BGMC RISE June 2026

Reuben Reynolds, Music Director Sarah Shoffner, Executive Director

2

June 6 & 7, 2026 New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall

June 14, 2026 Groton Hill Music Center

Reuben Reynolds

Sarah Shoffner

Music Director

Executive Director

Scott Nicholas

Dr. LeWana Clark

Michelle Chassé

Vocal Coach

American Sign Language Interpreter

Director & Choreographer

Tommy Coye

Anne Dresbach

Assistant Choreographer

Lighting Designer

Brittany Trymbulak

Matthew Small

Thomas J Choinski

Associate Lighting Designer & Programmer

Speaking Part Director

Speaking Part Consultant

Kendyl Trott

Christian Jones

Stage Manager

Wardrobe Assistant

Joel Nosek

Kyle Cabral

Simone Montali

Production Manager

Costume Designer

Costume Designer

is gratefully acknowledged

by Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.

3

A letter from the Music Director Bob Dylan wrote The Times They Are a-Changin’ in the fall of 1963.

Think back to what has happening that fall—instability was escalating in Vietnam, a military coup was taking place in Honduras and, on the fifteenth of September, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was bombed, killing four young African-American girls and accelerating the civil rights movement. Weeks later, President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, and Bob Dylan sat down to write The Times They Are a-Changin’. He wrote it as an anthem of change for those times. It is still an anthem of change today. As Dylan told his friend Cameron Crowe: “This was definitely a song with a purpose.”

Fast forward fifty years to today and, well, the times, they are still a-changin’! After years of rising up and fighting just to have our basic human rights recognized. So many rights—civil rights, women’s rights, LGBT rights—are being attacked and stripped away little by little. It was not enough to fight for those rights. We must now Rise and fight to maintain them. Since our beginning in 1982, the BGMC has stood and fought for the basic human rights of all people. Now, we Rise again to fight to keep those rights!

As we sing the stories of our lives—and of the fight for our rights—we must all Rise together and stand up for everyone’s rights. We must never forget that none of us are free until we all are free!

Reuben Reynolds

A letter from the Executive Director There is something powerful about gathering in a room like this right now. In moments of uncertainty, art reminds us who we are.

It gives us language when words fall short, creates connection between strangers, and allows people to feel seen, sometimes for the very first time. RISE is built on that idea.

Tonight’s production moves through protest, joy, resilience, celebration, and pride. Some songs may feel deeply personal.

Others may remind us of the generations who fought before us and the responsibility we carry forward together. For more than four decades, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus has used music to build community, challenge assumptions, and create spaces where people can fully be themselves. That mission matters deeply right now.

This production would not be possible without the dedication of our performers, artistic team, musicians, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and audience members. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping ensure these stories continue to be heard. Most importantly, thank you for being here. Enjoy the production, celebrate loudly, and keep rising.

Sarah Shoffner

4

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus

Purpose To inspire.

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 250+ voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben Reynolds, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television, and internet broadcasts. CBS-WBZ named the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus one of the “top 5” choruses in the city of Boston. The Boston Business Journal in 2018 and 2019 named BGMC one of the top 10 performing arts organizations in the city. BGMC is a Cultural Ambassador— being named the first LGBT chorus to perform in Poland in 2005, the Middle East in 2015 and in South Africa in June 2018.

Mission The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus creates musical experiences to inspire change, build community, and celebrate difference.

Core Values We’re a family with a tradition for excellence.

We provide a safe and welcoming community to be ourselves.

We make music that makes us and our audiences proud.

We operate with integrity.

We genuinely care for each other; bringing out the best of each other—we are our best as a group.

We change hearts and minds trough our presence and our music.

We are from diverse backgrounds but have a shared passion for music.

We choose to give our time and talents— giving back more than we get.

5

We have fun!

Biographies Reuben Reynolds

Grigori Balasanyan

Reuben Reynolds has been the Music Director of the BGMC since December, 1997. After earning undergraduate degrees in both economics and music, Mr. Reynolds received his Masters of Music degree from Louisiana State University. While there, he was teaching assistant to Metropolitan Opera soprano Martina Arroyo and was on the conducting staff of the Baton Rouge Lyric Opera. In Kansas City, He served as Music Director of the Heartland Men’s Chorus from 1989 to 1998 and was also Conductor of the Philharmonia of Kansas City and the Kansas City Civic Opera Theatre. In the summer of 1994, Mr Reynolds made his European debut conducting the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra and the Beethoven Chamber Orchestra in 1995. He spent the summer of 1998 in St. Petersburg, Russia, conducting the Hermitage Camerata in the Catherine the Great Theatre. Mr. Reynolds has commissioned more than 20 major pieces and hundreds of arrangements in his career. The Boston Globe describes his conducting as “expert and idiomatic.”

Grigori Balasanyan is an Armenian-American composer, conductor, and pianist whose music blends his cultural heritage with contemporary techniques. His works span concert music, multimedia collaborations, and film scores, often reflecting deeply human and modern themes through a fusion of global musical languages. An AGBU, Richard Tufenkain, and Edward Hosharian scholar. Balasanyan’s opera Silent Tears is inspired by true stories from the 2020 war in Armenia, tells the story of children forced to flee their homes explores sacrifice, loss, and resilience.

