition, Silent Night, followed. This year’s version included a verse in Spanish along with the sign language verse which always thrills the audience. And to end the concert the Chorus performed Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart, a song from LeAnn Rimes that inspired a television holiday movie. For an encore the Chorus performed Mariah Carey’s hit All I Want For Christmas Is You.
After the concert there were a couple of holiday events where the Chorus performed. First was at the Ice Rink at The Standard Hotel in the West Village. This happened on Wednesday evening, December 18. It was held on the edge of the rink, outside, and was extra special as snowflakes started to fall. Then on Friday, December 20, members of the Chorus joined together in the lobby of the Parker Hotel by the Christmas tree to
sing for those in attendance at the bar and checking into the hotel.
As the new year began the Chorus found themselves back at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, January 16, 2020, for Pride Night with the Knicks. The members of the Chorus performed the National Anthem in front of the crowd and were also televised across the nation.
The annual Chorus gala benefit, Harmony, took place on February 14, 2020, at Current on Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers. The evening had the usual silent auction along with performances from Tonewall and Youth Pride Chorus before the sit-down dinner. The program for the evening included the live auction as well as honors. The first honorary award was the Gary Miller Award and was presented to Our Lady J. There was a tribute
performance from young male dancers for the #BoysDanceToo movement. The creators, Sam Quinn, Robbie Fairchild, Travis Wall, Charlie Williams, and Alex D. Wong were honored with the Arts in Action Award. A new award, the Fortissimo Award, was presented to Chorus members J. Christopher Beck and James Matte. There were also performances from Broadway performers Sidney DuPont, Henry Gottfried, Adam Hyndman, Devin Ilaw and Vishal Vaidya. After dessert there was dancing with DJ Michael Bartuccelli. This year’s event was the most successful to date.
On Thursday, March 5, 2020, members of the Chorus returned to Madison Square Garden. This time they were singing the National Anthem during Pride Night for the New York Rangers Hockey Team. Once again they were seen on national television.
On Monday, March 9, 2020, the leadership of the Chorus announced that the Chorus was cancelling the Big Gay Sing concert due to the COVID-19 pandemic that was becoming prominent in the community and across the nation. No one was sure for how long this would be. The leadership was monitoring the situation. As the weeks went on it was apparent that the season would not continue and the June anniversary concert at Lincoln Center was also cancelled. Both concerts were tentatively rescheduled for later in the year. As the months wore on and the pandemic continued to go unabated, it was obvious that things were not getting better. The season was over. What lies ahead was to be determined.
To keep the Chorus members active, rehearsals went virtual. The new technology took over and everyone was now on Zoom. There were rehearsals and meetings.
Donovan Jones, Nick Deyo at Harmony
It was decided to put together a virtual chorus production for pride. Members submitted their individual videos and they were put together to form the first Chorus virtual project. Stephen Schwartz’s “Beautiful City” from Godspell had its premiere during The Center’s Garden Party, which was also virtual this year. The video has accrued almost 6,000 views on YouTube as of this writing.
As the current Chorus Royals had been reigning since March 2019 and were to relinquish their crowns in March 2020, the Royal Family made the decision to elect new Royals in August who would then reign until March 2022 retreat. A virtual ceremony was held and new Royals were announced – HRM Gigi St. Croix and Sir Gregory LeCleir.
Outgoing Royals HRH Temple Grandé, Sir Frank
Incoming Royals
HRM Gigi St. Croix
Sir Greg Royals
HRM Gigi St. Croix, Sir Greg
Gavin Thrasher, 2019 – 2021
NYCGMC Artistic Director
Gavin Thrasher is a professional conductor, singer, and teacher. Prior to his appointment as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Big Apple Performing Arts, and NYCGMC, he was the Interim Artistic Director and Conductor for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, where he developed the musicianship and the sound of the ensemble and its individual members. He also created the programming for the concert season and oversaw all of GMCLA’s educational programs. Gavin has been a guest conductor and clinician for ensembles as well as international festivals and presented his work at international conferences.
Prior to taking over as Interim Artistic Director, Gavin was the Assistant Conductor and Youth Programs Director for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles for 4 years. During his time in this role, he founded GMCLA’s small ensemble a cappella group, Aftershock, which performs at concerts and events across Southern California, most recently for the Emmy’s Television Academy and founded 2 new youth programs in Los Angeles. The first brings music education to adolescents who are in the L.A. County Probation System Juvenile Halls and Camps through healing-informed practices. The second provides semester-long choral and vocal music education to Los Angeles Schools that wouldn’t otherwise have access to these aspects of arts education. Gavin also updated and further developed GMCLA’s Alive Music Project, which brings the chorus into schools to share personal stories and engage in positive conversation with students. Gavin has presented these programs, their materials, and best practices for this work on a national level, helping many organizations begin changing young peoples’ lives.
