Unity. Fellowship. Bonding. All of these sentiments create a sense of “Community.” And starting in December, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) will once again bring artistic excellence and distinction with the premiere of its 39th Season, celebrating its Northern California community.
The Chorus, along with SFGMC’s Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo, recently announced the theme of its newest season—Community—and its concert offerings for its Season 39 (2016-2017) schedule.
“This Chorus has delivered music of all kinds for the last 38 years,” wrote Dr. Seelig. “This season, we once again present a huge variety of repertoire geared to delight every audience member. What you will experience cannot be put into simple words. When all is said and done, we know that the axiom will be true, ‘You may not remember what we sang, but you will never forget how you felt.’ The 300+ men of the Chorus will serenade you and sing right into your heart.”
In December, the Chorus will present three dazzling performances of Babes in Joyland, from December 9–10, 2016, at the Nourse Theater (275 Hayes Street, San Francisco), with performances Friday, December 9 at 8 pm and Saturday, December 10 at 2:30 pm and 8 pm. Tickets range from $25–70 and will be available for purchase starting October 18, 2016. The Chorus is joined by soprano Marnie Breckenridge for Babes in Joyland.
Nearly 30 years ago, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus gathered for the first time on Christmas Eve in 1990 at the Castro Theatre to bring the holidays home to those who had none. Thus began the annual tradition of joining together every Christmas Eve at the Castro Theatre for this night of joyous music and heartwarming festivities.
This holiday season will mark SFGMC’s 27th annual “Home for the Holidays” at the Castro Theatre (429 Castro Street, San Francisco) on Christmas Eve. Performances are Saturday, December 24, 2016 at 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm. Opera soprano Melody Moore will be the Chorus’ special guest artist for Home for the Holidays.
For Season 39: Community, the Chorus has re-crafted and will be re-launching its signature Crescendo annual fundraising event as a dazzling evening gala. The 11th annual Crescendo gala will be held at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco (600 Stockton Street, San Francisco) on Sunday, March 12, 2017, from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. More details will follow, including special guest artists and celebrity hosts.
This spring, the Chorus returns to the magnificent (and recently renovated) Herbst Theatre (401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco) for three performances of Paradise Found on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 8 pm and Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 2:30 pm and 8 pm. Tickets will range from $25–75 and will be available for purchase starting early next year. Paradise Found will feature many world-premiere commissions and breathtaking new choral works, including the massive “Paradiso” by SFGMC Composer-in-Residence Dr. James Granville Eakin III. The Na Lei Hulu Dance Company joins the Chorus as special guest artists for Paradise Found.
Season 39 will finish with an over-the-top, joyous Pride Month celebration. The Chorus will proudly present three performances of The Gay Kitchen Sink at the Nourse Theater (275 Hayes Street) on Friday, June 16, 2017, at 8 pm and Saturday, June 17, 2017, at 2:30 pm and 8 pm. Tickets will range from $25–65 and will be available in April 2017. Very special guests Kinsey Sicks, known as “America’s favorite dragapella beauty shop quartet,” will join the Chorus for these lively Pride concerts.
“In my short time here as SFGMC’s executive director,” wrote Chris Verdugo, “I have found a deep sense of community and pride both in and for this spectacular chorus. It’s only fitting that Season 39 will celebrate an ideal that we hold true to—our community.”
To access special discounts and exclusive benefits, season subscription packages are available for sale now before individual tickets go on sale to the general public. To learn more about subscribing, and for more information on the Chorus, please visit www.sfgmc.org
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