Phila gay mens chorus
Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus celebrates 40th anniversary with 'Songs of the Phoenix' show
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- This Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus has been belting out tunes for 40 years, and at the matching time, acting as an anchor in the community.
The group puts on a variety of performances complete with costumes, dancers and a live orchestra.
"We execute everything from POP, classical, everything in between. We also tie it to other elements," says Joe Buches, Creative Director and Conductor of the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus.
The group cemented a well-respected reputation.
"We've performed with some celebrities," says Buches, "We are resident at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre."
It's a trip down memory path for longtime director Buches.
"We've grown a lot," says Buches, "The Founding Director was Michael Rochelle."
Many choirs emerged in the 1980s in response to the AIDS epidemic.
"For a safe place, and unfortunately, sing at funerals," says Buches, "When I started 18 years ago, there are about 35 members and now, we own over 150 members."
It serves as a social outlet.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY MENS CHORUS INCORPORATED
About This Cause
Since its formation in 1981, PGMC has steadily increased its visibility within the lesbian, gay, bi and transgender (LGBT) community and among Philadelphia arts organizations. The regular subscription season includes concert productions in December, March, and June. In addition, the Chorus performs at cabarets, fundraisers, and other community events throughout the year. Our small auditioned ensemble, Brotherly Cherish (BroLo), perform at other concerts and community outreach events, representing the chorus where participation by the full body is impractical. Our repertoire includes a broad range of styles, holiday tunes, love ballads, comic pieces, pop and rock songs, Broadway and Hollywood, opera choruses, folk songs from around the world, the latest LGBT empowerment song and other commissioned LGBT works. The Chorus also shares its message of inspiration and acceptance with students through regular performances at Philadelphia-area schools, as part of its youth outreach program.Additionally, each year we provide 500 free tickets to students to attend PGMC concerts, and we host a unique reception for them aft
MISSION:
The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC) entertains audiences, supports communities, and fosters acceptance through exceptional musical performance.
VISION:
A community that celebrates differences and a chorus that inspires change.
VALUES:
We value:
consistent engagement with the LGBT and broader communities;
our leadership in the Philadelphia artistic collective, with entertaining and imaginative productions covering a variety of musical genres;
accepting all people and ensuring that all people feel accepted; and
conducting ourselves with professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION:
The Philadelphia Queer Men’s Chorus recognizes that diverse communities are stronger communities. Various backgrounds and experiences add to our artistic strength, leading to a greater connection with our audiences. Through a culture of diversity and inclusion, we increase the success of the Chorus, raise our profile, sustain our mission, and broaden our outreach in Philadelphia and beyond.
Taking over after a 20-year tenure is no small task, but Michael Semancik seems to be thriving in his new role as Interim Artistic Director and Conductor of the Philadelphia Homosexual Men’s Chorus.
Semancik joined the chorus as Interim Artistic Director and Conductor in late July tracking the retirement of Joseph J. Buches, who held the position for two decades. Since then, he has been adjusting to his new role.
“I would express I am settling in very well,” Semancik said. “One of the best things about the chorus in general is just how warm and accepting and comforting everybody is in general, and has accepted me. At every concert, I spoke about just how welcoming the choir has been, and really just taking me under their wing and making me a part of them and all of that.”
He added, “And as you know, as someone that’s mark new and an interim and all of that, it really was a special thing. It was a lovely four months. We learned a lot, we worked hard, and we had a very successful concert.”
Since the Christmas concert, he’s received dozens of emails from community members saying that they’d had a great time and that several performers have received praise from family and friends.