Gavin is recognized for the collaborative approach he brings to his work and has built lasting relationships with organizations such as the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Vox Femina, the Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network, and the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. He has numerous television and film credits as a vocalist, including The Mindy Project, Ellen, and VEEP. He earned his Master of Music degree in Choral Music from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, and served as Conductor of the University’s Apollo Men’s Chorus. Gavin’s work has been recognized by the Los Angeles Times and Southern California Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, and Good Day LA.
Scrapbook –
Some pictures over the years from 2004-2005 season through 2019-2020 season. This is just a representative selection of the hundreds of pictures taken over the years. We hope you enjoy this look at some times gone by.
1. June 2005 – Pride Float
December 2007 – Royal Coronation
HRM Ermine Muff & Sir Ted 3. February 2009 – Defying Inequality Shoshana Bean with Chorus
2019-2020 Official Chorus Photo
photo: Michael R. Dekker
1. 2.
Fifth Avenue 6. November 2015 – Drama League GALA at Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom – Chorus on stage
1. June 2007 – Pride Float
2. June 2008 – Pride Boys – Wade Wright, Matt Levison, Brendan Marchesani, Ray Sheen, Eugene Lovendusky
3. June 2012 – Lily Putian (photo: Michael R. Dekker)
4. June 2014 – Panti Bliss, Scott Davenport, Bradley Dodson – Big Gay Sing Dublin 5. June 2013 – Pride March down
1. November 2014 – Night at the Opera with HRH Aida Gannolee
2. December 2005 – Elaine Stritch
3. 2014 Calendar
4. June 2008 – Pride Rally at Bryant Park
5. October 2009 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center outreach
6. June 2012 – Leo Campos and banner
7. May 2015 – AIDS Walk
8. June 2014 – London Gay Men’s Chorus with NYCGMC in London
4. 5. 6.
7. 8.
1. May 2018 – Welcoming London Gay Men’s Chorus at JFK
2. June 2011 – Pride Bar – Gary Wayne Farris, Shafiq Akhtar, Ricardo Santos, Alan Anderson, Warren Channell
3. June 2009 – Naylana Cross at Pride
4. June 2014 – LGMC & NYCGMC
5. June 2015 – Pride Parade fan boys
6. December 2016 – JetBlue hat for concert at JFK Terminal
7. March 2019 – Big Gay Sing – Body & Soul – dancers – Sean Segerstrom, Chris Covill, Chris Anderson, Ryan Frostig, Greg LeCleir
8. February 2016 – Alan Cumming concert at Carnegie Hall
1. January 2019 – Bryant Park Skating Rink
2. December 2010 – South Street Seaport Caroling
3. April 2006 – You Oughta Be in Pictures at Lincoln Center
4. June 2010 – Folsom Street Fair
5. September 2013 – Sing-athon –Jackson Square Park
6. March 2017 – Folks on the Hill –Jim Vivyan (podium), Michael Coleman
7. March 2019 – Big Gay Sing - Body & Soul – backstage ready to enter
8. July 2016 – Denver GALA –Johnny Atorino rehearsing opening
9. April 2006 – You Oughta Be in Pictures – Karen Ziemba
4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
1. June 2018 – Sir Michael Baker, Pride March
2. March 2019 – Adele at Pieces Bar with Michael Perotto and Steven Incammicia, after BGS
3. March 2019 – Lisa Reilly at Body and Soul Big Gay Sing
4. July 2016 – GALA in Denver, Creep with Keiji Kubo, Syville Padayao, Simon Mathis
5. February 2006 – Melo’men at Ambassador concert, Toujours
L’Amour at All Saints Episcopal
6. June 2011 – Pride March
7. December 2014 – Burn
8. March 2014 – Martha Wash, Tom Guthrie, Seth Watsky, Donovan Jones – It’s Raining Men
4. 5. 6.
