AN OCEANSIDE OASIS

STAY, PLAY, MEET AND EAT JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH

The Artists

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA (GMCSF)

Mission: We sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity.

Vision: A diverse world united.

GMCSF brings live music and entertainment to the community through large-scale, main-stage concerts in high-profile venues, community-based engagements, and volunteer projects. More than 20,000 people are inspired and moved each year by the Chorus’s music, community outreach, and mission, making GMCSF a significant LGBTQ+ nonprofit service organization and cultural asset in the heart of South Florida. With more than 170 singing members, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is the southeastern United States’ largest gay men’s chorus and one of the country’s ten largest nonprofit LGBTQ+ choruses.

Our members are a community of diverse, intergenerational, and multicultural singers dedicated to our mission and a better future for all people. Being a member of the Chorus is not just about singing. It is also about being good role models for our youth, giving back to the community, and offering a helping hand to those who need one. GMCSF serves communities with live music and entertainment in Broward, Miami Dade Palm Beach counties and more!

THE ARTISTS

GABE SALAZAR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Gabe Salazar is an enthusiastic and experienced conductor, tenor, and music educator skilled in fostering the artistic development of musicians from all backgrounds of life. Gabe brings to GMCSF 15 years of professional experience in the choral conducting field and as a performer. Gabe completed his Master of Music degree in Voice at Lee University with further studies at California State University, Fullerton. His professional career has included serving as the Director of Music for United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks in Thousand Oaks, California; the Director of New Life Singers and a member of the Voice Faculty at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ; performing as a staff singer for the Chicago Symphony Chorus as well as the Pacific Chorale in Costa Mesa, California; and as Choral Director at the Champs Charter High School of the Arts in Los Angeles and Osceola County School of the Arts in Kissimmee, Florida. During his last position, the choral program doubled in size in one year and won numerous awards at festivals and competitions.

In March 2019, Gabe made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut with his Chamber Singers. The group won a prestigious competition to headline a concert in the worldrenowned Isaac Stern Auditorium. Gabe is thrilled to be the new artistic director for GMCSF and looks forward to building the ensemble’s future with the members, volunteers, and staff.

Anthony Cabrera is the former Artistic Director of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, serving them for 14 years. Under his leadership, the chorus has introduced groundbreaking choral works for men’s voices (Through the Glass Darkly 2010, Alexander’s House 2013, and I AmHarvey Milk 2016), dealing with issues integral to the story and history of the LGBTQ+ community. The chorus also saw the development and expansion of the MGMC South Florida Choral Festival, which, for five years, featured over three hundred singers representing a broad spectrum of communities in South Florida.

Cabrera is the Assistant Director of Music Ministries at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), where he is also the Minister of Liturgical Arts. He is a singer with the Chancel Choir and CGCC’s professional vocal ensemble in residence. He is the Choral Director at the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy—Miami Dade County Public Schools’ single-gender public preparatory academy for girls. He also teaches Humanities, AP Music Theory, and AP Human Geography and is the school’s Director of Student Activities.

Anthony is the conductor for TROPICAL WAVE, the vocal ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida designed for special service performances and when a venue has limited space for the entire chorus. They are also frequently showcased in mainstage concerts and community events.

Guest Conductors

Derek Barbara

Jorge A Bernal-Geschier

Mark Blackburn

Fred Boykin

John Chaffin

Mun Wye Chng

Sandy Allen

Anthony Cabrera

Mun Wye Chng

Gmcsf Soloists

Felix Fidelibus

Dion Grace

Rafael Gragert

Colin Ludlow

Ginny McCulloh

A.J. Mendini

Steven Patterson

David Pfeffer

Francois Ratzel

Jonathan Sanz

Patrick Simonelli

Larry Small

Speakers

Dean Hitsos

Gregory Johnson

John Lewis

Andrew Stephens

Don Thompson

Johann Torres

Kely Van Eaton

Rashad Webb

Clayton Paterson

Louis Silvers

Bill Spinosa

Chris