GMCSF Program Book - Holidays 2017

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Presents

Light & Joy

A Sunshine Cathedral Tradition December 9, 2017 8PM

Holidays at Hard Rock Live!

With Alan Cumming December 17, 2017 7PM

Sponsored by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Macy’s Harold Dioquino Artistic Director & Conductor, the John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair

Lance Horne Music Director for Alan Cumming

Christopher Toth Principal Accompanist

Juan Mansilla Assistant Conductor James Smith Director

Also Featuring The GMCSF Performance Ensemble Muse Center for the Arts, Yasemin Satici, Founder & Executive Director Orchestra Flute: Jessey Andris Clarinet: Kenneth Robertson Horn: Holly Ballard Trumpet: Mark Poljak Violin: Daniela Lemus Cello: Benjamin Whitman

Bass: Adriel Lyles Harp: Kristina Finch (12/17) Harp: Deborah Fleischer (12/9) Percussion: Gary Mayone Piano: Edwin C. Neimann Organ/Keyboard: Christopher Toth ASL Interpreters

Karen Dougherty & Lew Balaban Design Coordinator: Kurt Litzenberger Stage Manager: Jake Skarin

Costumes: Joseph Fletcher Artist Liaison: Shane Faullin

A very special Thank You to Sunshine Cathedral Reverend Durrell Watkins and Reverend Robert Griffin Kurt Litzenberger Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events Erick Eldridge, Special Events Manager David Gold, Vice President of Entertainment Brett Annis, Box Office Manager NOTE: Audio and video recording of any kind and flash photography are prohibited.

Book Developed and Produced Through Generous Support from:

A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR Happy Holidays to all of you and welcome to the 8th Season of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.

We have an exciting season this year starting with our Holiday concert entitled Light and Joy at our home of many years, Sunshine Cathedral. The Cathedral congregation recently installed new theatre seating that will make your concert experience even more pleasurable. We are also delighted to be invited by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood for the second time to perform Holidays at Hard Rock Live! with Alan Cumming. For this concert we are honored to feature the inspiring story of Ruth Coker Burks who in the 1980s provided a home to countless individuals infected with HIV whose family abandoned them. We are so honored to have the amazing Sharon Gless help us tell Ruth’s story.

Our second concert of the season will be the South Florida premier of Two Boys Kissing. The story is inspired from the book with the same title by David Levithan and set to music by the brilliant up-andcoming composer, Joshua Shank. The story centers around what may be a simple kiss, but it involves universal questions of love, identity and belonging.

Bold Voices at the Parker Playhouse is going to be our third and final concert of the season. This concert will celebrate the accomplishments of the Human Rights movements. It’s a celebration for those who fought for their rights in the face of incredible challenges whether about gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

I am extremely fortunate to be in an organization that believes in a mission and vision of changing hearts and minds. It is with this mission and vision that we strive to give you innovative and relevant programs year after year. Besides the three major concerts we are performing this year, we are also presenting a cabaret show in the spring that will showcase the individual talents of our members. Additionally, a number of our chorus members are preparing to perform Requiem by Mark Hayes at Carnegie Hall in May. We are also thrilled to be working with Broward County Schools and the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble for our youth program.

A home of comfort, a kiss of belonging and a bold voice of recognition; these are the three concerts we’ve arranged to create a beautiful mosaic. We certainly hope that this mosaic will inspire you to be a part of it and will encourage you to share a piece of it.

Again, welcome to our holiday concert and may you have the peace, love and joy the season brings!

Harold Dioquino Artistic Director & Conductor The John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair

COLORS OF THE SEASON

OUR SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST (DECEMBER 17)

ALAN CUMMING Alan Cumming is a Tony, Olivier and Emmy awardwinning actor, singer, writer, producer and director.

His recent theatre work includes Cabaret on Broadway and an international tour of his cabaret show Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs. His many films include Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Goldeneye, Eyes Wide Shut, Spy Kids, X2: X Men United and more recently, Any Day Now, After Louie, and Battle of the Sexes. On TV he appeared on seven seasons of The Good Wife and was nominated for multiple Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG awards, and is the star of the new CBS series Instinct. His memoir, Not My Father’s Son was a #1 New York Times bestseller and he is also the author of You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams, a book of stories and photographs, the novel Tommy’s Tale and The Adventures of Honey and Leon, a children’s picture book illustrated by his husband Grant Shaffer.

Alan Cumming has been described by Time magazine as one of the most fun people in show business, by the New York Times as a “bawdy, countercultural sprite” and by the Guardian as “European, weird, and sexually ambiguous.”

He has won over thirty awards for his humanitarianism and social activism, received both the Great Scot and Icon of Scotland awards from his homeland and was made an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) for his contributions to the arts and LBGT equality by the Queen, whose portrait was taken down when his was unveiled at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2014!

Alan Cumming is many things to many people—renaissance man, style icon, social activist, bon viveur—but to himself he is a story–teller and provocateur for hire.

He lives in New York City with his husband, illustrator Grant Shaffer, and their dogs, Jerry and Lala. www.alancumming.com Twitter: @alancumming Instagram: @alancummingsnaps

COLORS OF THE SEASON

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The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) has become one of the region’s largest and most successful community-based choruses; celebrated for outstanding musicianship, creative programming and community outreach. Each year GMCSF reaches over 12,000 audience members with its messages of love & inclusion. Our December holiday concerts launch GMCSF’s eighth season of serving the community. With more than 115 men on its singing roster, GMCSF is the largest gay men’s chorus in the Southeast. www.gmcsf.org Harold Dioquino Artistic Director & Conductor, the John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair Mr. Dioquino has over 25 years of experience conducting vocal groups of various sizes and styles. He brings with him vast experience in all facets of musical performance—programming, research, music purchase, arranging vocal and instrumental parts, rehearsing and conducting performances. Mr. Dioquino received his Bachelor in Music from University of the Immaculate Conception in Davao City in the Philippines. He is highly regarded for his excellent work with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and his artistic leadership of the singing group Dinggin, an acclaimed South Florida vocal ensemble. Mr. Dioquino is also the Director of Music for Church by the Sea, Bal Harbour.

Juan F. Mansilla Assistant Conductor Mr. Mansilla is a talented composer, conductor, singer and educator.

He started his studies in Colombia. During several years, he participated in different productions with the most important choirs, Opera and Zarzuela companies in Bogotá. In 2008, he moved to the US and received a scholarship from Florida Atlantic University for his undergraduate and graduate studies in Vocal Performance and Composition. He graduated with honors from his Baccalaureate in 2011 and from his Master of Arts in Music in 2013. Juan is also currently pursuing his Master of Music in Compos

COLORS OF THE SEASON

2018 BROADWAY CABARET SERIES

PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH MARK KELLER

SANTINO FONTANA with Guest Star JESSICA FONTANA

January 8 & 9 | 8 pm Santino was a Tony Award nominee for his role as the charming Prince in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, and Jessica starred in the title role on on Broadway!

JERRY HERMAN: THE BROADWAY LEGACY CONCERT

February 12 & 13 | 8 pm Starring DEBBIE GRAVITTE, KLEA BLACKHURST, SCOTT COULTER and JASON GRAAE with JOHN BOSWELL on the piano.

AN EVENING with ANDREA MCARDLE and DONNA MCKECHNIE

February 26 & 27 | 8 pm This concert event features two of Broadway’s most beloved stars and celebrates the award-winning music of composers, Marvin Hamlisch and Steven Sondheim.

MANDY GONZALEZ

March 12 & 13 | 8 pm Currently recognized for her starring role as Angelica Schuyler in the Tony Awardwinning hit musical, HAMILTON.

MAX VON ESSEN

April 9 & 10 | 8 pm Tony Award nominee for best featured actor for his role as Henri Baurel in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.