1. December 2016 – Dedication of NYC AIDS Memorial
2. June 2012 – What Now rehearsal (Michael Dekker photo)
3. June 2013 – Pride March
4. June 2005 – Royals at Pride
5. May 2009 – Rosebud Concert at West Center Congregational Church – Bronxville, NY
6. July 2008 – GALA Miami
7. May 2013 – AIDS Walk with Christopher Beck (Dekker photo)
8. November 2012 – Porn Again with Ermine Muff (Dekker photo)
7. 8.
John J. Atorino
Assistant Conductor – December 2015 – December 2019
John is a music education graduate of the University of Michigan and New YorkUniversity.AtMichiganhestudiedconductingwithJerryBlackstone and voice with Carmen Pelton before going on to conduct with the Chicago Children’s Choir. After moving to New York, he became the conductor of the NYU Men’s Glee Club while completing his master’s degree. In addition to conducting, he taught vocal and instrumental music in public schools for ten years, and he writes and arranges choral music.
While still conducting at NYU he worked full-time as a music editor for Samuel French Inc. He also volunteered as the director of the Connect Singers Program for NYCGMC. He is the proud author and editor of two music education resources for the elementary and middle school classroom.
John has conducted choirs at Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theater, the United Nations, HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and for a nationally televised commercial for Vh1’s RuPaul’s Drag Race.
John moved to Portland, Oregon, after the holiday 2019 concert to become the Artistic Director of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Along with his role at PGMC, John also co-hosts a popular weekly podcast Alright, Mary! where he and his co-host discuss all things drag and queer related.
Aaron Dai
Accompanist – Holiday 2010 – Present
A graduate of Columbia University and Mannes School of Music, Aaron began studying piano at the age of five and went on to win the UNICEF Youth Concerts Competition three times by the age of 15. He has concertized around the country, performing in New York venues such as CAMI Hall, Steinway Hall, and Symphony Space, and cities such as Philadelphia, Houston, Phoenix and San Francisco. Collaboratively, he has shared the stage with artists as varied as Clay Aiken, Varla Jean Merman, and coloratura soprano Marisol Montalvo. As the Resident Composer of the Chelsea Symphony, he is best known for his fifteen-minute miniature opera Hamlet and The Night Before Christmas for Narrator and Orchestra.
His choral work, You Yourself Must Change It (text by Adrienne Rich) was commissioned by NYCGMC and premieredinDecember2012atTheTownHall.Hispiece, december 1, was also commissioned by NYCGMC and premiered in December 2016.
He was the musical consultant for the award-winning Off-Broadway play, The Temperamentals by Pulitzernominated playwright Jon Marans. A former clarinetist, oboist, and bassoonist, he is now a staff pianist and vocal coach at Mannes School of Music.
David Lloyd Sears Memorial Service Award
In 1985, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus Service Award, known as the “Apple” Award, was created to honor NYCGMC members who have extraordinarily contributed to the enhancement of the Chorus. The award is presented to non-elected Chorus members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. It has been awarded to individuals who have been outstandinglyactiveineitherspecialcommitteeworkorinspecialprojectsonbehalfoftheChorus. In 1986 theaward was renamed in memory of David Lloyd Sears, thefirstrecipientof theaward, andafoundingmemberwhowasinstrumentalinacquiringtuxedosfortheChorusduringthefirstseasonin1981. Recipients:
1985:David Lloyd Sears, Gary Miller J.R.Robbins II, Don Moschberger, Michael Goldstein
1986:Frank Shroyer, Clark Taylor, Jay Lesiger, Jerry Allred
1987:Sheldon Post, Gary Olde, Arthur Metzgar
1988:Edgar Colón-Hernández, Dean X Johnson
1989:Larry Moore, Rich McFeaters
1990:Rich Dodenhoff, Norman H. Sweet
1991:TomEpps, Bill Finnegan, JimVivyan
1992:Craig Sturgis, TomMcGillis, James McLaughlin
1993:Morgan Rice, WillieJ. Smith, Don Gardenier, Rich Dikeman
1994:David Torres, Fred Goldhaber, Richard Coburn
1995:MichaelW. Coleman, SueHammond
1996:Don Grasso, Ted Bloecher
1997:WilliamR. Brown, Jr., Sean Ray
Recipients:
The Ruby Slipper Award
1998:Edward J. Dixon, Thomas Cunningham
1999:RansomBruce, Guy Jacobs, Timothy Higdon, Dudley Hogue
2000:PaulMaulucci, Arthur Brost, PaulWeimer
2001:DaveBolton, Jerry Christman
2002:Guy Dauerty
2003:Rodger Lemons
2004:Mark Schall
2005:Richard Eng, Greg Pierson
2006:Don King;Glenn Nobel
2007:John Janas, Jeff Lettiere
2008:Maev Brennan, Stephen Kurowski
*2010:Mark Short
2011:Dan Baillie
2012:JamieHarris
2013:Jason Cannon
2014:David Leventhal
2015:Jimmy Horan
2016:Christopher Beck
2017:Christopher J. Anderson
2018:MattLevison, Ryan Scoble
2019:Nelson Gonzalez, MichaelDekker
2020:TimMorrell
Created in 2001, theNYCGMC Ruby Slipper Award is given to an individual who has shown continued commitmentand extraordinary serviceover acourseof years. Consistent excellence and dedication are the prime qualities of this recipient. This award is not given every year, but when adeserving individualappears.
