Boston Gay Men's Chorus To Perform At Baker Gubernatorial Inauguration

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus announced that it will perform at the Inaugural Celebration of Gov.-Elect Charlie Baker at the Boston Convention Center at 8:45pm on January 8, 2015. The performance will mark the first time that a gay chorus has performed at a gubernatorial inauguration in New England.

"We are honored and proud to be performing at the inaugural celebration of Governor-Elect Charlie Baker," said Craig Coogan, Executive Director of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. "The Chorus has a long association with the Baker family. Gov.-Elect Baker's brother Alex first performed with the Chorus in 1989 at the signing of the Commonwealth's Gay Rights Bill. He continued to perform with the Chorus, where he met his husband, through 2003. Last June, on Father's Day, the Baker family, including Gov.-Elect Baker and his wife, Alex and his husband, and their father, attended our performance of "Can't Stop the Beat." We are pleased to be participating in the Baker Administration's first official event, which is setting a tone of inclusion for all members of the Commonwealth."

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is one of the largest community-based choruses in New England and has garnered numerous artistic distinctions and awards. Most recently, BGMC was selected, after a highly competitive process, to perform at the June 2015 conference of Chorus America. BGMC uses art to fulfill its mission of service which includes performing outreach concerts throughout Massachusetts in schools, houses of worship, and community centers. Proceeds raised from outreach performances are donated to local, school-based Gay Straight Alliances, and other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations. To date, nearly $500,000 has been raised and distributed in communities including Lynn, Acton, Springfield, Framingham, Hanover, Haverhill, Pittsfield, Salem, and Beverly.

In 2015, BGMC will embark on a tour of the Middle East, becoming the first gay chorus to perform in Israel and Turkey. In 2005, BGMC completed a European Tour in Berlin, Germany; Wroclaw, Poland; and Prague, Czech Republic. The tour was an historic intersection of the Chorus's artistic and public service mission, drawing massive audiences and bitter anti-gay protests, which garnered international media attention (a common headline was "Music Triumphs Injustice") and sparked important global conversations about LGBT rights.

About the Boston Gay Men's Chorus

Boston Gay Men's Chorus creates musical experiences to inspire change, build community and celebrate difference. The BGMC is one of New England's largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. In November, 2013, CBS-WBZ named The Boston Gay Men's Chorus one of the top five choruses in the city of Boston.

Auditions

Auditions for the Chorus will take place Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1:00 p.m. o sign up to audition, and more information, please visit www.bgmc.org or text SINGBGMC to 41411.

Sponsors

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is generously supported by Bank of America, JetBlue, and Reproductive Science Center. BGMC is a proud partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.