is gratefully acknowledged by Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
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
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
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.
Purpose
To inspire.
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.
We have fun!
Biographies
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
Reuben Reynolds 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.”
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
Sarah Shoffner 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.
Grigori Balasanyan
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.
Michelle Chassé
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.
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
Dr. LeWana Clark 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.
Tommy Coye is a celebrated choreographer, dancer, and educator whose work spans stage, screen, and studio.
A faculty member at Boston Conservatory at
Tommy Coye 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.
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
Anne Dresbach 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.
Scott Nicholas
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.
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.
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
Orchestra
Grigori Balasanyan
Kate Foss
Jonathan Hess Piano Bass Percussion
Soloists:
(in order of appearance)
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
Understudies
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
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
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’ .................................................... Biblical..........
Bob Dylan arr. Adam Podd
Calum Scott, Corey Sanders, Jonathan Maguire, James Bay & Jonathan Green arr. Aled Phillips
Timothy Powers, Dillon Maloney
From Now On from The Greatest Showman.......................
Nathan Mohney
I Am Changing from Dreamgirls....................................
Nicholas Everage
Family from Dreamgirls..............................................
Gary Jackson
Benj Pasek & Justin Paul arr. Dave Volpe
Henry Krieger & Tom Eyen
Henry Krieger & Tom Eyen 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
Madonna & Shep Pettibone arr. David Maddux
Rosephanye Powell
Mark Hayes
Dean Pitchford & Tom Snow
Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards
Sylvester James & James Wirrick
Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards
Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly arr. David Maddux
Linda Perry arr. Chad Weirick
arr. Dave Volpe arr. Dave Volpe
George Michael John Deacon Fernando Garibay, Jeppe Breum Laursen, Paul Edward Blair, & Stefani J. Germanotta
Chorus
Tenor 1
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
Tenor 2
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
Baritone
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
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
Membership Services Co-Chair
In Memoriam
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
Musical Section Representative
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
Section Representative
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.
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.
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
$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
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
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
$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
$1,000–$2,499
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
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
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
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
$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.
$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
Edward Nardell
Hope Neault
William F. S. Neely
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Up to $99
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Anonymous (19)
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Marullo
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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
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.
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Staff
Reuben
Reynolds Sarah Shoffner
Music Director
Executive
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Marketing & Communications
Audience Development Manager
Graphic Designer
Copyeditor and Proofreader
Photographer
Videographer
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
Production
Lighting Designer
Associate Lighting Designer & Programmer
Risers
Administative
AFM Orchestra Contractor
Accountants
Archives
Auditor Counsel
Lighting Systems
Ticketing and CRM 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
Executive Director
Eleni Stratigos
Jessie Kate Leventis
Levi Green
Jordan Layman
Kyle Richer
Michael J. Leclerc
Mike Mejia Photo
Scalped Productions
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
Anne Dresbach
Brittany Trymbulak
Fall Hill Productions
Jonathan Hess
Indigo Associates
Northeastern University
Melissa Gilroy, CPA
Pyle Rome Ehrenberg PC
4Wall Entertainment
Patron Technology
Tyler Normile, ex officio
Rocco Pigneri
Rick Redmond
Reuben Reynolds, ex officio
T.J. Sheehan
Sarah Shoffner, ex officio
Michael Steinberg
Equity—Access— Belonging
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.
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.
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.