1985 Arthur Metzgar – HRH FlorenceHenderson John Wolf 1986
1986 WillieSmith – HRH Wilhelmena Ellen Osborne 1987
1987 PascualVaquer – HRH AuntRuthie
Mark Fuschetti* 1988
1988 Jay Farrar* - HRH Peggy Sue MichaelColeman 1989
Succeeded by Tommy Baker –HRH Tammy FayeBaker
1989 Morgan Rice* - HRH BarbieStiletto
Ray McCurdy* 1990
RobertTaylor succeeded
1990 Bill Finnegan – HRH FortissimaGorgalupe Steven Milne 1991
1991 Danny Colvin* - HRH MagnoliaThunderpussy Brad Whitaker* 1992
1992 avid Hurst – HRH Coco Crispé
Ron Hendon - abdicated 1993
Ray Shelton* - succeeded
1993 David Torres* - HRH Dalila, TheMostGlamorous One Ray Shelton* 1994 Succeeded by Randy Kaplan – NormaDesperate
1994 Victor Grossetti – HRH ToriAdore
1995 Ted Montgomery – HRH Amber Crombie(Ambrosia)
1996 Alex Viaggio – HRH LoreleiLayne
PaulMaulucci – HRH LoopeeChenille
1998 Ed Dixon – HRH Evening Starr
1999 John Nieman – HRH JacquelineJonée
2000 Jeff Lettiere – HRH Cissy Galore
AnneThrope
2002 MichaelBarrettJones – HRH WittiRepartée
Christopher Beck – HRH TitaniaButtocks
The Royals are elected during the out-of-town Retreat. From 1982 to 2008 the Retreat took place in the first week of December. The Retreat was moved to March in 2009 (there was no 2008 December Retreat). The COVID pandemic in 2020 cancelled the Retreat and the 2020 Royals were elected virtually in August and will serve until the March 2022 Retreat.
THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
Over the past four decades the Chorus has been privileged to be joined by a multitude of celebrities. Talented individuals from all areas have appeared with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus including opera divas, Broadway luminaries, cabaret stars, television and film performers, gay spokespeople and politicians have brightened benefits and lent their talent to support the Chorus. Here are many who have helped the Chorus over the years:
Nick Adams
Roberta Alexander
Mitchell Anderson
Ant
Jim Bailey
Kaye Ballard
The Bang Group
Michele Bautier
John Bayliss
Shoshana Bean
Laurie Beechman
Hunter Bell
Vicki Belmonte
BETTY
Christina Bianco
Harolyn Blackwell
Susan Blackwell
Heidi Blickenstaff
Stephen Bogardus
Justin Vivian Bond
Jeff Bowen
Stephen Brinberg
John Bucchino
Betty Buckley
Julie Budd
Charles Busch
Dean Butler
Ann Hampton Callaway
Liz Callaway
Michael Callen
Simon Callow
Vanessa Carlton
Carolee Carmello
David Carroll
Jim Caruso
Joyce Castle
Carol Channing
Stockard Channing
Walter Charles
Kristin Chenoweth
Petula Clark
Victoria Clark
Kay Cole
Judy Collins
Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Barbara Cook
Alan Cumming
Janet Dacal
Daugherty & Field
Jim David
Frenchie Davis
Shane Davis
Kathryn Day
Darius deHaas
Lea DeLaria
Loretta Devine
Colleen Dewhurst
Baby Jane Dexter
Denny Dillon
Natalie Douglas
Debra Ann Draper
Sidney DuPont
Nancy Dussault
George Dvorsky
Daisy Eagan
Faith Esham
Eden Espinosa
Holly Faris
Tovah Feldshuh
Tommy Femia
Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Harvey Fierstein
The Flirtations
Beth Fowler
Joy Franz
Helen Gallagher
Anita Gillette
Joanna Gleason
