San Francisco Bay Times columnist Dr. Tim Seelig, who is the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC), is one of the most talented professionals we at the Bay Times have ever worked with over the years. He has been supportive in every way possible, has never missed a deadline, and is thoughtful beyond measure. We are honored that, although he will soon be retiring from his position with the chorus, he will continue his column for the Bay Times. Retirement for him will be Seelig-style, meaning that his calendar is already full of guest conductor events and other projects, given that he remains one of the most sought-after talents in the musical field.
SFGMC recently announced the program for Final Words, a one-night-only farewell concert for Seelig taking place on Wednesday, July 13, at 7:30 pm at San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall(201 Van Ness Avenue). Tickets are on-sale now by 415-864-6000 or visiting https://www.sfgmc.org/
Final Words will celebrate the spectacular legacy of Seelig as he conducts his final concert as Artistic Director of SFGMC. This extraordinary evening will feature a deeply personal playlist curated by him highlighting the past 11.5 years of his artistic influence. Making this historic moment even more special, the San Francisco Symphonywill join SFGMC on-stage for the first time in the chorus’ 43-year history. Works include selections from Unbreakable and I Am Harvey Milk by Andrew Lippa, A Chorus Line, The Lion King, Tyler’s Suite, and more. Special guests include the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
“Final Words is the culmination of a career dedicated to not only music education and choral conducting, but to community—building, activism, and social justice,” said SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo. “We are deeply grateful for Tim’s service and dedication to the chorus and community at large. His immense impact will be felt for decades to come. We look forward to celebrating him and his incredible achievements on July 13.”
“It is a rare moment in time when a conductor is allowed to create a program that is made up 100% of his favorite pieces,” added Seelig. “This is exactly what I am being blessed with as I end 11 1⁄2 years with SFGMC and 35 years conducting LGBTQ+ choruses around the world. I had help in the selection process to be sure, but the final program couldn’t reflect my career any better.”
Considered one of the nation’s most prolific choral directors, Seelig’s 11 1⁄2 seasons at SFGMC are marked by several distinguished milestones, including the Lavender Pen Tour, the groundbreaking tour that took the chorus through five southern states in the fall of 2017; the subsequent release of Gay Chorus Deep South, the award-winning documentary chronicling the Lavender Pen Tour; the creation of the Artists Portal at San Francisco’s National AIDS Memorial Grove; the purchase of 170 Valencia, the new home of the SFGMC and The Chan National Queer Arts Center; the launch of RHYTHM, SFGMC’s educational outreach program to youth that has stretched nationwide; and more.
Throughout his leadership, Seelig forged intimate and important working collaborations with distinguished composers and musicians that have resulted in six major commissioned pieces of works. They include Testimony by Stephen Schwartz; I Am Harvey Milk by Andrew Lippa; Tyler’s Suite, featuring the work of nine celebrated composers including Jake Heggie, Ann Hampton Callaway, John Corigliano, Stephen Flaherty, and more; #twitterlieder by James Eakin; Unbreakable by Andrew Lippa; @queerz by Julian Hornik; and the upcoming Songs of the Phoenix. Many of these works have since been performed by other choral ensembles around the world.
Please consider attending the July 13 historic event not only to be present for what promises to be an exceptional night of music but also to join us in thanking and giving some love back to Seelig for his invaluable and unforgettable time with the SFGMC over the last decade plus.
Published on June 22, 2022
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