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561.243.7922 (Box Office, ext. 1) 51 N. Swinton Ave. Delray Beach 33444

FEATURED PERFORMERS

Fred Boykin

Alejandro Diaz

Eduardo Pinto

Jason Weston

GMCSF Ensemble Front Row: Johann Torres, Tony Walsh, Justin Perry, Juan Mansilla (Ensemble Director) Back Row: Alejandro Diaz, Tony Corrente, Felix Fidelibus, Eric Strom, Tim Richardson

COLORS OF THE SEASON

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Concert Program

LIGHT & JOY

A SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL TRADITION DECEMBER 9, 2017

Act One IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS A CHORAL FANTASY (GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN) MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

ESTA NOCHE (Be Joyful Tonight)

Music and Lyrics by Eddie Pola and George Wyle, Arranged by David T. Clydesdale Soloists: Alejandro Diaz and Jason Weston Sponsored by the Bass Section French Carol, Arranged by Jay Althouse Sponsored by the Baritone Section English Carol, Arranged by Mark Riese Sponsored by Paul Rolli Lyrics by Mark Lowry, Music by Buddy Greene, Arranged by Juan Mansilla The Ensemble, Juan Mansilla, Conductor Sponsored by Tony Walsh: “For Rosa Irma Johnson and all our precious mothers, this wonderful Christmas season!”

Spanish Carol, Arranged by John Rutter Soloist: Eduardo Pinto Sponsored by the Tenor 1 Section: “Sing out, Eduardo!”

BASHANA HABA ‘AH

Lyrics by Ehud Manor Music by Nutrit Hirsh Arranged by John Leavitt Sponsored by Bill Spinosa: “To my Jewish mother who raised me to be a mensch.”

THE FIRST NOEL

English Carol, Arranged by Dan Forrest Sponsored by Mark and Robert Benson: “Remembering our family, both near and far, this holiday season.”

MAGNIFICAT

Music and Lyrics by Kevin Memley

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR Pop singer Andy Williams started the tradition of bringing his family members to the Christmas broadcast of his popular weekly variety show in 1963.

George Wyle, vocal director for the show, wrote “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to mark this family gathering that season. It was so well received that it became one of the signature songs for the show and for the Andy Williams Holiday Specials which continued even after his variety show ended in 1971.

It eventually climbed to the number five position in Billboard’s ranking of favorite Holiday songs in 2009.

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS Early music experts Hugh Keyte and Andrew Parrott compiled the most comprehensive anthology of Christmas music ever published in The New Oxford Book of Carols (1992). They report that what we now know as Sing We Now of Christmas was intended at first more for New Years’ than Christmas, as notated in the original French version first published in 1721.

And there are other versions that likely can be traced back to the early 1500s. Additionally, the first five notes quote the opening musical phrase of the ancient medieval chant, “Ave Maris Stella” (Hail Star of the Sea). In fact, the carol is written in neither a major nor a minor key, but in the ancient Dorian mode. Arranger Jay Althouse maintains some of the sonorities of these ancient origins in the male choral arrangement being performed this evening.

A CHORAL FANTASY (GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN) This popular Christmas carol was first published in 1833, when it appeared in Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern, a collection of seasonal carols gathered

by William B. Sandys. The lyrics are reputed to date back to the 15th century, although the author is unknown. It is believed that this carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen seeking to earn additional money during the Christmas season. Mark Riese’s arrangement of this carol was filmed for the HBO special, “Homosexuality in America: Pride and Prejudice,” and has since been performed by dozens of choruses and orchestras across the country, including the orchestral and choral forces of the Chicago and Boston Symphonies. Born in 1953, Riese made his

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

home in New York City with his partner James Flatt.

Both died of AIDs within the same month in 1989, a tragic end to a very promising musical career.

MARY, DID YOU KNOW? Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry wrote this Christmas song for recording artist and musical colleague Michael English for his 1991 self-titled solo album.

It quickly gained popularity and has become a Christmas staple for many church groups. It has been recorded by numerous artists over the years across multiple music genres, and in 2012 ranked 22nd on US R&B Songs chart. It peaked at 26th on Billboard’s Hot 100 in December, 2014. Winona Judd and Kenny Rogers recorded a duet version in 1997.

Clay Aiken, Cee Lo and Pentatonix have included the song in their respective Christmas albums.

ESTA NOCHE English composer John Rutter is especially celebrated for his extensive repertoire of choral music for Christmas. Many of these works have been premiered by his own choral group, the Cambridge Singers, and they manifest his distinctive contribution to classic British melodic and harmonic style. But there is another side to the great English master. Commenting on one of his larger works, the “Magnificat,” he spoke of being influenced by Spanish festivals of the Virgin Mary: “These images of outdoor celebration were, I think, somewhere in my mind as I wrote, though I was not fully conscious of the fact till afterwards.” That influence is quite overt, however, in his arrangement of “Esta Noche” (This Night), a traditional Spanish Christmas song that tells of the birth at Bethlehem and the gentle caress of the Holy Child by the Virgin.

He brings his own special kind of exuberance to the stage: “Alegria!” (Joy!) Translation: In the darkness of cold winter lies a mother with her baby. Robes of velvet I would bring him, songs of welcome I would sing him.

The sweet Virgin holds her baby, rocks him gently in her arms. Hands so loving to caress him, hands so humble fit to bless him.

Allelu, allelu, alleluia, be joyful tonight. Christ our Savior, born in Bethlehem, bringing gladness and delight.

BASHANA HABA ‘AH

MAGNIFICAT

While not well known in the US, composer Nurit Hirsch is very popular in Israel and has recorded over 1200 songs. She has written the music score for 14 films as well as for numerous Israeli television series.

And she has collaborated with various popular Israeli lyricists, including Ehud Manor, author of the text for “Bashana Haba ‘ah,” a song of hope for a new year of peace. Meant for the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashana, Manor penned the lyrics in 1968 after the successful conclusion of the nation’s Six Year War: “Next year, when peace will come, we shall return to the simple pleasures of life so long denied us…You will see how good it will be next year.” The composition was chosen as “best song” in the 1978 Eurovision contest.

The “Magnificat,” like the “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” is from the infancy narrative in the Gospel of Luke.

After the annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel that she is to give birth to the Messiah, the Virgin Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Herself six months pregnant, Elizabeth will give birth to John the Baptist, the precursor of the Messiah. Elizabeth praises her cousin for her faithful response to the Archangel and tells Mary that the baby in her womb leapt for joy on this occasion of their meeting. Mary responds with this exuberant “canticle” (a Hebrew biblical song form) praising the power of God who looked on her humility. “Now all generations shall call me blessed, because He who is mighty has done great things for me.” In tonight’s version of the “Magnificat,” composer Kevin Memley quotes the first half of the entire “canticle.” In liturgical use, the “Magnificat” is sung every evening at Vespers. In the Roman Catholic Church this is a tradition now carried on daily in the life of monks and others obliged to pray the “Liturgy of the Hours,” a collection of prayers based mostly on the Psalms that are to be spoken or chanted at specific hours every day.

Translation: Next year we will sit on the porch and count migrating birds Children on vacation will play catch between the house and the fields.

You will yet see, you will yet see, how good it will be next year.

THE FIRST NOEL The current form of this Cornish carol was first published in Carols Ancient and Modern (1823) and Gilbert and Sandys Carols (1833) Some musicologists assert that the carol dates as far back as the late 14th century, noting that the word “noel” is itself a late medieval French transliteration of the Latin “natilis dies” (day of birth). Some legends give names to the “certain poor shepherds” and held the belief that invoking their names was a protection from the venom of snake bites. In a 15th century mystery play, one of these shepherds, Trowle, gave a pair of his wife’s old hose as a gift to the Christ child! Christmas carols are not always exactly as they seem.

Translation: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.