A pianist for 16 years, Balasanyan maintains a vast repertoire spanning Baroque to modern music. His performances often highlight his dual artistry as both composer and interpreter. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in choral conducting at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Sarah Shoffner

Michelle Chassé trained with the Boston Ballet School and Maestro Vincenzo Celli and was on scholarship at the School of American Ballet. She graduated cum laude with a B.F.A. in dance from The Boston Conservatory, where she was the first recipient of the prestigious Ruth Sandholm Ambrose Award and later received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. Chassé has worked with renowned figures from the ballet, concert dance, and Broadway world. She has choreographed and directed numerous productions, receiving critical acclaim for shows like Candide and A Chorus Line. Her work has been recognized and honored at events like the New York Musical Theatre Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Additionally, Chassé has received accolades for her work with ensembles like the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.

Michelle Chassé

Sarah Shoffner joined BGMC as Executive Director in September 2022. She has expertise in developing strategies and programs to help arts and other non-profit organizations achieve their operational and artistic goals.

Shoffner served most recently as Boston Ballet’s Benefactors’ Circle Development Officer. Previously, she served as BGMC’s Engagement Manager for six years, where she modernized the organization’s development systems, including ticketing processes, and launched the Ovation Society (BGMC’s donor loyalty program).

In addition to the leadership roles Shoffner has held in non-profit arts organizations, she holds a Masters of Science in Arts Administration from Boston University and two degrees from the University of South Florida in Business Management and Dance Studies.

6

Dr. LeWana Clark

Anne Dresbach

Dr. LeWana Clark has been the American Sign Language interpreter for the BGMC since 1989.

She graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. with a doctorate in sign language interpreting and translation with specializations in pedagogy and research.

Dr. Clark creates a unique interpretation that incorporates not only the lyrics that are sung but also the tone and the musical qualities of the melody. In her day job, she provides communication access services for deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and non-deaf consumers in Boston, across the Commonwealth, nationally, and internationally. Although she spends most of her time working in court or in other legal settings, she is also qualified to interpret in medical, mental health, governmental, educational and theatrical/ performing arts settings.

Anne Dresbach has been the lighting designer for the BGMC since 2014. Originally from California, she relocated to Boston to pursue her education at Emerson College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Design and Technology. Dresbach’s expertise extends across various sectors of the entertainment industry, including dance, opera, musicals, plays, and corporate events. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with esteemed organizations such as Continuum Dance Project, Luminarium Dance, Celebrity Series Boston, Deborah Mason School of Dance, Ipswich Moving Company, Navarasa Dance Theater, City of Somerville’s ArtBeat dance performances, From the Top, New England Conservatory, Boston Children’s Chorus, and VDA.

Tommy Coye

Scott Nicholas, vocal coach, has appeared throughout the U.S. and internationally in solo and chamber performances.

He has served as pianist for the Tanglewood Festival Chorus,The Three Irish Tenors, Minnesota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera outreach programs, the Concord Women’s Chorus, the Cambridge Community Chorus, the Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition and has been heard on WGBH-FM and WBUR-FM in Boston.

Scott has served as music director and vocal coach for several organizations in New England including Central Square Theater, Franklin School for the Performing Arts, Franklin Performing Arts Company, the Vergennes Opera House and St. Michael’s Playhouse, VT. Mr. Nicholas is currently associate professor in the voice and opera department at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Senior Lecturer at Suffolk University and is on the faculty of Emerson College.

Scott Nicholas

Tommy Coye is a celebrated choreographer, dancer, and educator whose work spans stage, screen, and studio.

A faculty member at Boston Conservatory at Berklee since 2009, he has trained and mentored performers for professional careers in dance and musical theatre.

He served as Managing Director and repertory director at the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio and has taught at Boston Ballet School, Boston Youth Moves, and Emerson College. His choreography has been featured in national tours, international productions, and major motion pictures including The Heat and Black Mass. Coye has directed entertainment for cruise lines, corporate clients, and music icons, and was Associate Director of both The Boston Summer Dance Festival and ACE Entertainment. His leadership and artistry continue to shape Boston’s dance landscape and inspire the next generation of performers.

7

Behind the Music

Stories, history, and moments behind the songs of RISE Vogue Was More Than a Hit Song When Madonna released “Vogue” in March of 1990, the song became an instant global phenomenon. But “Vogue” did not begin in the mainstream.

The dance style featured in the song emerged from ballroom culture, an underground movement created primarily by Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities in New York City beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. Ballroom became a place where queer and trans people, many rejected by their families, workplaces, churches, and broader society, could create spaces of belonging, artistry, glamour, and survival.

Participants formed “houses,” which acted as chosen families led by “mothers” and “fathers” who mentored younger members. Houses competed in elaborate balls featuring categories ranging from fashion and dance to performance and runway presentation.

Voguing itself was inspired in part by fashion magazine poses, particularly from Vogue magazine. Dancers transformed static poses into sharp, angular, highly stylized movement. What began as imitation evolved into its own athletic and expressive art form built around precision, confidence, storytelling, and attitude.

At the height of the AIDS crisis, ballroom became more than nightlife. It became community infrastructure. It offered affirmation, protection, creativity, and visibility during a period when much of society ignored or condemned LGBTQ+ lives.

The original “Vogue” music video intentionally featured real ballroom performers, including dancers from the legendary House of Xtravaganza. Rather than using only commercial dancers, Madonna brought artists directly from the ballroom scene into one of the most visible pop culture moments of the era.

And ballroom’s influence stretches far beyond this song. Many phrases now common in popular culture originated in ballroom culture: “shade,” “reading,” “serving,” “werk,” “legendary,” and even the idea of a “house” as chosen family all trace back to these communities.

