Our staff

Joseph J. Buches was appointed the Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus in September 2004.

Mr. Buches received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University, West Chester PA, where he studied voice with Dr. Raymond Friday. At Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA, Mr. Buches studied voice with Kim L. Renas, Jack Wilcocks and Jolene Jeffers, and organ with Dr. Kent Hill.

He has done extensive graduate work in conducting at Mansfield University under Dr. Peggy Dettwiler and at Westminster Choir College under Dr. James Jordan. Mr. Buches has also done extensive study in the field of Music Technology through the University of the Arts at Villanova University.

Mr. Buches has served as the Director of Choral Music at The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA from 1998-2014, and Chair of the Music Department and Director of Choral Music from 2000-2014. In addition, he has served as adjunct vocal music faculty member at Penn State University, Delaware County Campus. Mr. Buches currently serves as music director/organist at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, Philadelphia, and organist at Girard College, Philadelphia.

Mr. Buches has performed as a core singer with the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, under the direction of Alan Harler, as well as featured soloist with local area choruses.

Mr. Buches has served on the board of directors for GALA Choruses.

Mr. Buches can be contacted at director@pgmc.org.

Jason Conner grew up in West Virginia and moved to Philadelphia in 2010. He is a business owner and entrepreneur who has spent the last decade working professionally in the Real Estate sector.

Jason has served on various non profit boards, most specifically dedicated to LGBTQ advocacy and causes. He has a passion for organizing, volunteering, and fundraising. Prior to his work in Real Estate, he worked with large non profit medical centers to help expand healthcare access to the un and under-insured - with a special focus on implementing the ACA (Obamacare).

Jason has been a fan and supporter of the chorus for the past twelve years. His other passions include writing, stand up comedy (you may find him at some random open mic on a weekday), camping, and hiking.

In his own words: "I could not be more excited to step into this role. The chorus has meant so much to me as an audience member, and I can't believe I get to contribute in some meaningful way to this storied legacy! Thank you to the board, Joe, and all of the members for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity."

Mr. Conner can be contacted at jconner@pgmc.org.

Benjamin D'Annibale is a pianist and harpsichordist based in the Philadelphia area. A graduate of the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg in Germany (M.M. Harpsichord) and Temple University (B.M. Piano Performance), he has had extensive training with a diversity of keyboard professors, and a special focus on baroque music and instruments. He also received a year of training at the Hochschule für Kirchenmusik Rottenburg, where he studied church music. He has given concerts in and around Philadelphia, as well as areas of Germany and France. In addition to teaching and performing in the Philadelphia area, Benjamin is currently the director of music at First Presbyterian Church in Springfield in Flourtown, PA and pianist for the University Choirs and Chamber Singers at Drexel University. Recently, he was seen playing for Il Divo as part of their Greatest Hits tour and conducting Handel's Messiah at his church.