He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

COLORS OF THE SEASON

LIGHT & JOY

A SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL TRADITION DECEMBER 9, 2017

Act Two KAY THOMPSON’S JINGLE BELLS

THE ELVES’ BROADWAY CHRISTMAS

FAVORITE SON

Music and Lyrics by James Pierpont, Arranged by Kay Thompson & Johnny Mandel, Choral Adaptation by Mark Hayes Sponsored by George Kling: “Dedicated to my three children.”

Music and Lyrics by Kevin Robison Soloist: Fred Boykin Sponsored by Jack Killen: “Love you, GMCSF! Thanks for making the yuletide gay.”

Music by Cy Coleman Featuring: James O’ Rourke, Fred Boykin, Alejandro Diaz, Doug Cureton, Justin Perry, Jacob King, Michael Anthony, Bert Cohen, Tim Richardson, Tom Malone, Eric Strom, Bob Rose, Mark Blaylock, Doug Ferguson Sponsored by the Tenor 2 Section

A CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Special Guest Presenter: Stacy Hyde, Executive Director, Broward House

A PLACE CALLED HOME

from A Christmas Carol Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Alan Menken, Arranged by Harold Dioquino Dedication: “Dear Doug, Mark and Bob— Home is wherever you are. Love, Tony, Bob and Don”

THE TIME OF YEAR FOR MIRACLES

Music and Lyrics by Rick McKee, Arranged and Orchestrated for GMCSF

by Jay Rouse Soloist: Justin Perry Sponsored by Eric Ziegler and Ross Kemp: “Dedicated to the memories of those lost friends, victims of HIV/AIDS and all those living with HIV infection. With all our love, Eric and Ross”

We know what art can do — how it can change perspectives, and even change lives. That’s why the PNC Foundation developed PNC Arts Alive, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative that supports the arts in local communities. Through this initiative, we continue to challenge visual and performing arts organizations to put forth their best, most original thinking while expanding audience participation and engagement. Because when art thrives, everybody benefits.

To learn more, go to pncartsalive.com

CCRD PDF 0616-0101

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

KAY THOMPSON’S JINGLE BELLS Kay Thompson is perhaps best known for the professional company she kept. Beginning her career as a singer and choral director, she shared the radio microphone in the 1930s with Bing Crosby, Fred Waring and young rising star Judy Garland who became one of her closest friends and a life-long professional colleague.

She mentored young Andy Williams and helped him secure a regular singing spot on NBC’s new Tonight Show hosted by Steve Allen. And she helped him launch a career as a recording artist. Her arrangement of “Jingle Bells” has been a featured song on his Holiday Specials. In his 2009 memoir, Moon River and Me, Williams admitted that he and Kay Thompson were secret lovers for some time, despite their age difference.

THE ELVES’ BROADWAY CHRISTMAS Medleys of Christmas music are common fare for holiday concertgoers. Most are not quite like what Kevin Robison has arranged. In Robison’s somewhat whacky imaginary world, Santa has chided his elves for wasting precious time preparing for his upcoming reindeer-powered flight around the globe. There is to be no more head bopping to show tunes. Not to be undone, the elves find a way to mashup 6 favorite carols with the best of Broadway: “Angels we Have Heard on High,” “Carol of the Bells,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” “Away in a Manger,” “Deck the Hall,” and “The 12 Days of Christmas” performed in ways few have heard before.

Robison, currently in his tenth season as artistic director of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, has previously been at the podium for other GALA chorus, mostly in California, and has busied himself composing and arranging music for many of them.

FAVORITE SON Tonight’s performance of Favorite Son is, in fact, a set of playful holiday lyrics set to the Cy Coleman song from the 1991 Tony Award winning Will Rogers Follies. One scene in The Follies recounts his 1928 tongue-in-cheek run for President as Oklahoma’s Favorite Son

in the “Debunk Party.” His only campaign promise was to resign if he is elected. That election day, he claimed victory and instantly did as he promised. The choreography used in Favorite Son reprises a scene from Will Rogers Follies, which in turn, adapted the choreography from the 1930 hit revue of the music of Paul Whiteman, titled King of Jazz. When asked what he thought about nasty campaign rumors, “candidate” Rogers quipped in Life magazine: “The things they whisper aren’t as bad as what they say out loud.”

A PLACE CALLED HOME Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843) surely ranks on top of any list of the most cherished Christmas stories. It is full of romantic mid-Victorian era sensibilities celebrating family, and it has been retold and adapted in numerous ways over the years on stage and screen. In the 1994 Broadway version, during his encounter with the ghost of Christmas past, Scrooge recalls his troubled youth with some clear Dickensian autobiographical parallels. He painfully remembers the time when his father was taken to jail for non-payment of debts and his heart-breaking separation from his mother and his beloved sister, Fan. And he laments Emily, the lost love of his young manhood. In a poignant reverie, they sing about their dream of a being together in “A Place Called Home.”

THE TIME OF YEAR FOR MIRACLES Though he usually works his creative genius behind the scenes, Rick McKee’s music has been heard by millions around the world.

Composing in all genres across the industry, his work ranges from record production to television specials, commercials, jingles, theme parks, cruise lines, industrial events, and other forms of themed entertainment. “The Time of Year for Miracles” was written for colleague and friend Ian Patrick Gibb’s 2012 album by the same name while McKee was working at Imagination House, a multi-faceted music and theatrical production company in Orlando.

COLORS OF THE SEASON

AS SEEN IN

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DECEMBER 17, 2017

C A R B O N E L L AWA R D -W I N N I N G

S LOW B U R N T H E AT R E C O. NEW THIS SEASON: WEDNESDAY MATINEE PERFORMANCES!

DECEMBER 14–31

JANUARY 18–FEBRUARY 4

FEBRUARY 8–18, 2018

MARCH 22–APRIL 8

Amaturo Theater

Abdo New River Room

Amaturo Theater

Amaturo Theater

JUNE 14–JULY 1 Amaturo Theater

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HOLIDAYS AT HARD ROCK LIVE!

WITH ALAN CUMMING DECEMBER 17, 2017

Act One IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS A CHORAL FANTASY (GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN) WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS

Music and Lyrics by Eddie Pola and George Wyle.

Arranged by David T. Clydesdale Soloists: Alejandro Diaz and Jason Weston Sponsored by the Bass Section French Carol, Arranged by Jay Althouse Sponsored by the Baritone Section English Carol, Arranged by Mark Riese Sponsored by Paul Rolli from How the Grinch Stole Christmas Lyrics and Music by Will Jennings, James Horner and Mariah Carey, Arranged by Harold Dioquino Special Guest Artist: Alan Cumming

MEIN HERR

from Cabaret Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Music by John Kander Special Guest Artist: Alan Cumming

MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

Lyrics by Mark Lowry, Music by Buddy Greene, Arranged by Juan Mansilla The Ensemble, Juan Mansilla, Conductor Sponsored by Tony Walsh: “For Rosa Irma Johnson and all our precious mothers, this wonderful Christmas season!”

ESTA NOCHE (Be Joyful Tonight)

BASHANA HABA ‘AH

THE FIRST NOEL

MAGNIFICAT

Spanish Carol, Arranged by John Rutter Soloist: Eduardo Pinto Sponsored by the Tenor 1 Section: “Sing out, Eduardo!”

Lyrics by Ehud Manor, Music by Nutrit Hirsh, Arranged by John Leavitt Sponsored by Bill Spinosa: “To my Jewish mother who raised me to be a mensch.”

English Carol, Arranged by Dan Forrest Sponsored by Mark and Robert Benson: “Remembering our family, both near and far, this holiday season.”

Lyrics and Music by Kevin Memley

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR Pop singer Andy Williams started the tradition of bringing his family members to the Christmas broadcast of his popular weekly variety show in 1963. George Wyle, vocal director for the show, wrote “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to mark this family gathering that season. It was so well received that it became one of the signature songs for the show and for the Andy Williams Holiday Specials which continued even after his variety show ended in 1971. It eventually climbed to the number five position in Billboard’s ranking of favorite Holiday songs in 2009.

