About Us

Big Apple Performing Arts (BAPA) is an LGBT-identified organization formed to entertain and educate our audiences and to make a positive contribution to the entire community. BAPA achieves its purpose by serving as a management umbrella for performing groups and individual performers and is a 501(c)3 non profit organization.

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC) is the longest standing member of Big Apple Performing Arts, having just celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2005. New York City Gay Men’s Chorus now comprises 250 voices, appearing in three subscription concerts each year, moving between Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the other world-class venues of New York City. Affirming their world-class status is a roster of classical and contemporary artists who have graced the stages with the Chorus: Marilyn Horne, Roberta Peters, Liza Minnelli, Stephen Sondheim, Barbara Cook, Carol Channing, Jerry Herman, Eartha Kitt, Joel Grey – to name just a few. In addition to the full chorus, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus includes the 24-voice Ambassadors Chorus which serves as a community outreach ensemble.

A second member of BAPA, Uptown Express is an eight-person, pop-cabaret ensemble. Initially formed from NYCGMC to provide outreach to the community, Uptown Express’ diverse repertoire ranges from standards and show tunes to gospel and blues—all with orignal arrangements by director James Followell. Uptown Express has had the privilege of performing with many Broadway and cabaret greats, including Kristen Chenowith, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Karen Mason, Sam Harris, Terri White, Richard Skipper, Klea Blackhurst, and Steven Brinberg. Recently the group was featured in the GMHC benefit concert of Mack and Mabel, with Jerry Herman and a host of luminaries. Other highlights include performances at Melissa Rivers' wedding and Joan Rivers' Christmas parties, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, City Center, and cabaret venues around NYC—and most recently a MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award nomination.

In 2003, Big Apple Performing Arts and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, together with Youth Enrichment Services (YES) of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of New York City established the Youth Pride Chorus. Youth Pride Chorus comprises fourteen to twenty-two-year-old self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies and is the first chorus of its kind to be presented by an established adult chorus. In 2004, the Youth Pride Chorus was adopted as an independent performing group under the Big Apple Performing Arts umbrella, with its own concert season and outreach efforts.

Big Apple Performing Arts and its associated groups are members of Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA), the world's only association committed to serving the LGBT choral movement.