Something Ventured, Much Gained

by William Randall Beard, Star Tribune, Published March 21, 2004

The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus takes a great risk this weekend, as it commits resources to commission and premiere a major composition.

"Metamorphosis," a suite in 11 movements lasting more than 45 minutes, draws on the combined forces of the 140- member chorus, a 16-piece orchestra and the James Sewell Ballet.

As the title implies, "Metamorphosis" is a complex journey of transformation. Drawing on the stories of chorus members, it gives a uniquely Minnesotan slant to the gay experience. It is not a great work or even a particularly insightful one, but the emotionally engaging performance catches the heart. It is understandable that there were few dry eyes at Friday's opening night.

The team of composer Robert T. Seeley and lyricist Robert S. Espindola is well-known in gay music circles, having collaborated on the Grammy- nominated suite "Naked Man," a big hit for the chorus in the late 1990s. It is an appealing and accessible score, lyric and romantic, and solidly in the pop idiom. Its exuberance often recalls robust film music- extroverted and passionate, even a little bombastic.

Seeley knows how to take full advantage of the power of massed male voices. When the chorus plays the voice of God offering consolation with "Do not be afraid" and "Be not ashamed," the effect is overpowering. The chorus rises to the occasion with emotionally forthright singing.

The James Sewell Ballet provides a strong visual component, adding another level of emotional intensity. The chorus, positioned on scaffolding at levels up to three stories above the stage, provides a striking backdrop for the dancers who ground the often abstract emotions in personal reality. Their painful depiction of a hateful family is especially harrowing.

In his three years as director, Stan Hill has honed the chorus into a first-class ensemble and he was in fine command of the large forces. It is hard to imagine a stronger performance.

The first half offers a sampling of show tunes, including "Make Them Hear You" from "Ragtime" and folk songs such as Fred Small's "Everything Possible," all with a bit of a political edge. The small group OutLoud! presents a vocally anemic set that introduces their trademark camp humor.

The chorus will perform "Metamorphosis" this summer at the international GALA festival of gay and lesbian choruses in Montreal. It is hard to imagine that it will not be the hit of the festival or that it won't begin appearing on gay chorus programs around the country. This is a gamble that has paid off.

Concert Tickets are now available for purchase online!