The estimated duration of this show is 120 minutes, including one intermission.
is gratefully acknowledged by Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
A letter from the Music Director
In the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, many communities suffered immense hardship, anxiety and loss. Prejudice led some healthcare providers to deny treatment to those affected. Families struggled to support loved ones diagnosed with the disease. However, the gay community was not totally abandoned in their time of need. Lesbians quickly banded together to support their gay brothers and others afflicted with the virus, organizing grassroots efforts to provide care and challenge injustice. Women have always stood with gay men in times of great need—AIDS, Equal Marriage, Trans Rights—Women stand strong with us!
Now it is our turn to be not only allies, but to be accomplices. These are times that call us to amplify voices that might otherwise be silenced. Today the members of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus are honored to ally ourselves with women and to be accomplices in ending sexism. You will hear inspiring words like “Believe in something larger than yourself. Get involved in some of the big ideas of our time.” The members of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus do this every Wednesday night when we come together to rehearse. The voice of the combined members of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is much stronger than just the sum of our voices!
Today, it is our privilege to amplify women’s words, set to beautiful music; and it is an honor for us to stand up here and fulfill our mission to inspire change, build community, and celebrate difference. Thank you for joining us!
Reuben Reynolds
A letter from the Executive Director
She Persisted is more than a concert—it reflects who we are and why we sing.
In a time when our world can feel divided, this program lifts the voices of women who refused to be silenced and reminds us that progress is built by those with the courage to stand firm in their truth. Their stories challenge us to listen more deeply, to lead with empathy, and to remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and equality.
At the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, our mission is to inspire change, build community, and celebrate authentic expression through music. We believe that when voices come together in harmony, they create more than beautiful sound—they create belonging. They create connection. They create hope. Through joyful performance and powerful storytelling, we seek to affirm the dignity of every person and strengthen the bonds that unite us.
May tonight’s music remind us that unity is our greatest strength, and that when we sing together, we move forward together—with courage, compassion, and pride.
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.
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.
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.
Bethany Aiken is a Boston-based pianist, composer, and teaching artist who has served as music director for more than 100 productions, including Little Shop
Bethany Aiken of Horrors, Jonah and the Whale, and Lucky Stiff (Greater Boston Stage); Fun Home, Six: Teen Edition, and Mean Girls (Weston Drama Workshop); Cold War Choir Practice (Trinity Rep); Murder for Two (Lyric Stage); Songs for a New World (Gloucester Stage); Head Over Heels (Boston Conservatory at Berklee); Peter and the Starcatcher (Hub Theatre Company); and four seasons at New Hampshire’s Weathervane Theatre, where she also composed four TYA musicals. Keyboard credits include the A.R.T.’s The Black Clown, the Big Apple Circus, and Andrea Bocelli. Staff collaborative pianist at Boston Conservatory; proud member of MAESTRA and the NOMTI Advanced Writers Lab.
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.
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.
FEATURED COMPOSER
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.
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
Judith Clurman is an Emmy and Grammy nominated musician. She is the musical director for Essential Voices USA, Resident Conductor for the Choral Society of the Hamptons, and teaches
Judith Clurman voice at The Manhattan School of Music. She previously directed The New York Concert Singers. She has worked with many of the world’s finest symphonies at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and has commissioned and conducted new works by over seventy composers, ranging from works by Milton Babbitt and Pierre Jalbert to Jason Robert Brown and Stephen Schwartz. Judith was Director of Choral Activities at The Juilliard School from 1989-2007 and was the vocal specialist at the National Endowment for the Arts/Columbia University Institute of Classical Music. Judith edits two choral series for Hal Leonard. Her own music and arrangements have been performed by major symphony orchestras and choruses. Judith is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
Washington Women
Washington Women sets the real words of influential American women to music, creating a choral portrait of leadership, courage, and persistence across generations.
In this powerful choral cycle, composer Judith Clurman and lyricist David Chase transform speeches, letters, and public statements into music built entirely from the authentic voices of American women.
Every word you hear comes directly from the writings or speeches of the women themselves. To ensure their voices remain at the heart of the work, securing permission to use these historic texts took several years.