The DNA of ballroom can now be seen everywhere: fashion runways, drag performance, reality television, pop concerts, TikTok trends, and dance choreography across the entertainment industry.

8

At the same time, “Vogue” continues to spark conversations about cultural ownership, visibility, and appropriation. For some, the song represented long-overdue recognition of queer Black and Latino artistry. For others, it highlighted how underground communities often shape mainstream culture without receiving equal credit, opportunity, or protection.

Decades later, ballroom culture remains vibrant, evolving, and deeply influential. Its legacy is not only dance. It is resilience, reinvention, self-expression, and the radical act of taking up space exactly as you are.

Listen for the confidence in this performance. Ballroom was, and still is, about claiming space unapologetically.

Raise Your Glass: Pink wrote “Raise Your Glass” as a celebration of people who feel overlooked, underestimated, or outside the mainstream. The iconic opening line, “Right, right, turn off the lights,” was reportedly inspired by the energy of underground clubs and afterparties where people felt free to be completely themselves.

The Times They Are A-Changin’: Bob Dylan was only 22 years old when he wrote one of the most enduring protest songs in American history. He intentionally modeled the lyrics after old Scottish and Irish ballads as well as biblical sermons, which is part of why the song feels timeless and almost prophetic. Dylan later said he wanted it to sound like “a big old statement,” something people could carry with them long after hearing it.

From Now On: Originally written for The Greatest Showman, “From Now On” almost did not make the final film. During an early workshop reading, actor Hugh Jackman was recovering from surgery and doctors told him not to sing full voice.

By the end of the song, he ignored them and belted the final section anyway because the emotional moment felt too important to hold back. That rehearsal recording ultimately helped convince the studio to keep the song in the movie.

Born This Way: Lady Gaga wrote much of “Born This Way” in roughly ten minutes while on the road during a tour stop. She described the song as “a freedom song” and wanted it to feel like an immediate burst of energy rather than something overworked or polished

9

Be bold, be proud, be musical!

Join us in celebrating diversity and unity through our exclusive merchandise! bgmc.org/shop

10

Orchestra Piano Bass Percussion

Grigori Balasanyan Kate Foss Jonathan Hess

Soloists:

Understudies

Gerald James, Speaking Paul Gabrys, Speaking Ryan Kenney, Speaking Jonny Minogue, Speaking Jimmie Bucci, Speaking Kyle Cabral, Tenor Timothy Powers, Tenor Dillon Maloney, Bass Nathan Mohney, Tenor Nicholas Everage, Tenor Gary Jackson, Tenor Matthew Small, Tenor

George Hinds, Speaking Jonathan Matthews-Ramones, Speaking Jon Whitney, Speaking Benjamin Thompson, Speaking Olin Perkins, Tenor George Hinds, Baritone Kristian Mitchell, Tenor Braddy Howard, Baritone

(in order of appearance)

Dancers Thomas Armstrong, Tyler Brewer, Kevin Kearley, Michael Lombo (Dance Captain), Ryder Nguyen, Tyler Normile, Todd Rinehart, Kevin Rovelli, Derek Ternullo and Miles Wheeler II

11

Raise Your Glass.................................... Alecia Moore, Max Martin & Johan Schuster

arr. Chad Weirick

It Was the Day from Quiet No More.......................................... Michael Shaieb Gerald James, Paul Gabrys, Ryan Kenney, Jonny Minogue, Jimmie Bucci

The Only Place You Can Dance............................................... Michael Shaieb

Small Town Boy........................ Steven Bronski, James Somerville & Larry Steinbachek Kyle Cabral

What Makes You Beautiful................. Rami Yacoub, Savan Kotecha & Carl Anthony Falk

arr. Michael Alfera

The Times They Are A-Changin’ .................................................... Bob Dylan

arr. Adam Podd

Biblical.......... Calum Scott, Corey Sanders, Jonathan Maguire, James Bay & Jonathan Green

arr. Aled Phillips

Timothy Powers, Dillon Maloney

From Now On from The Greatest Showman.......................Benj Pasek & Justin Paul Nathan Mohney

arr. Dave Volpe

I Am Changing from Dreamgirls.................................... Henry Krieger & Tom Eyen Nicholas Everage

Family from Dreamgirls.............................................. Henry Krieger & Tom Eyen Gary Jackson

arr. Courtney Furno

Something Inside So Strong.......................................................... Labi Siffre

arr. David Maddux

Get On Your Feet.....................................Jorge Casas, Clay Ostwald & John Defaria

arr. David Maddux

12

Intermission Vogue.................................................................... Madonna & Shep Pettibone

arr. David Maddux

When We Sing................................................................. Rosephanye Powell I Sing Out............................................................................... Mark Hayes

Mama Says from Footloose.........................................Dean Pitchford & Tom Snow Matthew Small

Pride Suite

1. Coming Out Medley........................................................arr. Dave Volpe I’m Coming Out.................................... Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards You Make Me Feel.............................. Sylvester James & James Wirrick We Are Family..................................... Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards 2. True Colors....................................................... Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly

arr. David Maddux

3. Beautiful...........................................................................

Linda Perry

arr. Chad Weirick

4. Freedom Medley........................................................... arr. Dave Volpe Freedom 90’........................................................George Michael I Want to Break Free.................................................John Deacon Born This Way...................... Fernando Garibay, Jeppe Breum Laursen, Paul Edward Blair, & Stefani J. Germanotta

