1980-1989
Singing for Our Lives - The Legacy Begins
1990 - 1999
Out of the Darkness, Light
In 1995, the HIV cocktail was introduced and almost overnight the deaths from AIDS in the Chorus and in the wider community slowed from a flood to a trickle. Where we had been singing for our lives for the previous 10+ years, NYCGMC paused to catch its breath, contemplate who we were, what we wanted to be and explore how we wanted to get there. As we moved this project to an online presentation, we chose two songs from a NYCGMC album, "Look to the Rainbow," to accompany a slideshow of some favorite Chorus memories from the 90s: "We Are Proud" and "Never Ever." Lyrics in these songs allow us to look back and honor our experiences and those we lost, and to look forward with hope. As heard in "We Are Proud": 'we have traveled many roads to come to this place… some hard to face.' And lyrics in "Never Ever" encourage us to treasure the moment we are in―though it is difficult sometimes―we strive to 'take each moment as a gift' and to look back particularly at the moment in the mid 90s when the AIDS crisis shifted, when we paused for reflection and forged ahead. With everything we’re going through in 2020, we hope these selections and memories of our 2nd decade remind us that, while honoring where we came from and what brought us here, we can and will forge ahead as a Chorus and as a community.
Team Leader, Rob Cordell/Miss Anne Thrope. Thanks to Jeff Lettiere/Cissy Galore, J. Arthur Brost and all who contributed photos and memories.
2000-2009
From Aught to Awesome: A Decade of Reinvention
The 2000s brought major transformations. Many of the changes within NYCGMC were often mirrored or sometimes caused by similar changes in the city, country and the world. Highlights include the US being led by three very unique presidents, including the first Black President; NYCGMC being led by five very unique Artistic Directors; the tragedy of 9/11, when New York, the globe and NYCGMC all responded in their own way, with heartfelt empathy and camaraderie; a financial crisis that shook the stability of both the world's economies and NYCGMC; the awareness, inclusion, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community becoming more mainstream, fueling the fight for greater freedoms and rights such as Marriage Equality; younger, more diverse singers joining the Chorus; methods of sharing music and personal communication becoming more digitized and wholly dependent upon the internet; a reinvented and reinvigorated energy on display from the Royal Family and No Talent Show performances; and the variety of musical performances by NYCGMC, as epitomized by the introduction of Big Gay Sing. The 2000-09 Team has assembled 10 collages with accompanying audio narratives.
Team Leader, Greg Pierson.
Special thanks to Alan Anderson, Michael Baker, Tim Blanchard-Modisette, Adrian Crawford, Scott Laubner, Eugene Lovendusky and all contributors.
2010 - 2019
What Was Once Is No Longer Now
If there is one thing you can count on in life, it's change. It is necessary to change in order to grow, to become more aware and to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow. During its 4th decade, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus helped forge the path for a brighter future not only for itself, but for the world. Through song, vigilance and hope, hearts and minds can indeed be changed!
Team Leader, David Hill
“This is the family we’ve chosen.” “There’s History, Harmony and Hope.” These two thoughts, which became lyrics, represent many miraculous moments I’ve enjoyed as a member of the NYCGMC over the past 10 years. The musical excellence for which the organization strives is fueled by an unwavering commitment as “fearless champions for love, equality and acceptance.” This anthem is a thank you; a tribute to my Chorus family, and an attempt to build a bridge, an alliance with those who support, dismiss or are unaware of our mission. With the backdrop of the current pandemic, global demands for racial equality, and abridgement of arts funding, I am pleased and proud to know that NYCGMC will continue their 40 year tradition of presenting world class performances while raising voices, social awareness, and the spirits of not only New Yorkers, but all in need of harmony and hope.
James Horan