The piece spans more than two centuries of American history. From Abigail Adams urging her husband to “remember the ladies” in 1776 to the words of modern national leaders, Washington Women traces a remarkable arc of women shaping the nation’s civic and political life.
The women represented come from many backgrounds and perspectives, including leaders from across the political spectrum. By placing these voices side by side, the work highlights the shared ideals that connect them: courage, public service, and the determination to speak when others might remain silent.
For She Persisted, Judith Clurman has created a new arrangement of this landmark work for the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, written specifically for TTBB voices and heard here in its premiere performance.
At its heart, Washington Women reminds us that voices grow stronger when they are lifted together. In this performance, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus amplify the words of women whose courage helped shape the nation.
As you listen, notice how each movement captures a distinct voice from history. Together they form a musical portrait of persistence across generations.
“Remember the ladies.” — Abigail Adams
Their words changed history.
Today, we raise them again in song because she persisted.
Orchestra
Scott Nicholas
Kate Foss
Javier Caballero
Jonathan Hess
Piano Bass
Cello Percussion
Soloists:
(in order of appearance)
Gary Thies, Baritone
Andrew D. Secker, Tenor
Lavell Blackwell, Tenor
James Patrick Lobo, Baritone
Jacob McVey, Baritone
Don Daniel Ocay, Tenor
Dancers
Tyler Brewer, Santio Cupon, Jonathan Drapinski, Kevin Kearley, Michael Lombo (Dance Captain), Tyler Normile, Todd Rinehart, Bradford Robinson, and Derek Ternullo
Jon Gilutin, Bunny Hull, Sharon Robinson arr. Chad Weirick
Madonna Ciccone, Dave Curtiss, William Orbit, Clive Maldoon, Christine Leach, Curtiss Maldoon arr. Dave Volpe
Brian Higgins, Stephen Torch, Paul Barry, Stuart McLennan, Timothy Powell, Matt Cray arr. Dave Volpe
Holly Near arr. Dennis Coleman
Gary Thies
Linda Perry arr. Chad Weirick
Christina Aguilera & Glen Ballard arr. Dave Volpe
Janet Jackson, James Samuel Harris III, Terry Lewis, René Elizondo Jr. arr. Chad Weirick
Stephen Manderson, Iain James, Tom Barnes, Ben Kohn, Pete Kelleher, Emeli Sandé arr. Chad Weirick
Emeli Sandé, Ollie Green, Moises Felismino Dos Santos arr. Chad Weirick
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz & Daniel Nigro arr. Saunder Choi
Intermission
Washington Women..............................................
David Chase & Judith Clurman
I. The Essence of America—Condoleezza Rice
II. For Centuries Now—Elena Kagan
III. Freedom—Eleanor Roosevelt/Hillary Rodham Clinton/Betty Ford
Andrew D. Secker, Lavell Blackwell, James Patrick Lobo, Jacob McVey
IV. Those of Us Who Shout—Margaret Chase Smith
V. In the Field of Equal Rights—Shirley Chisholm
VI. We Pride Ourselves—Laura Bush
VII. We Not Only Dream—Kamala Harris/Nancy Pelosi
Andrew D. Secker, Lavell Blackwell, James Patrick Lobo, Jacob McVey
VIII. It Is Necessary—Sandra Day O’Connor
IX. Remember the Ladies—Abigail Adams
Andrew D. Secker, Lavell Blackwell, James Patrick Lobo, Jacob McVey
X. It Took Me Quite a Long Time—Madeleine Albright
XI. Believe—Barbara Bush
XII. I Am Ever Hopeful/I Want a President—Ruth Bader Ginsburg/ Michelle Obama
The TTBB premiere of Washington Women was commissioned by the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus through the visionary support of the Bill Casey Memorial Fund.
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 3/1/2026). 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
Jay Baer
Scott J. Batey & Stephen M. Conley
Frederick Baumer Living Trust
Edward & Caleb E. Broach
Christopher A. Chouinard
Craig B. Coogan Living Trust
Darryl W. and John K. Ferguson
David J. Friedler 2021 Revocable Trust
Revocable Living Trust of Jeremy Patrick Hayes
Ken Hirschkind
Alan H. Ingram
Stephen M. Kelley
$25,000 and up
Anonymous (2)
Reuben Reynolds
$10,000–$24,999
Charles R. Anderson and William D. Cattey
Anonymous
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.