13

Chorus Tenor 1

Tenor 2

Baritone

Bruce G. Barrett Alain Bouchard Jeremy Franz Brendle Ryan Breslin Kyle Cabral Peter Chapin Cameron Draper Luke Drnach Nicholas Everage Gary Jackson Gerald B. James Brian Kisiel Michael Lombo Matt Magrath Rob McNeil Kristian Mitchell Nathan Mohney James Montaño Ryder Nguyen Christopher Nuss Andrew Nye-Doucette Olin Perkins Kevin D. Rice Bradford Robinson Kevin Rovelli Anand Sitaram Alexander M. Viaggio

Nathanael Beisiegel Keith Bell Andrew Capron William Cattey Jason Cavallari Thomas J. Choinski David Cruikshank Guy DeAngelis Isaac DeBonis Samuel Feuer Courtney Furno Jay Henriksen Steven Kahn Marc Kangwantas Michael J. Leclerc Christopher Ludwig Lars Lundgren Jonathan Matthews-Ramones Ashtyn McDermott Michael Melfi Don Daniel Ocay Timothy Powers John Brian Quinn Todd Rinehart T.J. Sheehan Tyler Simonds Matthew Small Jeff Wetherford III

Marcus Allen Adams Charles R. Anderson, Jr. Jim Anderson Michael Appell Brian Blancke Tyler Brewer Peter Buschkopf Nick Cloutier Berhan Duncan David Dyson Joshua Foster Jason M. Fox David Friedler Paul Gabrys Frank Gallo George Hinds Ken Hirschkind Allan Hodges Braddy Howard Alan H. Ingram Kevin Kearley Ryan Leach Michael Lewis-Swanson James Patrick Lobo Jacob McVey Jonathan Brett Keith Mistler Tyler Normile Alfred O’Connell Michael O’Connor Spencer O’Dowd Jonathan Onufryk Carlos Parra-Herran Jay Philomena Don Picard Rafael Quintanar Charles Daniel Redmond Jack Renshaw Joseph Rios Ron Riso Michael Rudowski Carl Seglem Eli Shahar Jim Slayton Nicholas Solimini Derek Ternullo Benjamin Thompson David Valdes Luis Valdez Robert Wainblat Nic Walsh Adam Weil Tom Weisend Miles Wheeler II Jason Williams Trevor Woodward

14

Bass John Abbott Duane Andrews Thomas Armstrong Nikil Badey Michelangelo Barone Andy Blake David Braunstein Jimmie Bucci Kurt R. Buffington Eric Bullen Bren Cav Richard Cincotta John Clinkscale Salem Cobalt Tyler Colson Charles Conley Mark Daggett

Ross W. Dekle Joshua Donovan Gregory Edwards Christopher Gao Mark Gianino James Glavin Ken Golner David W. Ham Sean Hennessy Dana Hoare-Travaglini Tomer Illouz Zach Innis Steve Jewett Ryan Kenney Dylan Lavender Michael Lawrence Joshua Levine

Dillon Maloney Edward Mayo Ted Messemer Simone Montali James Newman Russell Ormiston Timothy M. O’Rourke Christopher Phillips Rick Redmond Galvir Romero Matthew Rose Roland W. Roy Jake Shannin Manabu Takasawa Jacob Thompson Jon Whitney Andrew S. Wilkins

Membership Services Co-Chair

Musical Section Representative

Section Representative

In Memoriam We remember and honor our brothers who have passed on. From our very beginning to today, we have lost many members too soon, including our founder Joseph Bevins. We lost our first member to AIDS in 1987. This started a continual stream of singing at memorial services. All those named are forever part of our chorus family. They are in our hearts and memories.

An up to date list of passed BGMC members can be found at bgmc.org/in-memoriam.

15

We Can’t Do It Without You The power of our voices will amplify the value of your gift many times over, helping to create a world that values its LGBTQ citizens.

Individual contributions fulfill our mission of creating musical experiences to inspire change, build community, and celebrate diversity.

Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of producing a concert.

Your gifts allow BGMC to perform in great concert halls and theaters, serve our community, tour to new places, and support our singers.

Your donation is greatly appreciated.

16

Ovation Society The generosity of individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundations provides nearly half of the BGMC’s annual revenue. The Ovation Society recognizes those donors who have contributed $500 or more (Sept. 1 to Aug 31), made a Planned Gift or given directly to our Endowment.

The Ovation Society is designed to give donors a front row seat to the impact of your investment, which makes this Chorus so extraordinary. Members receive a variety of benefits like: concierge ticketing service, invitations to special events throughout the year, and advance ticket sales.

The following list represents cumulative gifts received in the past year (as of 5/10/2026). Gifts include all cash and in-kind donations, purchases of fundraising event tickets, and amounts paid for winning auction items. We’ve made every effort to accurately represent the gifts. In the event of an error or omission, please contact the development team so we can remedy it.

Endowment Bequest of John Bryant Bequest of Wayne P. Drake Neil Dugas Bequest of Barry and James Mapstone-Knamm The Paul and Edith Babson Foundation

Planned Gifts Scott J. Batey & Stephen M. Conley Frederick Baumer Living Trust Edward & Caleb E. Broach Craig B. Coogan Living Trust Darryl W. and John K. Ferguson David J. Friedler 2021 Revocable Trust Jay Baer Revocable Living Trust of Jeremy Patrick Hayes Ken Hirschkind Alan H. Ingram Stephen M. Kelley Stanton Kilpatrick

Please contact us if you have included the BGMC in your estate plans so that we may add you to this list.

