History

Over 25 years of music worth coming out for

The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus (TCGMC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) voluntary community chorus. Formed in 1981, the Twin Cities Men's Chorus added the word "gay" to its title in 1991. The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus has grown to be the fourth largest gay men's chorus in the country and is a member of GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses.) The organization was formed to build community through music, with the primary purpose of TCGMC being the pursuit of musical excellence in performance. In addition, Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus seeks to provide its members with rewarding musical experiences and to promote social exchange among a group of men with a common purpose. As an organization that celebrates diversity and uses music as a way to transform, educate and heal, TCGMC works towards the elimination of homophobia and intolerance through community outreach.

Staff & Board

With a membership of 140 men, the TCGMC is one of the fastest growing arts organizations in Minnesota. Jon Lewis becomes the chorus’ second full-time Executive Director while Dr. Stan Hill is the fourth Artistic Director. The Board is made-up of 50% singing membership and 50% non-singing individuals. Currently the board has 24 members. [more staff & board info]

Audience & Venues

Approximately 75% of the audience comes from the metro area, but through out-state advertising and performance outreach TCGMC performs to audiences in the surrounding cities and states. Research has further shown that about 52% of the audience is GLBT (gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender.) During its 25-year history, over 750 men have entertained over 200,000 audience members in the Twin Cities and around the country. Throughout the year, the Chorus performs in a variety of venues including their primary home, Ted Mann Concert Hall on the campus of the University of Minnesota, corporate offices, churches, parks and colleges. Weekly rehearsals are held at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.

Budget & Finances

Approximately 45% of the organization's revenue coming from gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and government arts support programs, 36% from ticket sales and 6% from member dues.

CDs & Videos

The Chorus has produced 10 CDs: Hand in Hand (released in 1995), SING OUT!, featuring Ann Hampton Callaway (released in 1996), Sing We Joyously Noel (released in 1999), The Rainbow Connection (released in 2000), Angels (released in 2002), Metamorphosis (released in 2004), What Sweeter Music (released in 2004) Bang! Bang! The Music of Cher (released in 2005), The Great Southern US Sing-Out Tour (released in 2006), and The 25th Anniversary Collection (released in 2006). Additionally, the Chorus, along with Emmy award-winning producers John Scagliotti and Dan Hunt and author Tomie dePaola produced a video that was broadcast nationally on PBS in the fall of 2001 and spring of 2002. Oliver Button is a STAR!. A documentary based on the Chorus' performance of Oliver Button is a Sissy was further developed as a teaching tool for distribution to schools and families.

Other Notable events in the history of the TCGMC include:

Performances with Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Vocal Essence (Plymouth Music Series), Ballet of the Dolls, American composer Ned Rorem, and such noted gay and lesbian entertainers Harvey Fierstein, Ann Hampton Callaway, Michael Feinstein and Holly Near. TCGMC has premiered over 25 commissioned works and has performed at major gay and lesbian choral festivals in Montreal, Tampa, Denver, Seattle, San Jose and Minneapolis (for which the TCGMC served as host in 1986.) Regular appearances include Minnesota AIDS Walk, the Minneapolis Pride festival, and concerts at Como Pavillion.

The Chorus produces an annual gala event every year called Songs From the Heart, raising over $120,000 annually and $445,000 cumulatively for the organization and a partnering community GLBT organization since it began in 2001.

In 2003, the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus was honored with the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) Minnesota 2003 "Brian Coyle Leadership Award" for serving the community through outreach and putting a face on the GLBT community. TCGMC also received special recognition in 2003 from Lavender magazine for "Best Benefit/Fundraiser" for Songs from the Heart and in 2003 & 2004 for "Best GLBT Music Group."

Capping off the 25th Anniversary season, the chorus embarked on the “Great Southern Sing-Out Tour” through 5 cities in 6 days in July of 2006. Kicking off the tour in Nashville’s prestigious Ryman Auditorium, the chorus became the first gay organization to perform on the historic stage. From Tennessee, three bus loads of chorines and supporters traveled to Birmingham (AL), Jackson (MS), Mobile (AL) and, finally, New Orleans (LA). Each performance was another wonderful and inspiring experience for everyone. The south will never be the same again – neither will the chorus.

Since the very first concert in Heritage Hall at Minneapolis Public Library, Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus has become an integral part of the Twin Cities cultural scene with its rich choral tradition.