Stanton Kilpatrick
Edward J. LeMay Trust
Albert D. Lovata
Andrew Maggiore
John Moran
Rick Redmond
Reuben M. Reynolds, III
David Rosenthal
Robert L. “Rab” Sherman
James Mitchell Slayton
Scott E. Squillace
Nicholas Everage
Liberty Mutual Foundation
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Paul and Edith Babson Foundation
T.J. Sheehan
Ovation Society
$5,000–$9,999
Kevin R. Bleyle and Jasen W. Coole
Tyler Brewer and Tyler Cumella
Kyle Cabral and Simone Montali
Charles R. Conley
Paul Consoli
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
Joshua Foster and Robert Harris
$2,500–$4,999
Anonymous (2)
Nathanael Beisiegel
The Bond Family
Thomas J. Choinski and Stephen L. Jewett
George Emmons
Danielle and Kevin Galligan
Jennifer Garofolo
Google
Brian Levin and Kyle Hawk
$1,000–$2,499
Steven Abbott and Jim Stephens
Jim Anderson
Dr. Ethan anglemyer
Anonymous (4)
Richard Babson
Kim Bandtel
Keith Bell and Brian Shannon
Amy and Joshua Boger
Daniel Borges and David Hayter
Alain Bouchard
Kerry Brennan
Denise Brewer
Bill Briggs and Keith Perron
Eric Brophy
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
James Newman
Nathaniel, Alfred and Edward O’Connell
Samuel C. Pang, M.D. and Andrew S. Pang
Rick Redmond
The Boston Foundation, Equality Fund
Tom Weisend and Daniel Faucher
Ken Hirschkind
Michael Lewis-Swanson
Bryan Mark and Jason Cavallari
Christopher Nuss and Mo Hameed
Roland W. Roy
Seyfarth Shaw Charitable Foundation
Michael Steinberg
The Susan A. and Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation
David Friedler
Devorah J. Hauss and Ann E. Cooney
Michael T. Heggie
Al Ingram
Cal Lajoie
Evans and Lori Joy Lalas
Gregory Maguire
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
Joseph Rios and Ray Xiong
Elbert Ruff
Dr. Matthew Russell
Arthur Schneider
Andrew D. Secker
The parents of Oliver, Nicholas and Alexander Slayton
United Health Group
Luis Valdez and Francesco Rizzo Marullo
Blue Haven Initiative
Drew Wilkins
Monika Wirtz
$500–$999
Robert Barney
John Beaudreau and Dr. Dameian
Slocum
Marybeth and Steve Bisson
Brian Blancke
Miguel Bray
Raymond Buckley
TJ Butler
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
Jeff Candiello
Dwight Cathcart and Courtney Furno
Kurt and Mary Cerulli
Galvin Chow
Patricia and Steven Cohen
Trudy and Joanne Creedon
Lucas De BuenosAires
Timothy R. Dullea
Zach Durant-Emmons and Willis
Emmons
Allan Eyden
Jeffrey P. Fatchaline
Lois Ferraresso
Joseph J. Ferreira Jr. and Dr. Manabu
Takasawa
David B. Fitzgerald, III
Danny Fournier
Joseph Germanos
Jay Baer and Leland Monk
Richard Salvatore
Robin Haas
J. Crew
Ilene and Richard Jacobs
Kathy Kaufmann
Stephen M. Kelley
Stephen Lajoie
Michael Lawrence
Ryan Leach and Alec Maccini
Paul and Catherine Lobo
James Lobo
Christopher Ludwig
Penny Manners
Rita and Michael Matraia
Pat McCarthy and Nick Miller
Helen Meyer
Mindy Milberg and Phil Benjamin
Kathleen and Ryan Mitchell
Maura Neff
Tyler A. Normile
Not Your Average Joe’s
Ross Jay Ozer and Scott D. Gortikov
Daniel Parks
Carlos Parra-Herran
Mike Pellerin and Matt Full
Jay Philomena
Rocco Pigneri
Kevin Rice and Antonio Dominguez Rice
Allen William Richards, Jr.