Albert D. Lovata Andrew Maggiore John Moran Edward J. LeMay Trust Rick Redmond Reuben M. Reynolds, III Christopher A. Chouinard David Rosenthal Robert L. “Rab” Sherman James Mitchell Slayton Scott E. Squillace

$25,000 and up Anonymous (2) Reuben Reynolds

$10,000­–$24,999 The ‘Quin House Anonymous Charles R. Anderson and William D. Cattey Kyle Cabral and Simone Montali Commonwealth of Massachusetts Robert K. Duby

17

Joshua Foster and Robert Harris Liberty Mutual Foundation Massachusetts Cultural Council Paul and Edith Babson Foundation Rossotti Family Foundation TJ Sheehan

Ovation Society $5,000–$9,999 Kevin R. Bleyle and Jasen W. Coole Charles R. Conley Paul Consoli Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation George Emmons Nicholas Everage Google

Ken Hirschkind Gregory Maguire James Newman Nathaniel, Alfred and Edward O’Connell Samuel C. Pang, M.D. and Andrew S. Pang Rick Redmond The Boston Foundation, Equality Fund

$2,500–$4,999 Anonymous Nathanael Beisiegel Biogen Idec Foundation The Bond Family Thomas J. Choinski and Stephen L. Jewett Danielle and Kevin Galligan Brian Levin and Kyle Hawk Stephen Lajoie Michael Lewis-Swanson Bryan Mark and Jason Cavallari Christopher Nuss and Mo Hameed

Michael Steinberg and Jake Pitochelli Roland W. Roy Elbert Ruff Seyfarth Shaw Charitable Foundation Sarah Shoffner The parents of Oliver, Nicholas and Alexander Slayton The Susan A. and Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation Tom Weisend and Daniel Faucher

$1,000–$2,499 David Friedler Jennifer Garofolo Joseph Germanos Devorah J. Hauss and Ann E. Cooney Michael T. Heggie Stephen M. Kelley Cal Lajoie Evans and Lori Joy Lalas Michael Lawrence Lorraine and Gordon McNeil Family Fund Anna McReynolds Kevin A. Mihal John Moran and Michael Wood Steve Nelson-Marrufo and Joe Sasso Jonathan and Jessie Panek Pyle Rome Ehrenberg PC Rafael Quintanar Todd Rinehart Joseph Rios and Ray Xiong Dr. Matthew Russell Arthur Schneider United Health Group Gregory Ward and Charles Murphy Drew Wilkins Monika Wirtz

Steven Abbott and Jim Stephens Jim Anderson Dr. Ethan Anglemyer Anonymous (2) Richard Babson Kim Bandtel Keith Bell and Brian Shannon Brian Blancke Blue Haven Initiative Amy and Joshua Boger Daniel Borges and David Hayter Denise Brewer Tyler Brewer and Tyler Cumella Bill Briggs and Keith Perron Amy and Ethan d’Ablemont Burnes Thomas L. Collins, III Gary L. Conboy Craig Coogan Michael Barber, Curtis Creekmore, and Travis Hasley Bryan Daley and Zachary Williams Laura, Sophia and Shawn De Veau Michael Donovan in memory of Louis Alton Whitney Mark and Kevin Fitzforry Michael Foster

18

$500–$999 Anonymous Back Bay Ringers John Beaudreau and Dr. Dameian Slocum Marybeth and Steve Bisson Miguel Bray Raymond Buckley Jeff Candiello Dwight Cathcart and Courtney Furno Kurt and Mary Cerulli Galvin Chow Patricia and Steven Cohen Bruce Cramer Trudy and Joanne Creedon Timothy R. Dullea Zach Durant-Emmons and Willis Emmons Engage 2 Excel Allan Eyden Jeffrey P. Fatchaline Joseph J. Ferreira Jr. and Dr. Manabu Takasawa David B. Fitzgerald, III Danny Fournier Jay Baer and Leland Monk Richard Salvatore

Robin Haas J. Crew Ilene and Richard Jacobs Ryan Leach and Alec Maccini Paul and Catherine Lobo Christopher Ludwig Penny Manners Rita and Michael Matraia Pat McCarthy and Nick Miller Merck Foundation Meta I PayPal Giving Fund Helen Meyer Mindy Milberg and Phil Benjamin Kathleen and Ryan Mitchell Jared Mulligan and Mark Johnson Theresa Murray Maura Neff Beth Niernberg and Oliver Slayton Not Your Average Joe’s Ross Jay Ozer and Scott D. Gortikov Mike Pellerin Rocco Pigneri Kevin Rice and Antonio Dominguez Rice Steven Smith and Eugene Montano Barbara Tornow

A Round of Applause!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors, including those whose contributions under $500 have played a vital role in supporting our mission. Your generosity helps make our performances possible, and we are deeply thankful for your support!

As valued donors, your contributions have not only helped us achieve our goals but have also enabled us to create mem- orable performances, a lasting impact in the community, and transformed lives through the power of music. Your passion and generosity have been the driving force behind our ability to provide exceptional experiences and opportunities for all.

