Pride Month Spotlight: Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 1:17PMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
Dr. Gerald Gurss
A discussion with Dr. Gerald Gurss, Artistic Director
Looking for some spectacular entertainment in the coming week? How about a choral concert devoted to the music of Whitney Houston? The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus is wrapping up their 42nd season with a concert June 16-17 focused on Ms. Houston’s musical legacy. We talked to Dr. Gerald Gurss, Artistic Director, about the history of the TCGMC, commissioning new works and the Pride 2023 concert.
Q: Please give us a brief history of the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.
A: Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) was founded in the early 80s as “Twin Cities Men’s Chorus.” At that time, the chorus was a grassroots community organization whose purpose was primarily communal - supporting those living with and dying from HIV/AIDS. Some members didn’t list their names in the program for fear of losing their jobs or being ostracized by family. As the chorus evolved, they added the word “gay” to their name. Since its inception, TCGMC has been a leader in the community not only advocating for social justice issues such as gay marriage, but as in commissioning new works. Some of our commissioned works include Metamorphosis, Through a Glass, Darkly, and Two Boys Kissing.
Q: The chorus has commissioned over 40 original works for men's choruses. That is an impressive feat. What's the process for commissioning a new work?
A: Commissioning new music is a long process that usually begins at least a year (if not years) out from the premiere performance. The chorus works with composers and lyricists to create music that tells a piece of our queer story, whether it’s our struggle, our daily life, our identity, or our intersections with other facets of human existence. Often, the process involves raising a large amount of money to pay for the new art, depending on its length and orchestration. After many drafts and edits, we present an entirely new work to our audience that has never been heard before.
Q: You're wrapping up your 42nd season - congratulations! What were some of the highlights this year?
A: That’s right, we are wrapping up the 42nd season next week with our Pride concert: And IIIIIIII: The Music of Whitney Houston. Our patrons and singing members have come to expect not only diversity in programming but the sharp execution of the diverse musical styles associated with the programming. This past season, we presented a holiday concert that was a kind of choral musical - with a full script, full chorus and characters who told the backstory of Santa’s reindeer. In March of 2023, we presented a concert called “unSEEN,” which explored topics of mental health and neurodiversity.
Q: Let’s hear more about The Pride Concert for 2023, And IIIIIIII... Please tell us all about this concert and how we might obtain tickets.
A: This concert is an evening of the vocal powerhouse that is Whitney Houston. Alongside the chorus, we will have a dance troupe, a Broadway pit orchestra, and a guest drag performer bringing to life her story and music on the Ted Mann Concert Hall stage. Tickets for the June 16-17 performances are available at www.tcgmc.org (code “BASS” will get you $5 off your ticket).