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS Early music experts Hugh Keyte and Andrew Parrott compiled the most comprehensive anthology of Christmas music ever published in The New Oxford Book of Carols (1992). They report that what we now know as Sing We Now of Christmas was intended at first more for New Years’ than Christmas, as notated in the original French version first published in 1721. And there are other versions that likely can be traced back to the early 1500s. Additionally, the first five notes quote the opening musical phrase of the ancient medieval chant, “Ave Maris Stella” (Hail Star of the Sea).

In fact, the carol is written in neither a major nor a minor key, but in the ancient Dorian mode.

Arranger Jay Althouse maintains some of the sonorities of these ancient origins in the male choral arrangement being performed this evening.

A CHORAL FANTASY (GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN) This popular Christmas carol was first published in 1833, when it appeared in Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern, a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics are reputed to date back to the 15th century, although the author is unknown. It is believed that this carol was sung to the gentry by town watchmen seeking to earn additional money during the Christmas season. Mark Riese’s arrangement of this carol was filmed for the HBO special, “Homosexuality in America: Pride and Prejudice,” and has since been performed by dozens of choruses and orchestras across the country, including the orchestral and choral forces of the Chicago and Boston Symphonies. Born in 1953, Riese made his home in New York City with his partner James Flatt. Both died of AIDs within the same month in 1989, a tragic end to a very promising musical career.

WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS? In the 2000 popular movie adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic starring Jim Carey, the Grinch steals everything that looks like Christmas from the villagers. Dressed as Santa, he whisks away their food, presents, trees and wrappings. The good folk of Whoville fool the Grinch who, try as hard as he can, is unable to extinguish the Christmas Spirit that annoyed him so much. Like Dicken’s Scrooge, it is all enough to help his heart “grow three sizes larger.” While “Where Are You, Christmas?” was co-written by Mariah Carey, her original recording was never released. The song was re-recorded and released instead by Faith Hill. A video featuring Hill singing from the Grinch’s mountaintop home has interspersed clips from the film and a cameo appearance by Taylor Momsen as the child Cindy Lou Who.

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

MEIN HERR John Kander and Fred Ebb’s Cabaret hit the boards with a stark social commentary in 1966 beyond anything else previously seen on the Great White Way. And few Broadway musicals have had so many revivals in New York and London or such a string of international runs. The Guardian’s theater critique, Emma Brockes, commenting on Alan Cumming’s portrayal of the MC in the 2014 revival, penned this review: “The show is Alan Cumming’s and his MC has to be one of the great stage performances of all time.” By then, Alan had already won both a Tony and Drama Desk award for his performance as the MC in the 1998 Broadway revival. Tonight, Alan takes us back to Cabaret’s Kit Kat Club, but not by reprising his role as MC. Rather he offers us his take on Mein Herr, a song added to Cabaret for the 1972 film version and first sung by Liza Minelli in her starring role as the provocative and “divinely decadent” Sally Bowles. But then, gender bending does completely fit into the ethos of Cabaret.

MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry wrote this Christmas song for recording artist and musical colleague Michael English for his 1991 self-titled solo album. It quickly gained popularity and has become a Christmas staple for many church groups. It has been recorded by numerous artists over the years across multiple music genres, and in 2012 ranked 22nd on US R&B Songs chart.

It peaked at 26th on Billboard’s Hot 100 in December, 2014. Winona Judd and Kenny Rogers recorded a duet version in 1997. Clay Aiken, Cee Lo and Pentatonix have included the song in their respective Christmas albums.

ESTA NOCHE English composer John Rutter is especially celebrated for his extensive repertoire of choral music for Christmas. Many of these works have been premiered by his own choral group, the Cambridge Singers, and they manifest his distinctive contribution to classic British melodic and harmonic style. But there is another side to the great English master. Commenting on one of his larger works, the “Magnificat,” he spoke of being influenced by Spanish festivals of the Virgin Mary: “These images of outdoor celebration were, I think, somewhere in my mind as I wrote, though I was not fully conscious of the fact till afterwards.” That influence is quite overt, however, in his arrangement of “Esta Noche” (This Night), a traditional Spanish Christmas song that tells of the birth at Bethlehem and the gentle caress of the Holy Child by the Virgin. He brings his own special kind of exuberance to the stage: “Alegria!” (Joy!) Translation: In the darkness of cold winter lies a mother with her baby. Robes of velvet I would bring him, songs of welcome I would sing him.

The sweet Virgin holds her baby, rocks him gently in her arms. Hands so loving to caress Him, hands so humble fit to bless him.

Allelu, allelu, alleluia, be joyful tonight. Christ our Savior, born in Bethlehem, bringing gladness and delight.

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

COLORS OF THE SEASON

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

BASHANA HABA ‘AH While not well known in the US, composer Nurit Hirsch is very popular in Israel and has recorded over 1200 songs. She has written the music score for 14 films as well as for numerous Israeli television series. And she has collaborated with various popular Israeli lyricists, including Ehud Manor, author of the text for “Bashana Haba ‘ah,” a song of hope for a new year of peace. Meant for the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashana, Manor penned the lyrics in 1968 after the successful conclusion of the nation’s Six Year War: “Next year, when peace will come, we shall return to the simple pleasures of life so long denied us…You will see how good it will be next year.” The composition was chosen as “best song” in the 1978 Eurovision contest.

Translation: Next year we will sit on the porch and count migrating birds Children on vacation will play catch between the house and the fields.

You will yet see, you will yet see, how good it will be next year.

THE FIRST NOEL The current form of this Cornish carol was first published in Carols Ancient and Modern (1823) and Gilbert and Sandys Carols (1833) Some musicologists assert that the carol dates as far back as the late 14th century, noting that the word “noel” is itself a late medieval French transliteration of the Latin “natilis dies” (day of birth). Some legends give names to the “certain poor shepherds” and held the belief that invoking their names was a protection from the venom of snake bites. In a 15th century mystery play, one of these shepherds, Trowle, gave a pair of his wife’s old hose as a gift to the Christ child! Christmas carols are not always exactly as they seem.

MAGNIFICAT The “Magnificat,” like the “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” is from the infancy narrative in the Gospel of Luke. After the annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel that she is to give birth to the Messiah, the Virgin Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Herself six months pregnant, Elizabeth will give birth to John the Baptist, the precursor of the Messiah. Elizabeth praises her cousin for her faithful response to the Archangel and tells Mary that the baby in her womb leapt for joy on this occasion of their meeting. Mary responds with this exuberant “canticle” (a Hebrew biblical song form) praising the power of God who looked on her humility. “Now all generations shall call me blessed, because He who is mighty has done great things for me.” In tonight’s version of the “Magnificat,” composer Kevin Memley quotes the first half of the entire “canticle.” In liturgical use, the “Magnificat” is sung every evening at Vespers. In the Roman Catholic Church this is a tradition now carried on daily in the life of monks and others obliged to pray the “Liturgy of the Hours,” a collection of prayers based mostly on the Psalms that are to be spoken or chanted at specific hours every day.

Translation: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.

He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

HOLIDAYS AT HARD ROCK LIVE!

WITH ALAN CUMMING DECEMBER 17, 2017

Act Two KAY THOMPSON’S JINGLE BELLS

AW THE BEST

THE ELVES’ BROADWAY CHRISTMAS

Music and Lyrics by James Pierpont, Arranged by Kay Thompson & Johnny Mandel, Choral Adaptation by Mark Hayes.

Special Guest Artist: Alan Cumming Sponsored by George Kling: “Dedicated to my three children.” from The Steamie Music and Lyrics by Dave Anderson Special Guest Artist: Alan Cumming Music and Lyrics by Kevin Robison Soloist: Fred Boykin Sponsored by Jack Killen: “Love you, GMCSF! Thanks for making the yuletide gay.”