19

Donors $100–$499 Scott Nuwer and Michael Cleveland Hill Marilyn Jackson Adams and Bill Adams Joseph C. Alexander Robert and Helen Alkon Anonymous (12) Mary-Jo Antosca Dr. Sarah M. Axel Bank of America Matching Gifts Program Bruce G. Barrett Johnna Barry in memory of Patricia “Nana Pat” Barry Philip Bartlett Frederick Baumer Dr. Scott R. Beach and Jack M.Hills Matthew and Alyson Bedard Lawrence Bell Arthur Black Kristin Bonnie Thomas A. Bonnie Jonathan Brett Kay Brown Jimmie Bucci Donna Buonopane and Bart Main Donald J. Busca Nancy Butcher TJ Butler CSCA Cafe The Canavan/Jurigian Family Pedro O. Carrasquillo Joseph E. Carvalho Jenn Wong Charities Aid Foundation America LeWana Clark and Barbara Wood Jane Clementi Bruce Connelly Janet and Ed Corcoran Javier Corrales and Robert A. Hemmer Catherine M. Couture Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie and Kem Morehead Elizabeth Cruikshank and Josh Oppenheimer Peterniff Family David Danzilio Philip R. Daoust Giuseppe Delisi and Bernd Zetsche Matthew E. Demers Cindy Demopoulos Jean Derocher-Mullins John and Kathy DeStefano Julie E. Dunn Hannah Ellerkamp Robert Ellington Elizabeth Ennen and Randall Ganiban Keith Erickson Jeff Etzler and Mike Garcia Lois Ferraresso Paul W. Finnegan Ben Fishman Christopher L. Flynn and Daniel S. Newton Peter Frame Paul Gabrys Theresa Gabrys Griff Gall Lindsey Gaudet Carol Gentile Robert Gill and Theodore Blackler Brian Gillis Arthur Gilman

and Kevin McElroy Richard A. Gioiosa and Simon S. Jones Ph.D. Ken Golner and David Sowerbutts Julie Gray Michael Gustafson and Scott Quint Robert H. Hale Michael M. Appell and Guy Ronen Jack Rutigliano Thatcher Harvey Travis Hasley Stephanie Hawkinson Maxwell Heath Sean Hennessy Paul V. Hillson Claire Hinds Roger and Kelly Hirschkind Jeannie Hogan William Hollis Lin Hottin Courtney Hricik David Iannaccone and Steve Tata Tomer Illouz Al Ingram Gary Jackson Norman and Irene Jacobs Linda Dini Jenkins Cheyenne and Kellen Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Mimi Johnson Maria Kanellias Marty Katter Carol Katz Kathy Kaufmann Steve Kenary Taimur Khan Jim and Kathy Kimball Colette M. King Charlotte B. Knox Peter A. Kokoszka Laura Kunkemueller Wendy Weisend Kuran Bob Lamoy and Bob Thompson Dr. Jasper Lawson Jake Ledbetter Anne Lee Joshua Lennox Eric Lesh James Lobo Michael Lombo and Sean Riley Christopher and Julie Lovell Joan Lucchetti Brian Luke Lars Lundgren James C. Lundy Nicholas Maas Keith Macdonald Maureen F. Maher Karen Manulis Janice Mccabe The McGoldrick Family Nancy McLane John McNamara Edwin Medrano and Chris Wood Michael Mejia George Mercier Jr. Ellen Miller Katy Miller Aubrey Minshew Hank Morgan Matthew Moura Betty A. Murray Tom Murray and Erik Lee Edward Nadeau

20

Edward Nardell Hope Neault William F. S. Neely M. B. Nelting Corey Niswender Tyler A. Normile Joel Nosek Jon and Holly Nosek Anne and David Nuss Jean O’Leary Don Daniel Ocay Tim Eigenfeld Ben Oehlkers Patricia Ould Jeffrey Parker Daniel Parks PayPal Giving Fund Deborah and Elliot Perlman Michael Perry Michael Peyron and Vicky Shen Jay Philomena Timothy Powers Athens C. Pullias Jr. and Raymond V. Filburn Jr. Jose and Jane Quintanar Jack Renshaw and Bob Matthews Revvity, Inc. Eric Rezsnyak, Curtis Creekmore and the Great Pop Culture Debate Lee Ridgway Christopher A. Chouinard and Harold Rodriguez Linda Rowley William C. Sano Katherine Schneider Caron Scorpio Nancy A. Scott Eli Shahar Jordina Shanks Jake Shannin Robert L. “Rab” Sherman Jaye Sitaram David Slagle Matthew Small Andrew Smith and Stephanie Bont Robin and Steve Smith Suzanne Smith and Chris Parrish Steve Spector Raphael and Christina St. Pierre Star Market Linda Swerling Wesley Taylor Ben Thompson Jeffrey Thomson and David Janero Kate and Matt Van Sleet Michael Vaughan and George Dudley Lien Vuong and Christophe Rougeaux Sally Ward Kendall P. Watts and Robert Derry Robin Weinberger Emily and Jon Welch Charles West Becky Whitmore Jon Whitney Jason Williams