Judy Gold
Whoopi Goldberg
Emily Golden
Henry Gottfried
Debbie Shapiro Gravitte
Kevin Gray
Amanda Green
Ellen Greene
Joel Grey
Jerry Hadley
Stephen Hanan
Ann Harada
Neil Patrick Harris
Sam Harris
Debbie Harry
Gean Harwood
Constance Hauman
Jessica Hendy
Jerry Herman
Peggy Hewitt
The High-Heeled Women
Mimi Hines
Jackie Hoffman
Marilyn Horne
Hot Lavender
Harry Huff
Karen Huffstodt
Adam Hyndman
Devin Ilaw
Imperial Court of New York
George S. Irving
Hugh Jackman
Jimmy James
Erika Jayne
James Judy
Just Good Friends
Judy Kaye
Lainie Kazan
Larry Kert
Jessica Kirson
Eartha Kitt
Terri Klausner
Philip Koch
Alexandra Korey
Julie Kurnitz
Patti LaBelle
Coco LaChine
Nancy LaMott
Cyndi Lauper
L. Morgan Lee
Debby Lennon
Jenifer Lewis
Larry Lipnik
Emily Loesser
Dorothy Loudon
Greg Louganis
Marla Louissaint
Demi Lovato
Lorna Luft
Rebecca Luker
Heather MacRae
Indira Mahajan
Manhattan Rhythm Kings
Karen Mason
Armistead Maupin
MAX
Andrea McArdle
Liz McCartney
Julia McGirt
Maureen McGovern
Sir Ian McKellen
John McMartin
Terrence McNally
Sharon McNight
Julia Michaels
Marilyn Michaels
Theodora Middleton
Lea Michele
Bonnie Milligan
Liza Minnelli
Father John Misty
Liliane Montevecchi
Melba Moore
Rita Moreno
Kim Morgan
Jennifer Muller/The Works
Julia Murney
Mystery Date
Holly Near
Bebe Neuwirth
Scott Nevins
Phyllis Newman
Marni Nixon
Philip Officer
Kelli O’Hara
John Oliver
Kurt Ollmann
Robert Osborne
Our Lady J
Panti Bliss
Anders Paulsson
Peppermint
Rosie Perez
Roberta Peters
Billy Porter
Faith Prince
Sondra Radvanovsky
Ron Raines
Meredith Rawlins
Lee Roy Reams
Rex Reed
Ann Reinking
Caroline Rhea
Alice Ripley
Chita Rivera
Bobby Rivers
Joan Rivers
Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson
Jamie Rocco
Jai Rodriguez
Ned Rorem
George Rose
Justin Ross
Seth Rudetsky & James Wesley
Michael Rupert
Vito Russo
Roz Ryan
Camille Saviola
Joe Sears
Keala Settle
Jane Shaulis
Thos Shipley
Sia
Christopher Sieber
Ira Siff
Emily Skinner
Randy Skinner
Richard Skipper
Liz Smith
Marilyn Sokol
Stephen Sondheim
David Staller
Elly Stone
Mollie Stone
Billy Stritch
Elaine Stritch
Jo Sullivan
KT Sullivan
David Summers
Terry Sweeney
Sylvia Syms
John Tartaglia
Indra Thomas
Benita Valente
Danitra Vance
Vishal Vaidya
Robert Verdi
Bruce Vilanch
Deborah Voigt
Frederica von Stade
Claudia Waite
David Walker
Fredi Walker-Browne
Martha Wash
Cynthia Watters
Elisabeth Welch
Well-Strung
Westminster Concert Bell Choir
Alton Fitzgerald White
Lillias White
Terri White
Margaret Whiting
Tyler Whitman
Dar Williams
Jaston Williams
Larry Wilmore
Julie Wilson
B.D. Wong
Arthur Woodley
Rachel York
Karen Ziemba
Rev. 2021 December 31
Acknowledgements –
We would like to thank all the members of the Chorus who took pictures that were used in this portion of the Journal.
We have tried to give credit for those photos where we were able to ascertain the photographer.
We also would like to thank Edgar Colón-Hernández for his astute copy-editing and proofing skills. And lastly, we would like to thank all the members, staff, and volunteers and audience members who have helped make the Chorus into what it is today.