FAVORITE SON

Music by Cy Coleman Featuring: James O’ Rourke, Fred Boykin, Alejandro Diaz, Doug Cureton, Justin Perry, Jacob King, Michael Anthony, Bert Cohen, Tim Richardson, Tom Malone, Eric Strom, Bob Rose, Mark Blaylock, Doug Ferguson Sponsored by the Tenor 2 Section

A CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Special Guest Presenter: Sharon Gless

A PLACE CALLED HOME

from A Christmas Carol Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Alan Menken, Arranged by Harold Dioquino Dedication: “Dear Doug, Mark and Bob— Home is wherever you are. Love, Tony, Bob and Don”

THE TIME OF YEAR FOR MIRACLES

Music and Lyrics by Rick McKee, Arranged and Orchestrated for GMCSF

by Jay Rouse Soloist: Justin Perry Sponsored by Eric Ziegler and Ross Kemp: “Dedicated to the memories of those lost friends, victims of HIV/AIDS and all those living with HIV infection. With all our love, Eric and Ross”

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

KAY THOMPSON’S JINGLE BELLS Kay Thompson is perhaps best known for the professional company she kept. Beginning her career as a singer and choral director, she shared the radio microphone in the 1930s with Bing Crosby, Fred Waring and young rising star Judy Garland who became one of her closest friends and a life-long professional colleague. She mentored young Andy Williams and helped him secure a regular singing spot on NBC’s new Tonight Show hosted by Steve Allen. And she helped him launch a career as a recording artist.

Her arrangement of “Jingle Bells” has been a featured song on his Holiday Specials. In his 2009 memoir, Moon River and Me, Williams admitted that he and Kay Thompson were secret lovers for some time, despite their age difference.

AW THE BEST If it’s New Year’s Eve and you are in New York’s Times Square, you are at the epicenter of a classic American holiday experience. But across the Atlantic, Glasgow is the place for a Scotsman to be for Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Unless, perhaps, you are Dolly, Magrit, Doreen and Mrs. Culfeathers, four chatty women who share memories and jokes, talk about their menfolk and their hopes for the future. They do all that and sing a few songs too in a Glasgow “steamie” (wash house) in the 1950s on Hogmanay.

Needing to get their washing done before the bells, they laugh and cry their way through the last day of the year. Tony Roper’s comedy-drama was first performed in Glasgow’s Crawford Theater in 1987 to universal acclaim. A broadcast version was made by Scottish Television for Hogmanay, 1988. It gained immediate popularity, and has been repeated many times over the years. A triumphant 30th anniversary tour of Scotland just ended last month in Edinburgh THE ELVES’ BROADWAY CHRISTMAS Medleys of Christmas music are common fare for holiday concertgoers. Most are not quite like what Kevin Robison has arranged. In Robison’s somewhat whacky imaginary world, Santa has chided his elves for wasting precious time preparing for his upcoming reindeer-powered flight around the globe. There is to be no more head bopping to show tunes. Not to be undone, the elves find a way to mashup 6 favorite carols with the best of Broadway: “Angels we Have Heard on High,” “Carol of the Bells,” “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” “Away in a Manger,” “Deck the Hall,” and “The 12 Days of Christmas” performed in ways few have heard before. Robison, currently in his tenth season as artistic director of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, has previously been at the podium for other GALA chorus, mostly in California, and has busied himself composing and arranging music for many of them.

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

ACT ONE PROGRAM NOTES

BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER, JIM LOPRESTI

FAVORITE SON Tonight’s performance of Favorite Son is, in fact, a set of playful holiday lyrics set to the Cy Coleman song from the 1991 Tony Award winning Will Rogers Follies. One scene in The Follies recounts his 1928 tongue-in-cheek run for President as Oklahoma’s Favorite Son in the “Debunk Party.” His only campaign promise was to resign if he is elected. That election day, he claimed victory and instantly did as he promised. The choreography used in “Favorite Son” reprises a scene from Will Rogers Follies, which in turn, adapted the choreography from the 1930 hit revue of the music of Paul Whiteman, titled King of Jazz. When asked what he thought about nasty campaign rumors, “candidate” Rogers quipped in Life magazine: “The things they whisper aren’t as bad as what they say out loud.”

A PLACE CALLED HOME Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843) surely ranks on top of any list of the most cherished Christmas stories. It is full of romantic mid-Victorian era sensibilities celebrating family, and it has been retold and adapted in numerous ways over the years on stage and screen. In the 1994 Broadway version, during his encounter with the ghost of Christmas past, Scrooge recalls his troubled youth with some clear Dickensian autobiographical parallels. He painfully remembers the time when his father was taken to jail for non-payment of debts and his heart-breaking separation from his mother and his beloved sister, Fan. And he laments Emily, the lost love of his young manhood.

In a poignant reverie, they sing about their dream of a being together in “A Place Called Home.”

THE TIME OF YEAR FOR MIRACLES Though he usually works his creative genius behind the scenes, Rick McKee’s music has been heard by millions around the world. Composing in all genres across the industry, his work ranges from record production to television specials, commercials, jingles, theme parks, cruise lines, industrial events, and other forms of themed entertainment.

“The Time of Year for Miracles” was written for colleague and friend Ian Patrick Gibb’s 2012 album by the same name while McKee was working at Imagination House, a multi-faceted music and theatrical production company in Orlando.

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

COLORS OF THE SEASON

WE SING FOR AN UNSUNG HERO OF THE AIDS CRISIS: RUTH COKER BURKS There is no doubt that the early years of the AIDS epidemic were among the most terrifying in the long-fought battle against HIV. During the 80s, many gay men were suddenly dying at an alarming rate, and nobody understood much about the disease or the suffering of those struck by it. At a time when many most needed the love and support of friends and family, too many AIDS patients suddenly found themselves abandoned by their families; left to die alone. However, as is often the case, in the midst of great tragedy one finds great heroes. For Arkansas AIDS patients, that hero was Ruth Coker Burks.

Ruth Coker Burks was a young mother in her 20s when the AIDS epidemic hit. She took it upon herself to care for AIDS patients who were abandoned by their families, and even by medical professionals, who feared the disease. Ruth has no medical training, but she estimates that she has cared for nearly 1,000 people over the past three decades.

She became involved after visiting a friend at a Little Rock hospital where one of the state’s early AIDS patients was dying. “The nurses were drawing straws to see who would go in and check on him,” says Coker Burks. “And so, I snuck into his room. And he wanted his mama. And so, I marched myself out to the nurses’ station and I said, ‘Can we call his mother?’ And they go, ‘Honey, his mama’s not coming. He’s been here six weeks. Nobody’s coming.’

“And so, I went back in and he looked up at me and he said, ‘Oh, Mama, I knew you’d come.’ I stayed with him for 13 hours while he took his last breath. I called his mother and I told her that he had died, and she said, ‘I’m not burying him.’ So, I had him cremated and I brought him home… I’ve buried over 40 people in my family’s cemetery, because their families didn’t want them.”

Ruth Coker Burks embodies the true kindness that can exist in mankind. Her example of unconditional love for those who suffer inspires all of us to be better human beings. It is with great pride and humility the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida celebrates Ruth Coker Burks during a segment of our concert this evening. On behalf of a grateful community, the men of the Chorus sing with gratitude and love for this to-date, unsung hero.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Sharon Gless Actress and Advocate (December 17 Concert)

Stacy Hyde Executive Director, Broward House (December 9 Concert)

COLORS OF THE SEASON

B.J. Albright

Bruce Anderson

Michael Anthony

David Baier

Mark Benson

Robert Benson

Rex Beyer

Mark Blaylock

Bob Blount

Rodney Bolton

Fred Boykin

George Brown

John Burch

Joe Cannon

Ray Cataneo

John Catenaci

Anthony Alacca

Bert Cohen

Antonio Corrente

Christopher Chouinard

Donald Croxton

Doug Cureton

Jerry Day

Alejandro Diaz

James Ficke

Felix Fidelibus

Joseph Fletcher

Darnell Frazier

David Gray

Paul Guariglia

Rick Heal

Craig Hinman

Terry Hirsh

Anthony Howard-Erevia

Bradley Johnson

Bill Kennedy

John Klomp

Peter Konrath

Wayne Laubscher

Charles Lewis

John Lewis

David R.