Todd Rinehart
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.
Donors
$100–$499
Marilyn Jackson Adams and Bill Adams
Joseph C. Alexander
Robert and Helen Alkon
Anonymous (13)
Mary-Jo Antosca
Adam Arens
Dr. Sarah M. Axel
Bank of America Matching Gifts Program
Beverly and Richard Barrett
Bruce G. Barrett
Johnna Barry In memory of Patricia “Nana Pat” Barry
Philip Bartlett
Frederick Baumer
Dr. Scott R. Beach and Jack M.Hills
Lawrence Bell
Samantha M. Biffle
Kristin Bonnie
Thomas A. Bonnie
Jonathan Brett
Kay Brown
Jimmie Bucci
Donna Buonopane and Bart Main
Donald J. Busca
Nancy Butcher
The Canavan Jurigian Family
Pedro O. Carrasquillo
Joseph E. Carvalho
Jenn Wong
Charities Aid Foundation America
LeWana Clark and Barbara Wood
Club Caf
Bruce Connelly
Steve Conner and John Strumwasser
Janet and Ed Corcoran
Javier Corrales and Robert A. Hemmer
Catherine M. Couture
Bruce Cramer
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
Brenda Duane
Julie E. Dunn
Hannah Ellerkamp
Robert Ellington
Elizabeth Ennen and Randall Ganiban
Jeff Etzler and Mike Garcia
Paul W. Finnegan
Ben Fishman
Christopher L. Flynn and Daniel S. Newton
Tom Folinus
Peter Frame
Louis Friedler
Paul Gabrys
Theresa Gabrys
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
Norman and Irene Jacobs
Linda Dini Jenkins
Cheyenne & Kellen Johnson
Mimi Johnson
Maria Kanellias
Marty Katter
Carol Katz
Steve Kenary
Jim and Kathy Kimball
Colette M. King
Charlotte B. Knox
Peter A. Kokoszka
Laura Kunkemueller
Wendy Weisend Kuran
Bob Lamoy and Bob Thompson
Dylan Lavender
Dr. Jasper Lawson
Jake Ledbetter
Anne Lee
Joshua Lennox
Eric Lesh
Louis Lobel
Michael Lombo and Sean Riley
Christopher and Julie Lovell
Joan Lucchetti
Brian Luke
Lars Lundgren
James C. Lundy
Nicholas Maas
Keith Macdonald
Karen Manulis
Janice Mccabe
The McGoldrick Family
Nancy McLane
John McNamara
Edwin Medrano and Chris Wood
George Mercier Jr.
Meta I PayPal Giving Fund
Charles Miller
Ellen Miller
Katy Miller
Aubrey Minshew
Hank Morgan
Betty A. Murray
Tom Murray and Erik Lee
Edward Nadeau
Edward Nardell
Hope Neault
William F. S. Neely
M. B. Nelting
Corey Niswender
Joel Nosek
Jon and Holly Nosek
Anne and David Nuss
Jean O’Leary
Don Daniel Ocay
Tim Eigenfeld
Ben Oehlkers
Patricia Ould
Jeffrey Parker
PayPal Giving Fund
Deborah and Elliot Perlman
Michael Perry
Michael Peyron and Vicky Shen
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
Jordina Shanks
Robert L. “Rab” Sherman
Eric T. Shoen
Jaye Sitaram
David Slagle
Andrew Smith and Stephanie Bont
Robin and Steve Smith
Rene Soucy
Steve Spector
Raphael and Christina St. Pierre
Star Market
Linda Swerling
Wesley Taylor
Ben Thompson
Kate and Matt Van Sleet
Michael Vaughan and George Dudley
Gregory Ward and Charles Murphy
Kendall P. Watts and Robert Derry
Robin Weinberger
Emily and Jon Welch
Charles West
Becky Whitmore
Jon Whitney
Jason Williams
Up to $99
Jennifer Erb Adams
Ann Aldrich
Edward Allan
Marie Andrade
Sue Andrews
Anonymous (21)
Daniel J. Armstrong
Rosie Atherton
James Aurelio
Robert Babineau
Paula Bachtell
Erik Bailey
Timothy Bailey
Aiden Barrett
Carolyn Barrett
Trevor and Miguel Ferry-Bates
Melissa Battista
Dean J. Bauer
Elise Bayard Franklin
Matthew and Alyson Bedard
Danielle Bellantonio
Andrea Benoit
Jeffrey Beresford
Jean Bermingham
Sharon Bernard
Chris Bettencourt
Daniel Bond
James P. Bouldoukian
David Braunstein