Donors Up to $99 Ann Aldrich Edward Allan Kassia Palys Allen Marie Andrade Sue Andrews Anonymous (19) Daniel J. Armstrong Dr. Normadeane Armstrong Rosie Atherton Sarvey Ashley James Aurelio Robert Babineau Paula Bachtell Erik Bailey Timothy Bailey Aiden Barrett Beverly and Richard Barrett Carolyn Barrett Trevor and Miguel Ferry-Bates Melissa Battista Dean J. Bauer Elise Bayard Franklin Patricia Bell Danielle Bellantonio Sharon Bernard Chris Bettencourt Daniel Bond Alain Bouchard James P. Bouldoukian David Braunstein Eric Brophy David Bross Todd L. Brown and F. Robert Cullinane Virginia Brown Philip Brzezinski Jarred Burn Abigail Burns Janet Butler Rebecca J. Butler Judy Byrne-Ariel Joseph Cabral Michael Cafferky Ella Carlson Kristina Cerce Nikki Chan Stephanie Charron Peter Chasse Terry Cline Pamela Cohen Constance Collins Susan Coolidge Patti and Cynthia Corbett Eric Cordes Darwin Cordoba James Covino Jolyon Cowan Noreen Crandall Francis Creedon Chris Cronin David Cross Daniel Crowley Peter Cruikshank Laura Darnieder Ed Tronick Claudia Deanessi Emilia De Leo Aylin Dmello Paul J Dobrowolski and G Crown Michael Dodge Keith Donovan Stephanie Doyle Linda Druwing M Dubois Olivia Ducharme Berhan Duncan Kara Edwards Betsy Ehrenberg Barbara Elia Olga Elias

Elena Elliott Jennifer Erb Adams Lisa Erhardt Peter and Kristen Ersland Orfeo Fabbri Antonio Federico Tom Fish and Susan Ferrari Virginia Fitzgerald Charles Fortunato Kimberly Foster Erika Frey Jessica Lynn Fry Pamela Furnace Suzanne Gaintner Arthur Galinat Randy Galinat Joyce Gallagher Matthew Gallant Tom Galluzzo Marlene Genovese Meredith Gerson Karen Giffen Jan Gillerin William Gombos Deborah Gordon Debra A. Goulet Beth Grampetro Robert Gray Philip Guimond Eva Gulotty Nichole Hagopian Tom Hall Alex Halverson David W. Ham James Porter Hamann Katherine Haney Carolyn Hardy Tira Harpaz Katrina Hayes Slee Rob Henthorn Sharon Hershon Dick and Jane Holden Jane S Holden Johnathon Holmes Alison G. Howe Andy Huang Maggie Huff-Rousselle Katharine Irvine Marcia Johnson Jean Jonah Hann Jones Rebecca Jones Louise Judd Doris Jurisson Alexandra Kantor Rebecca Keller Anne Kelly John Kelly Christopher Kenny David M. Brillhart Roger Kolker Priyanka Krishnamurthy Frederick L’Ecuyer Michael and Darlene LaFrance Joseph Lee Owen Lee Nathan Lessard Eileen Letzeiser Abby Levin Terry J. Lindsay Charina Lynn Joe Mandra Mary Mangano Cheryl March Sundus Mari Angela Marshall Barry Maskas Shibin Mathew

Jonathan Matthews-Ramones Marc Maxwell Jeb Mays Lisa Mcaulay Mark McCarthy Judith McChesney Anne McClintock Jean McCord Helen McDermott Dennis P. McLeod Martha Mclure Susan McPherson Kelly McVey Alett Mekler Peter Mellett Edmund Metzold Marek Michalak Lesley Millar-Nicholson Ruthie Miller Casey Mitchell Thomas Mitchell Nathan Mohney Jane Moncreiff Jeffrey Monder Henry Monilla James Montano Lynda Moore Warren Moore Barberdhoo Deluxe John Morey Ian Morrison Jennifer Murray Michaela Murray Amy Nash Paul Neumann Jennifer Newberg Jess Nieuwenhuizen Nina Nolan Christine Norcross John Norris Thomas Norton Patrick Noyes and Karen Phillips Michael O’Connor Nancy O’Donnell Lisa O’Sullivan Rick Oches John O’Dea John O’Loughlin Alice Van Ormer Lois Parker Jonathan Payson Paul and Sue Pedevillano Pamela and Peter Pelletier James Pelrine Ellen Penso Randolph Perkins and Viktor Sreckovic Michele Phillips Chris Phillips Monika Pichler David Posner Hugo Quinteros Susan Raisbeck James Redmond Peter Roos Ann-Marie Roy Lynn Ryan Traci Ryan Donna Sams Deborah Saperia Nora Sawyer Gina Scanlan Lynette Scapellati Gema Schaff Carl Seglem Sheila Shanahan Lora Shea Nancy Sherman Eric T. Shoen Homa Siddiqui Karen And Scott Smith Gregory Snow

21

Katie Stiefel Barbara Stowe Sheila Swales Joseph M. Sweeney Elizabeth Swibel Takeda Karen Tanklow Chuck Tarver James and Helga Thompson Tom Thurston Martha T and Alberto B Tracey Toombs Ehrika Tourigny Esther Tutella-Chen Janis and Mark Urbanek David Valdes Luis Valdez and Francesco Rizzo Marullo Maryglenn Vincens Robert Wainblat Linda Walker Susan Wall George Tom Walmsley The Walsh Family JoAnn Walsh Margaret Warner Janet Watson Brett Weber Lucas Westcom Kris Williams Lynne Williams Maida B. Williams Kathryn Willmore Wendy Wise George Wong Suzy Yesley James Zambrano

LGBT & Locally-Owned Small Business 2489 Washington Street Boston, MA brushandflossboston.com | 617.340.7220

22

MAP Fund The Member Assistance Program (MAP) provides financial support to singing members who need help with dues, retreat fees and performance wardrobe costs. This is a restricted fund. The following donors for the 2025-2026 season have enabled every member who requested support to receive it.