Kurt Litzenberger

Doug Ferguson

Stephen Liu

Tom Malone

Thomas Michalak

Bob Miller

Rodrick Minnis

Jay Molluso

Skip (George) Panse

Bob Pennington

Miguelanjel Perez

Steve Piper

Kenneth Pope

Brian Prenda

John Puig

Timothy Richardson

Charles Robinson

Bob Rose

David Rosenzweig

Norm Rotkowitz

Wayne Schubnel

James O’Dell

Jim O’Rourke

Eduardo Pinto

Steven Shapiro

Brent Simmons

Donald Small

Kewan Smith

Robert Smith

Bill Spinosa

Dennis St. Jean

Eric Strom

Josel Suarez

Don Tomasello

Johann Torres

Michael Valdez

David Van Cleaf

Steve Van Wie

Rick Vaughan

Tony Walsh

Charlie Walter

Jason Weston

Aubrey Williams

Eric Ziegler

NOT PICTURED Winz-Lee Chin Jacob King Paul McCord Brandon Roerts

Harold Dioquino, Artistic Director & Conductor The John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair Presents

March 23 & 24 @ 8PM Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Tickets On Sale Now! www.gmcsf.org

TW B YS KISSING Composed by Joshua Shank Lyrics by David Levithan, Based on the award-winning book, Two Boys Kissing

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHORUS PRESIDENT Dear Friends: Music brings us together in our shared humanity. Under the baton of Artistic Director & Conductor, Harold Dioquino, The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida dedicates its 2017–2018 season to the many diverse and wonderful people connected to our organization.

Together, we make one beautiful picture of humanity… rich in variety and joined through song.

On behalf of the entire organization, I welcome you to a premier evening saluting the inauguration of an amazing eighth season, “MOSAIC. We are light, love, history, beauty…”

This December, the Chorus strengthens its community tradition by introducing Light & Joy at the newly remodeled Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for the Performing Arts and Worship at Sunshine Cathedral. Moreover, the Chorus will return and embrace our newfound friends through the production, Holidays at Hard Rock Live with Alan Cumming.

Aside from our three centerpiece concert cycles this season, our schedule is brimming with important community, educational and outreach events. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida flash mobbed the crowd at the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange’s Artopia IV fundraiser, was honored to be sought as part of the South Florida tribute to theater maven Judy Drucker, renewed its loyal participation in the World AIDS Day Vigil and continued its partnership with the Bears of South Florida to provide Teddy Bear comfort to the kids admitted to Children’s Hospital in the Broward Health System. In the months ahead, we look forward to singing the National Anthem for the community at the request of the Florida Panthers, as well as contributing more time and effort with The Florida AIDS Walk and Fort Lauderdale Pride. The Chorus will continue a standing commitment to youth this year by repeating the Howard Kaplan Young Conductor Program and instituting its first ever in-school educational program. And of course, as always, the anticipation of visibility at the Stonewall Pride Festival and Parade in June will lead to our summer sabbatical.

Our year is full.

Through all of this activity, the men of the chorus vigorously continue their commitment to their mission and vision: “To inspire audiences, move spirits, open minds and change hearts through the quality of our music, the power of our words and the sight of our joy.”

Without your continued generous support, we could not be here doing what we love. You make our music happen. We are humbled and thankful beyond measure. It is a privilege to have your trust as we create memories and reach milestones well beyond our expectations.

Through our song and from our hearts, we ask you to feel the joy, share the wonder and live the love this holiday season.

Michael Valdez President, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida

COLORS OF THE SEASON

OUR LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tony Corrente

Don Croxton

Terry Hirsh

Taylor Rismiller

Paul Roll

Pat Seddon

George Kling

Doug Pew

Mimi Pink

Bill Spinosa

Michael Valdez Rick Vaughan Chorus President

Bill Elliott

Gerry Kennedy Chairman, Board of Directors

CHORUS LEADERSHIP TEAM

Front Row: Fred Boykin, Secretary; Michael Valdez, President; Mark Benson, Vice-President; James Smith, Vice-President of Production & Logistics.

Back Row: Tom Michalak, Vice-President of Marketing; Alejandro Diaz, Tenor 2 Section Administrator; Brian Prenda, Tenor 1 Section Administrator; Greg Bennett, Boss Section Administrator; Bill Spinosa, Vice-President of Membership; Chris Chouinard, Baritone Section Administrator.

Not Pictured: Terry Hirsh, Treasurer; Rick Vaughan, Immediate Post President.

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

STAFF

From Left to Right: Doug Leib, Office Manager; Mark B. Kent, Executive Director; Michael Mendillo, Director of Development

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES ARTISTIC PLANNING TEAM Harold Dioquino, Chair, Artistic Director & Conductor Doug Cureton Gerry Kennedy Mark Kent James Smith Michael Valdez Tony Walsh COMMUNITY OUTREACH Michael Valdez Mark Benson Robert Benson James Ficke Dean Hitsos David Littlefield Dan Pine CHORUS FUNDRAISING Fred Boykin, Chair, Secretary

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS Tom Michalak, Chair, VP of Marketing & Communications John Burch Jerry Day Darnell Frazier Rick Heal DJ Lombardi Miguelanjel Perez Norm Rotkowitz Eric Strom Michael Valdez Randy Washburn Jason Weston MEMBERSHIP Bill Spinosa, Chair, VP of Membership Greg Bennett Christopher Chouinard Alejandro Diaz Brian Prenda

SOCIAL COMMITTEE Donald Tomasello, Co-chair Tony Corrente, Co-chair David Baier Mark Benson Rodney Bolton Bob Blount Alex Crotts Dean Hitsos David Littlefield Alan McKnight Donald Small WARDROBE COMMITTEE Bob Artale, Co-chair Joe Fletcher, Co-chair Skip Panse WE CARE COMMITTEE Brian Prenda, Chair, Tenor 1 Section Administrator Robert Benson James Ficke

OFFICE CORPS Bob Green-Pendolari Norm Rotkowitz Howard Yopp

COLORS OF THE SEASON

OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESSES AND THEIR GENEROSITY BY MICHAEL MENDILLO In 2010, a group of extraordinary men embarked on a journey to inspire hearts and change minds through the power of music. Just seven short years later, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has become the largest LGBT chorus in the Southeastern U.S., making it one of the top ten LGBT choruses in the nation.

The amazing success of this organization would not have been possible without the exceptional work and generosity of local businesses. GMCSF would not reach over 12,000 people each year with messages of love and inclusion without the incredible contributions of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Macy’s, and PNC Arts Alive.

Over the past five years, Macy’s has contributed almost $70,000 to GMCSF’s mission of inspiring hearts and changing minds.

Human Resources, Manager Janine MacLellan, has been a fan and friend of the Chorus for many years. Attending numerous concerts and Chorus events, Janine has even volunteered for the Chorus on occasion as an usher.

Macy’s is a generous supporter of many community initiatives, focusing giving on the arts, education HIV/AIDS, and women’s health and wellness. Giving over $71 million dollars each year to charitable causes, Macy’s is no stranger to the “magic of giving.” Concerts like this evening would not be possible without Macy’s contributions.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has been one of GMCSF’s major supporters for the past two years. Hosting the December 17th concert at Hard Rock Live would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of the Hard Rock. From donating the arena to countless man hours making this concert happen, Hard Rock’s generosity knows no bounds.

This milestone partnership allows GMCSF to reach its single largest audience each year. In its first year in 2016, 60% of the audience at Holidays at the Hard Rock! identified as non-LGBT. This concert gives GMCSF the opportunity to reach a larger non-LGBT audience to achieve its mission of opening hearts and changing minds.