The Braunstein Family
Noah Brom
David Bross
Virginia Brown
Janet Butler
Judy Byrne-Ariel
Joseph Cabral
Michael Cafferky
Sarah Carroll
Kristina Cerce
Nikki Chan
Stephanie Charron
Peter Chasse
Terry Cline
Jorge Cobos
Pamela Cohen
Susan Coolidge
Cindy Cooney
Patti and Cynthia Corbett
Eric Cordes
Darwin Cordoba
James Covino
Jolyon Cowan
Noreen Crandall
Bernie Creeden
Francis Creedon
Chris Cronin
David Cross
Daniel Crowley
Peter Cruikshank
Laura Darnieder
Ed Tronick
Claudia Deanessi
Ross Dekle
Emilia De Leo
Barbara Devico
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
Sarvey Ashley
Peter and Kristen Ersland
Orfeo Fabbri
Antonio Federico
Miguel Ferry
Tom Fish and Susan Ferrari
Charles Fortunato
Kimberly Foster
Celeste Freeman
Erika Frey
Pamela Furnace
Suzanne Gaintner
Arthur Galinat
Randy Galinat
Joyce Gallagher
Matthew Gallant
Tom Galluzzo
Aaron Ganz
Marlene Genovese
Meredith Gerson
Jan Gillerin
Give Freely
William Gombos
Deborah Gordon
Debra A. Goulet
Robert Gray
Nichole Hagopian
Eileen Hall
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
Andy Huang
Katharine Irvine
Barbara Jarvis
Elizabeth Johnson
Marcia Johnson
Jean Jonah
Rebecca Jones
Louise Judd
Doris Jurisson
Roger and Elaine Kane
Rebecca Keller
Anne Kelly
John Kelly
Christopher Kenny
George Klauber
David M. Brillhart
Roger Kolker
Priyanka Krishnamurthy
Michael and Darlene LaFrance
Ryan Landry
Roland LaTulip
Joseph Lee
Nathan Lessard
Eileen Letzeiser
Terry J. Lindsay
Charina Lynn
Contois-Lyons Family
Maureen F. Maher
Cheryl March
Sundus Mari
Barry Maskas
Shibin Mathew
Jonathan Matthews-Ramones
Marc Maxwell
Judith McChesney
Jean McCord
Helen McDermott
Dennis P. McLeod
Martha Mclure
Susan McPherson
Kelly McVey
Alett Mekler
Peter Mellett
Lesley Millar-Nicholson
Casey Mitchell
Nathan Mohney
Jeffrey Monder
Henry Monilla
James Montano
Lynda Moore
Warren Moore
Barberdhoo Deluxe
John Morey
Ian Morrison
Dennis Munoz-Vergara
Jennifer Murray
Michaela Murray
Amy Nash
Midge
Paul Neumann
Jennifer Newberg
Jess Nieuwenhuizen
Nina Nolan
Christine Norcross
John Norris
Thomas Norton
Patrick Noyes and Karen Phillips
Kristin Nuckols
Michael O’Connor
Nancy O’Donnell
Lisa O’Sullivan
Rick Oches
John O’Dea
John O’Loughlin
Lois Parker
Paul and Sue Pedevillano
Pamela and Peter Pelletier
James Pelrine
Ellen Penso
Randolph Perkins and Viktor
Sreckovic
Neal Peterson
Michele Phillips
Chris Phillips
Monika Pichler
John Pippa
David Posner
Hugo Quinteros
Susan Raisbeck
James Redmond
Lynn Ryan
Traci Ryan
Donna Sams
Deborah Saperia
Gina Scanlan
Gema Schaff
Carl Seglem
Sheila Shanahan
Lora Shea
Homa Siddiqui
Matthew Small
Karen And Scott Smith
Suzanne Smith and Chris Parrish
Joseph M. Sweeney
Elizabeth Swibel
Chuck Tarver
James and Helga Thompson
Tom Thurston
Martha T and Alberto B
Esther Tutella-Chen
Janis and Mark Urbanek
David Valdes
Claudia Vanegas
Krystal Velazquez
Maryglenn Vincens
Linda Walker
Susan Wall
George Tom Walmsley
The Walsh Family
JoAnn Walsh
Janet Watson
Brett Weber
Lucas Westcom
Mary Grace Whalen
Kris Williams
Lynne Williams
Maida B. Williams
Kathryn Willmore
Wendy Wise
George Wong
Suzy Yesley
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
The Bill Casey Memorial Fund
The Bill Casey Memorial Fund was established to honor the enduring legacy of Bill Casey and his deep commitment to the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.
