Photos by Stefan Cohen/San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) closed out Season 45 with the Chorus’ second collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony: an exceptional program entitled Hello Yellow Brick Road. The concert, presented on the evening of July 19 at Davies Symphony Hall, combined highlights from Elton John’s groundbreaking album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road—marking its 50th anniversary—along with favorites from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Stephen Schwartz’s blockbuster musical, Wicked.
As the performance start time neared, a wave of palpable energy stirred through arriving guests in the left side aisle of the Orchestra section at Davies. SFGMC devotees recognized the familiar form of Conductor Laureate Dr. Tim Seelig, who is also a Bay Times columnist. Smiling, hugging, and greeting audience members, he moved not to the stage but to his seat, which was strategically selected for the best possible view. This was his invited guest return for the first time since retiring (that is to say, retiring “Seelig style,” meaning he is still very active in the arts and more) and relocating a year prior.
Then began the much-anticipated concert with SFGMC under the direction of Conductor Jacob Stensberg. Both Stensberg and the Chorus deftly presented the diverse array of music that still beautifully connected together as a dreamy, cohesive whole. Elton’s hits, in particular, were met with rousing applause from the rapt audience. The songs included “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Your Song,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” and much more.
SFGMC CEO Chris Verdugo joined Stensberg in expressing appreciation for the evening’s sellout success thanks to support from LGBTQ+ community members and allies as well as from Chorus members, donors, and volunteers. Also mentioned was the forthcoming official opening of the Chan National Queer Arts Center, a first of its kind facility, made possible by the generosity of Terrance D. Chan and Edward Sell along with many other supporters.
Music
Published on August 10, 2023
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