The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus

Mission Statement

The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus is a community united around the performance of creative and challenging music that entertains, inspires, and affirms with a spirit of friendship and hope.
Overview

Since its formation in 1981, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus has steadily increased its standing with the lesbian and gay community and among Philadelphia arts organizations. The chorus is affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. The regular performance season includes concert productions in December, March and June. In addition, the Chorus performs cabarets, fundraisers, and other community events throughout the year. Our repertoire includes a broad range of styles, including art music from the 17th Century to the present, spirituals, sacred music, love ballads, comic pieces, Broadway and Hollywood, opera choruses, African, Asian, Native American and European folk songs, and the latest lesbian and gay empowerment music. The Chorus has produced shared concerts with Anna Crusis Women's Choir and the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware. The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus has participated in all five GALA Festivals, and attended GALA 2004 in Montreal, Quebec.
Vision

We are a vital organization striving to present challenging musical opportunities to our members, audiences and broader communities. We perform varied programs to entertain and educate everyone we touch, creating and preserving a legacy of male choral music and helping our members to improve their musical skills. We pride ourselves on fostering a safe family atmosphere of compassion and respect, nurturing each other's development both personally and musically. We encourage our members to express their individuality, and value their contributions, allowing for growth, creativity and development, both with us and within society. We strive to be leaders in the gay community and a resource to the wider community. Working alone and in partnership with other organizations that share our values, we seek to break down the barriers of prejudice and ignorance. We are building a better life for ourselves, our peers and society as a whole; we are ensuring a better future for ourselves and those who follow.
History and Highlights

	PGMC was founded in 1981 by Gerald Davis. At the time, there were only four members. During the first year, the Chorus went caroling in the bars. The Chorus grew quickly in number and gave its first formal concert on April 25, 1982. Throughout the 80's, the Chorus continued its growth and in May 1987, performed its first out-of-state concert, singing with the Baltimore Men's Chorus. In March 1990, the Chorus made its debut at the Academy of Music performing with "Heart Strings", a touring AIDS benefit group with featured Sandy Duncan and Jason Bateman. The Chorus was incorporated as a non-profit organization on July 25, 1990. In 1992, the Chorus performed another AIDS benefit, "Song for Life", with Sally Starr and Juanita Holiday. Later that year, the Chorus sang holiday carols in hospitals. In May 1993, the Chorus was the opening performers at the first PrideFest celebration. In 1995, the Chorus performed with Marilyn Horne together with three other gay men's choruses from the region. PGMC recorded our premier CD, "The Spirit Says Sing" in 1997. In December of that year, the Chorus became the first gay musical group to sing in Council Chambers at Philadelphia's City Hall. Brotherly Love, our small group ensemble, performed at the opening ceremonies of the William Way LGBT Community Center. In 2000, PGMC performed at an award ceremony for Sir Ian McKellan. In 2001, the Chorus performed Schoenberg's "A Survivor from Warsaw" with the Mendelssohn Club at the Academy of Music. In July of 2003, PGMC performed at the opening ceremonies of the new National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Throughout our history, the Chorus has sung at various local community events, political fundraisers, pledge drives, commitment ceremonies and, sadly, more than a few funerals. Jerry, our founder and president, has since passed away. Michael Rechel, our founding director, is alive and well in New Jersey. Other directors who have conducted for us include Neil Troutman, Tom Jann, Brian Middleton, and Daniel Howe.