Through this fund, Bill’s love of choral music continues to shape the artistic life of BGMC, sustaining the musical excellence and vibrant performances that define the Chorus. In some seasons, this support enables the creation and premiere of new works that expand the choral repertoire and reflect the voices and stories of our community.
Recognized nationally for its leadership in commissioning and presenting new choral music, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus remains committed to advancing the art form and creating meaningful musical experiences for audiences and singers alike. The Bill Casey Memorial Fund helps ensure that this tradition of artistic ambition and innovation continues for generations to come.
To make a gift in Bill’s honor, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/BCMFund
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 Director
Executive
Administrative Assistant Eleni Stratigos
Marketing & Communications
Marketing & Partnerships Manager
Audience Development Manager
Graphic Designer
Copyeditor and Proofreader
Photographer
Videographer
Artistic
Principal Accompanist
Assistant Music Director Accompanist
Assistant Conductor & Vocal Coach
Production Manager
American Sign Language Interpreter
Director & Choreographer
Choreographer
Composer-in-Residence Accompanist
Rehearsal Accompanist
Costume & Prop Designer
Costume Designer
Production
Lighting Designer
Piano Risers
Administative
AFM Orchestra Contractor Accountants
Archives Auditor
Counsel
Lighting Systems
Ticketing and CRM Technology
Board Of Directors
Al O’Connell, President
Kerry Patterson, Treasurer
Shalyn Bond, Clerk
Kevin Bleyle
Josh Foster
Danielle Galligan
Jenn Garofolo
George Hinds, ex officio
Brian Levin
Bryan Mark
Equity—Access— Belonging
Ben Arnold
Jordan Layman
Kyle Richer
Michael J. Leclerc
Mike Mejia Photo
Scalped Productions
Chad Weirick
Chad Weirick
Scott Nicholas
Scott Nicholas
Joel Nosek
Dr. LeWana Clark
Tommy Coye
Michelle Chassé
Dr. Jacob Narverud
Grigori Balsanyan
Bethany Aiken
Kyle Cabral
Simone Montali
Anne Dresbach
M. Steinert & Sons
Fall Hill Productions
Jonathan Hess
Indigo Associates
Northeastern University
Melissa Gilroy, CPA
Pyle Rome Ehrenberg PC
4Wall Entertainment
Patron Technology
Tyle Normile, ex officio
Rocco Pigneri
Rick Redmond
Reuben Reynolds, ex officio
T.J. Sheehan
Sarah Shoffner, ex officio
Michael Steinberg
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.
Luminous Resc ue:
Psalms of Protest and Reconciliation
Sunday May 17, 3 PM Church of the Covenant, B oston
Bernstein, Chichester Psalms
Ives, Psalm 90
Van Ness, Psalms of Luminous Rescue
Presentation of the 2025 Pinkham Award to Reuben Reynolds, Artistic Director, BGMC
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.
Accessibility
Huntington Theatre
Restrooms with accessible stalls are located on the Main and Mezz levels.
Accessible Entrance and Seating Sidewalk-level entry (no stairs) with wheelchair/accessible seating available on both the Orchestra and Mezz levels; elevator access to the Mezzanine and a chairlift for entry into the house are available.
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.
Assistive Listening Devices available for all performances.
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.