Not only is the Hard Rock a major support of the arts, but also the LGBT community. Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs and Special Events, and Erick Eldridge, Special Events Manager, have been the driving forces behind realizing this partnership. Without their hard work and philanthropy, GMCSF’s largest annual concert would not be possible.

PNC Arts Alive is a multi-million-dollar initiative through PNC Bank to support the visual and performing arts. In its second year on the East Coast of Florida, PNC Arts Alive has chosen GMCSF as one of its grant recipients. With a gift of $15,000, PNC Arts Alive will sponsor GMCSF’s final concert of this season, Bold Voices.

Through this initiative, PNC Arts Alive programming demonstrates that there is an artistic outlet for everyone, regardless of age, economic background, skill level, or taste. Bold Voices will feature the music that has galvanized oppressed communities and given them the strength to come together and fight for their rights.

These local corporations are shining examples of corporate social responsibility. Macy’s, Hard Rock, and PNC are undeniably improving the quality of life in South Florida through generous and transformative contributions. We thank them for their remarkable support!

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

HELP MAKE THE MUSIC POSSIBLE

GMCSF is going places, and we want to take you with us! As we build bridges across new communities, explore different venues, and collaborate with community partners, we are opening more hearts and changing more minds than ever before. See below for information on levels of giving and how to make your tax-deductible contribution. Join us today on our journey to make your community a better place through the power of music.

GIVING IS EASY! A donation form is enclosed for your convenience. You can also give easily online at www.gmcsf.org.

If you would like to speak with a staff member about the giving option that best suits your needs, please contact Michael Mendillo, Director of Development, at mmendillo@gmcsf.org or by phone at (954)763-2266, ext. 108.

COLORS OF THE SEASON

THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE (AS OF NOVEMBER 11) MAESTRO ($25,000 Plus) Broward County Board of Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council Douglas Pew & Donald Croxton John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward John S. & James L. Knight Foundation Pier 66 Marina Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ($10,000—$24,999) Drial Foundation Community Foundation of Broward Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs Gulfstream Philanthropic Foundation Macy’s PNC Arts Alive PRODUCER ($5,000—$9,999) Bennett Quade & Paul Rolli FAB! (Funding Arts Broward) Fred Boykin & Jack Killen Gerald Kennedy & Paul Smith Joe Pallant Insurance Agency Our Fund Peter Kimball Richard Vaughan & Walter Sherman South Florida Gay News Taylor Rismiller & Bryan Gonzalez DIRECTOR ($2,500—$4,999) Anonymous Don Tomasello & Bob Pagano Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce George Kling Harvey Shapiro & Mike Dager Howard Kaplan Kenneth Hollander & John Kardos Louis Benevento & Patrick Duffy Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Group Mimi Pink Patricia Seddon Raphael Acenas Stephen Welsch & Josias Valero Rosie’s Bar & Grill Steinway & Sons – Miami William Spinosa & Frank Molano

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

PATRONS ($1,200—$2,499) Anthony Alacca Charles Barrett & Frederick Rivers Charles Poole & Paul Hoff Dana Shonbeck & Jim Orshaw D.C. Allen & Ken Flick, No Gay Hate Fund at Our Fund Dennis Fitzkee & Bernie Langeluttig Doug Leib & Tony Corrente Freedom Travel The Grand Resort & Spa Gulf Coast Magazine Herbert King Jason Cooke John Bowles John Klomp & Joseph P. Brannen John Olson & Steve Fender Mark & Bob Benson Mark Kent & Kevin Daft Michael Valdez Mona Pittenger Giving Fund at Our Fund Murry Stegelmann Pasquale Bettino & Gregory E. Seller Paul Fasana Paul Guariglia Phil Cross & Preston Watkins Robert J. Guttag Ron MacDonald Sidney Goldenberg Stephen Welsch & Josias Valero Steven & Tom Begert-Clark Steve Oden & Mike Greer Stuart Glazer & Barry Marcus The Bears of South Florida The Law Offices of George Castrataro Tyler Healis William Elliott William Jaume & David Schrock BENEFACTOR ($500—$1,199) Action Transport, Inc. Amina Perunko Anonymous BJ Albright & Phillip Morris Bruce Anderson Charles Nicoll Christopher Chouinard Constance St. Jean Dan Ayers & Tony Seguino Daniel Selvin

THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE (AS OF NOVEMBER 11) Dennis St. Jean Douglas Ferguson Eric Ziegler Fred Humphreys & Thomas Marten George Brown Ginny Dixon & Gisella Oliveira Harold Dioquino & Marty Childers Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer Fund at Our Fund Jimmy Cunningham & Jerson Velazquez Kenneth Keechl Kerry Waldee & Joseph Fletcher Kalis-McIntee Funeral Home Ilene Berliner & Maura Lane Law Offices of Ronald T. Bevans Jr. Louis and Charlotte Kaplan Marble of the World Marc Grossman Mario Magcalas Mark Kight & Bob Morrow Phillip Dearborn Pride Fort Lauderdale Ray Lockley & Marty Onieal Dr. Runar Polluson & Bob Pinsky Scott Bennett Steve Gray Wayne Gibson William Murphy THE GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY ($1—$499) Aaron Rosenberg Angelo Giacalone Anthony Petronella Antonio Corrente & Doug Leib Barry & Donnarae Schwartz Bea & Mike Thom Bob Nease Bona Italian Restaurant Bryon Bowlby Charles & Ruth Greenfield Charles Robinson Christopher Toth Clint Winter Dale Pflum & Javier Yanes Daniel Carballeira & Leslie Walker Daniel Cotlowitz Daniel Feldsberg Daniel Koenig Darnell Frazier David Jobin & Angel Burgos David Rosenzweig & Bruce Sobol David Seed Dean Hitsos Deborah Holmes

Donald Locascio & Robert Murphy Eveylyn Wright & Leigh Kennedy Frank Alvarez Fred Schieferstein & Kenneth Shanahan George Longobardi Ghislaine Wainwright Guy Pace Harry Small Harvey Naylor Howard Novie Howard Yopp Hugh Beswick Ileana Ortega Irma Emery J W Calcaterra Jack Friedman & Jose Vega James & Holly Gangi James & Pamela Fletcher Jared Leshner Jeffrey Banning Jeffrey Janski & Robert Starman Jenny Quintanilla Jim Cunningham Joe Cannon John Fitzpatrick John Hamilton John Patrick John Winter Jose Solernou Joseph Moschiano Kathi Santini Key Lime Video Lee Kaplan Leslie Leach Lois Wholey Marcus Flanagan Marjee Nathaniel Insurance Agency Inc. Mark Budwig & Nick Scalzo Mark Ketcham & Werner Lutz Mark Lubold Mary Dickens Michael & Dawn Pasquinelli Michael Manning Michael Mendillo Michelle Reis Mason Nate Klarfeld Nelson Moscoso Nicole Doumato Normand Leclair Patricia Peppard Paul Stanovich Peter Grossman & Lawrence Timmins

COLORS OF THE SEASON

THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE (AS OF NOVEMBER 11) THE GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY ($1—$499) Peter Konrath Peter Oberdorf Philip McChesney Phillip DiMichelle Ralph Stivali Randy Washburn & Anthony Ciali Reinhard & Kathleen Wernecke Richard Connolly Richard Huitema Richard Shapiro & Gerald Greenstein Rob Russo & Bert Corona Robert Collier & Charles Hunziker Robert Decamillo Robert Glass Robert Kay Robert Wilt & Orlando Santiago Rodney Bolton Ronant Management, Llc Row Iliescu Scott Barnes Sharon & Richard Ludwig Sharon Scales Stephen Chasor Steven Visano Tania & Javier Fernandez Terry Hirsh Terry Jukes & James Gallagan Tim Evans

Tracey Cramer Wayne & Lidia Stockton Wayne Schubnel William Beck William Britt William Bryan William Hines THE PEGASUS SOCIETY (Planned Giving) Anonymous Bob Pagano Charles Nicoll Don Tomasello Donald Croxton Doug Pew Gerald Kennedy Greg Futchi (of blessed memory) John Burch John Hohl (of blessed memory) Mark & Bob Benson Marty Kaplan Mitchell Grant Paul Smith Peter Kimball Robert Beardsley Ralph Stivali & Al LaMorges (of blessed memory)

ARE YOU A FRIEND OF FELICIA? Want to give on a monthly basis? Sign up to become a Friend of Felicia! Felicia the Flamingo is our beloved mascot, and she is bringing all her friends together in a flock of support for GMCSF. Felicia knows charitable, tax-deductible donations are crucial to the success of GMCSF. Felicia makes giving easy through automatic monthly payments charged to your credit or debit card.