Richard Babson Bruce G. Barrett David Braunstein Jonathan Brett TJ Butler Charles R. Conley Michael Barber, Curtis Creekmore, and Travis Hasley Berhan Duncan Nicholas Everage Joshua Foster and Robert Harris Paul Gabrys Ken Hirschkind

Alan H. Ingram Michael Lawrence Michael Lewis-Swanson James Lobo Nathan Mohney Maura Neff Jay Philomena Rafael Quintanar Todd Rinehart Roland W. Roy TJ Sheehan Ben Thompson Jon Whitney

23

A Round of Applause Boston Gay Men’s Chorus gratefully acknowledges the following distinguished foundation, government, and corporate supporters for their generous commitments to support our full range of artistic and educational activities.

24

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Staff

Equity—Access— Belonging

Reuben Reynolds

Sarah Shoffner

Music Director

Executive Director

BGMC tells stories of the LGBTQ+ experience to better the world around us by uplifting voices from all backgrounds.

BGMC is committed to being a safe space where all people, regardless of race, class, gender, ability and intersections beyond can feel a sense of Equity, Access and Belonging. BGMC continually recognizes the importance of underrepresented communities, voices and intersectional ties within and beyond our community.

Executive Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant

Eleni Stratigos Jessie Kate Leventis Levi Green

Marketing & Communications Audience Development Manager Graphic Designer Copyeditor and Proofreader Photographer Videographer

Jordan Layman Kyle Richer Michael J. Leclerc Mike Mejia Photo Scalped Productions

Artistic Principal Accompanist Assistant Music Director Accompanist Assistant Conductor & Vocal Coach Production Manager Accompanist American Sign Language Interpreter Director & Choreographer Assistant Choreographer Composer-in-Residence Costume Designer Costume Designer

Chad Weirick Chad Weirick Scott Nicholas Scott Nicholas Joel Nosek Grigori Balsanyan Dr. LeWana Clark Michelle Chassé Tommy Coye Dr. Jacob Narverud Kyle Cabral Simone Montali

Production Lighting Designer Associate Lighting Designer & Programmer Risers

Anne Dresbach Brittany Trymbulak Fall Hill Productions

Administative AFM Orchestra Contractor Accountants Archives Auditor Counsel Lighting Systems Ticketing and CRM Technology

Jonathan Hess Indigo Associates Northeastern University Melissa Gilroy, CPA Pyle Rome Ehrenberg PC 4Wall Entertainment Patron Technology

Board Of Directors Al O’Connell, President Rick Redmond, Vice President Kerry Patterson, Treasurer Shalyn Bond, Clerk Kevin Bleyle Josh Foster Danielle Galligan Jenn Garofolo George Hinds, ex officio Brian Levin Bryan Mark

Tyler Normile, ex officio Rocco Pigneri Rick Redmond Reuben Reynolds, ex officio T.J. Sheehan Sarah Shoffner, ex officio Michael Steinberg

25

Land Acknowledgement BGMC Acknowledges that our office, rehearsal and performance spaces reside on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Massachusetts Tribe from whom the Colony, Province and Commonwealth of Massachusetts have taken their name. We pay respect to the ancestral bloodline of the Massachusetts Tribe and their descendents who still inhabit the land to this day. We honor and respect the many native peoples who are connected to this land, past, present and future, inclduing the Nipmuc and Wampanoag peoples.

DROP Your

Pants modern kilts Accesories shorts tops

Need to Know: Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Guide 237 Commercial St. Provincetown

Need to Know: Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Guide For the Enjoyment of All Latecomers and patrons who leave the hall will be seated only after the completion of a work.

Silence all cellphones and other electronic devices throughout the performance.

Photography, sound recording, or videotaping or performances is strictly prohibited.

Masks are optional and encouraged. Singers and musicians on stage today are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Accessibility Jordan Hall Restrooms with accessible stalls are located to the left and to the right of the concert hall.

Accessible platform seats are available for Jordan Hall concerts and can be arranged at point of sale. For assigned seated concerts, patrons requiring assistance should contact the BGMC Box Office in advance of your visit by emailing info@bgmc.org.

Large-Print versions of the program are available by request (with 24+ hours notice). Please call or email the box office to request a program.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural language that serves as the predominant sign language of Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus began providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at its concerts in the 1980’s. The ASL interpretation continues to be a powerful and visual commitment of our organization to welcome all. Both Deaf and nondeaf audience members rave about LeWana Clark’s interpretation of songs and the value that she contributes to the concert going experience.

For Your Safety Fire Exits indicated by a red light and the sign nearest to the seat you occupy are the shortest routes to the street. In the event of fire or other emergency, do not run – walk to that exit.

If evacuation is needed, follow the instructions given to you by the House Manager and Usher Staff.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDS) and First aid kits are available if needed during an emergency.

Box Office Order Tickets online at bgmc.org or call 617-542-SING (7464).

The BGMC Box Office is open 12pm – 5pm Monday through Friday, available by phone or email at 617-542-7464 or info@bgmc.org. Our Mobile Box Office is open one hour before concert time on performance evenings.

Can’t make it to the concert? Tickets are non-refundable but you can donate your tickets back to BGMC for a tax-deduction. That allows the Chorus to resell the tickets and for your seats to be used.

Email customer relations at info@bgmc.org prior to show time to donate your tickets. The office is unable to respond to every email on performance days. The IRS requires the request be in writing and occur prior to show time to be eligible for donation.

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, ArtsBoston BosTIX, MITAC and Harvard Innings & Outings are the only official ticket sellers for BGMC performances.

27

Learn more at bgmc.org