Contact Michael Mendillo, Director of Development, for more information.

(954)763-2266 ext. 108 • mmendillo@gmcsf.org

the gay men’s chorus of south florida

JOHN C. GRAVES FOUNDATION - CHARITABLE FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BROWARD

PRESERVING THE LEGACY: THE JOHN C. GRAVES MAESTRO’S CHAIR Preserving the Legacy: The John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair memorializes a generous local philanthropist who was committed to a wide variety of LGBT and community organizations throughout his lifetime, and now through his estate trust under the management of the Community Foundation of Broward. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is a proud and grateful beneficiary of a five-year grant totaling $50,000 from Preserving the Legacy: The John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair.

“The grant has great meaning for all of us,” states GMCSF Board Chair Gerry Kennedy. “John Graves’ legacy of always striving to improve the quality of life for all people is one that every Chorus member honors when he performs. Our mission is to open minds and change hearts by inspiring through song, and John Graves’ remarkable generosity is helping us do that.”

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BROWARD

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward provides leadership on community solutions, and fosters philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter. With more than 450 charitable funds representing $165 million, it has distributed $65 million during the past 30 years to create positive change.

The Foundation convenes citizens around critical issues, and builds the capacity of our community.

For Good. For Ever. For more information, visit cfbroward.org or call (954) 761-9503

COLORS OF THE SEASON

WE’VE COME SO FAR IN OUR LIFETIME. Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!

Many of us still recall the days when television would never show two people of the same gender share a kiss…or even hold hands. Now we live in a time when the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of marriage equality. We’ve accomplished so much, yet there is so much more to do.

Since the late 1970s the LGBT Choral Movement has been a crucial tool for advocacy, unity and education. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is proud to continue this legacy through our music. We are proud to serve as cultural ambassadors for our community and provide a voice for those who do not have one. Help ensure this work continues by joining The Pegasus Society planned giving program. By including the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida in your estate planning, you can help sustain our organization and keep our voices carrying long into the future.

We invite you to join the members of The Pegasus Society today.

Contact us at: (954) 763-2266 or info@gmcsf.org for more information.

THE PEGASUS SOCIETY Bob Pagano Charles Nicoll Don Tomasello Donald Croxton Doug Pew George Kling

Gerald Kennedy Greg Futchi of blessed memory) John Hohl (of blessed memory) Marty Kaplan Mitchell Grant Paul Smith

Peter Kimball Robert Beardsley Mark & Robert Benson Ralph Stivali (of blessed memory) Al LaMorges (of blessed

“Being a member of The Pegasus Society is important to us because we believe and support the mission of the Chorus to open hearts and change minds and because music has always been a very important part of our lives.”

—Don Tomasello and Bob Pagano

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Artistic Director / Conductor: Harold Dioquino, The John C Graves Maestro’s Chair

CHORUS ADMINISTRATION Executive Director: Mark Kent Director of Development: Michael Mendillo Office Manager/ Bookkeeper: Doug Lieb

Wayne Laubscher Anthony J. Molluso Miguelanjel Perez Eduardo Pinto Steve Piper Brent Simmons Assistant Conductor: Robert Smith Dennis St. Jean Juan Mansilla Johann Torres Principal Jason Weston Accompanist: Baritone Christopher Toth Anthony Alacca OTHER STAFF Michael Anthony CHORUS Usher Program Bob Artale LEADERSHIP TEAM Coordinator: David Baier Chuck Spragg President: Mark Benson Michael Valdez Communications/ Robert Benson One Voice Editor: John Catenaci Vice President: Jerry Day John Chaffin Mark B. Benson Chorus Photographer: Winz-Lee Chin Secretary/Vice Ginny Dixon Christopher Chouinard President of Drew Corey Office Volunteers: Communications: William Dorgan Robert M. GreenFred Boykin Joseph Fletcher Pendolari Brian Garrertt Norm Rotkowitz Treasurer: Larry Giuffrida Howard Yopp Terry Hirsch David Gary SINGERS Immediate Past Paul Guariglia Tenor One Craig Hinman President: Bob Blount Dean Hitsos Rick Vaughan Rodney Boulton Anthony HowardVice President Fred Boykin Erevia Membership: George Brown Jacob King Patrick Brune Bill Spinosa Jim Kiselica Joe Cannon David Lawrence Vice President of Ray Cataneo John Lewis Marketing/Public Antonio Corrente David R Littlefield Relations: Alex Crotts Stephen Liu Thomas Michalak Doug Ferguson Mark Mattson Kurt Litzenberger Philip Morris Vice President James O’ Dell Production/Logistics: Justin Perry Kenneth Pope Skip (George) Panse James Smith Brian Prenda Bob Pennington Tenor One Dan Pine Tenor Two Administrator: Timothy Richardson Bruce Anderson Brandon Roberts Brian Prenda Bert Cohen Charles Robinson Doug Cureton Tenor Two Norm Rotkowitz Alejandro Diaz Administrator: Elvin Ruiz Dustin Ewing Alejandro Diaz Wayne Schubnel Kevin Fortney Steven Shapiro Darnell Frazier Baritone David Simson Fred Greenblatt Administrator: Bill Spinosa Christopher Chouinard Rick Heal Eric Strom Andrew Jimenez Bass Administrator: Josel Suarez John Klomp Gregg Bennett Peter Konrath David Van Cleaf

Rick Vaughan Tony Walsh Eric Ziegler Bass BJ Albright Gregg Bennett Rex Beyer Mark Blaylock John Burch Arthur Caponi Joseph Cappiello Jack Crowley Donald Croxton Jerry Day Sven Englund James Ficke Felix Fidelibus Terry Hirsh Bradley Johnson Donald Kasischke Bill Kennedy Charles Lewis Jim Lopresti Paul McCord Tom Malone Alan McKnight Thomas Michalak Bob Miller Rodrick Minnis Jim O’Rouke Jason Pitt John Puig Bob Rose Aaron Rosenberg David Rosenzweig Donald Small Kewan Smith Don Tomasello Micheal Valdez Steven Van Wie Charlie Walter Randy Washburn Aubrey Williams Non-Singing Members Donald A. Mills Philip Morris Sebastian Salvo In Memoriam (Our “Fifth Section” ) Gary Corbitt, Greg Futchi, John Hohl, Ray King, John Murrow, Thomas O’Bryant

COLORS OF THE SEASON

“When harmony is shared, there is a satisfying bond.”

Come sing with us !

Auditions: January 6, 2018, @ 10 AM More Information:

www.gmcsf.org

P l ay i t .

Li s t e n .

E nt e r t a i n .

E X P E R I E N C E I T.

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Dear Ron and Gary, Though far away, you are always close in our hearts and minds.

Sending love your way, Your Fort Lauderdale Family: Bill and Frankie, Dennis, Don and Bob, Doug and Don, Gerry and Paul, Harold, Mark and Bob, Mark and Kevin, Randy and Anthony, Rick and Walter, Steven and Tom, Tony and Doug LM_Program_Spreads.indd 6

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