Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida

HISTORY

The Beginning

Leadership Development

Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, GMCSF

On September 7, 2010, a group gathered at the UCC church hall in Oakland Park, Florida, to discuss forming a new gay men's chorus. They wanted to establish a group that would excel in musicianship, foster a caring brotherhood, and engage its members in all levels of the chorus' operations. The Rev Dr. Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister at Fort Lauderdale's Sunshine Cathedral MCC, invited the new group to make the cathedral both their rehearsal and concert home free of charge for the group's first season. On Tuesday, September 14, 2010, the founding members of the new chorus had their first rehearsal, followed by their first concert, "Home for the Holidays," in December of that year.

On September 21, 2010, the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida was officially incorporated. Retired attorney Doug Pew provided pro-bono legal work to assist the chorus in obtaining its 501 (c) 3 status on November 15, 2010, and, with his husband, Don Croxton, formed the first board. In addition, they and James Laird established a viable financial foundation for the new group. The founding board members, Doug Pew (the first chair), Don Croxton, Gerry Kennedy, and B.J. Albright, functioned not only as liaisons to donors in the community but also set out to be the outspoken champions of the mission that the chorus membership adopted for itself in its first year: "To inspire our 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." Since its founding, dozens of community leaders in South Florida have served on the chorus' Board of Directors, guided by the same purpose.

Leadership Development

The first leadership team, headed by founding President Bill Spinosa, formed quickly and divided up the responsibilities of the day-to-day management of the chorus business until GMCSF could hire staff to take on those duties. Additionally, since the beginning, a cadre of highly dedicated volunteers, including chorus members, their friends, and chorus allies, has handled the details of managing the chorus' performances and community service activities. They are an integral part of the life of the chorus, contributing such diverse services as bookkeeping, running fundraising events, preparing the stage for concerts, caring for members' unique needs, managing special events, generating program books, providing concert hospitality, and so much more.

From the beginning, significant decisions about the mission and direction of the chorus have been made in consultation with the membership, guided by a firmly held belief in organizational transparency. As a result, numerous chorus members have contributed their administrative and artistic talents to give the young choral group a strong foundation. Besides being elected to leadership positions annually, members have formed teams for production and logistics, creative advisement, wardrobe and volunteer management, music library management, marketing, social events, community outreach, and participation in the activities of the international Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. In addition, the chorus members formed a "We Care" committee to look out for the unique needs of the members living with debilitating illnesses or mourning personal losses. And a white stool, engraved with the names of men who have passed, graces the stage at every performance.

Artistic Direction

GMCSF was now ready to give an artistic direction to the fledgling chorus. Julliard-trained pianist and choral conductor Gordon Roberts initially donated his time and talent collaborating with Harold Dioquino, Director of Diggin, Florida's highly regarded Filipino-American vocal ensemble, as Assistant Conductor. These two founding artistic team members not only served as choral conductors but also contributed many of the orchestral and choral arrangements of the works performed by GMCSF in those first years. In addition, pianist Roger Rundle was appointed principal accompanist for the chorus from the first rehearsal and held that position until the chorus' 6th season. Finally, on January 1, 2023, the former Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus dissolved, and its members became a part of GMCSF.

New Visions

Artistic Direction

When Gordon Roberts' tenure as Artistic Director ended after the 5th anniversary season in 2015, the chorus held a nationwide search for his replacement. The three top candidates auditioned at a special rehearsal with the chorus members on January 30, 2016. As a result, Harold Dioquino, who had stepped up to the podium as Interim Conductor for the 2015 holiday performances, was selected as GMCSF's second Artistic Director and Conductor in February 2016. He has led the chorus to even more incredible accomplishments, including the group's debut at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. At the beginning of the 12th season in 2021, conductor, tenor, and music educator Gabe Salazar was chosen as GMCSF's first full-time Artistic Director. Anthony Cabrera became the group's assistant conductor the same year.

Staff Recruitment

The chorus hired its first administrative employee, Ed Corley, the Director of Development, in 2013. In May 2015, the chorus finally hired an Executive Director, Mark B. Kent, who had extensive experience in arts management, most recently with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Office Manager Doug Leib joined the staff as office manager in the same year, along with the new Director of Development, Michael Mendillo, who served from 2015-2018. The organization's offices relocated in 2015 from Sunshine Cathedral to The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors; the church has remained the chorus's rehearsal and holidays concert stage.

In 2019, Steve Urry was hired as the group's first Director of Marketing and Sponsorship. Edward Otto Zielke assumed the position after Mr. Urry's untimely passing in 2020. Finally, in 2024, Fidel Garcia joined the current administrative staff as the new Development Manager.

Making An Impact

Staff Recruitment

GMCSF has become a musical force in South Florida within the last few years. Performances have reached an audience of over 25,000 people as the chorus enters its second decade, and critics have acclaimed the group's performance quality and concert innovations. The ensemble has traveled twice to Denver, CO, to perform at the GALA Choruses choral festival. GMCSF commissioned internationally acclaimed composers such as Tom Nichols, Dan Chadburn, David Volpe, Mark Hayes, Kevin Wembley, Gary Fry, Robert Delgado, and Kim Andre Arnesen to write or arrange new works for world premiere performances. The chorus has shared the stage with award-winning Broadway, television, film, and recording artists, including Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Linda Eder, Sharon Gless, Alan Cumming, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Shoshana Bean, Amber Riley, Frankie Grande and Todrick Hall.

Equity, Access and Belonging

Unbreakable, Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, GMCSF, Gabe Salazar, Andrew Lippa

Diverse, intergenerational, multicultural: At GMCSF, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization is one where every human, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feels valued and respected. We have committed to a nondiscriminatory approach in our employment and programs throughout history. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. In 2022, GMCSF adopted GALA Choruses' reinvented name change from DEI: Diversity Equity & Inclusion to EAB: Equity Access & Belonging. GMCSF is committed to accessing its performances, members, volunteers, and staff. Therefore, we provide ASL interpreters, wheelchair seating, alternative formats, and other accommodations to ensure our patrons have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

It is the policy of the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Inc., to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request materials in an accessible format, sign language interpreters, and any accommodation required to participate in any of our programs, please contact Mark Kent, Executive Director, at 954-763-2266, Ext. 109. To allow us to provide optimal accommodation, please submit your requests as early as possible.

In Memorium

Equity, Access and Belonging

Whenever we perform, we sing for the Chorus members who are no longer with us. Their names are continually memorialized in our concert programs and the list below. However, their spirit lives on with us, and we honor their memory by adding their name badge to our memorial show stool (white).

In Memoriam:

Anthony Alacca • Gregg Bennett • Bob Blount • George Brown • Johnny Butler • Gary Corbitt • Alex Crotts • Greg Futchi • Dr. Denny Hamann • Ronald Hess • John Hohl • Ray King • Al LaMorges • Karl Lütgens • John Makos • Philip Morris • John Murrow • Patrick Ott • Skip (George) Panse • Douglas Jackson Pew • David Quackenbush • Francois Ratzel • Steve Ratzel • Brian Ricci • Bob Rose • Elvin Ruiz • Pat Seddon • Neal Sinha • Gregory Stanton • Steve Urry

*Please contact us for any names we may have missed.

Community Awards

Membership Awards

In March 2024, GMCSF was honored with BBX Capital's Non-Profit of The Year for The Arts hosted by 211 Broward and at the Diversity Honors Awards, benefiting The Pride Center at Equality Park and The Harvey Milk Foundation—both events hosted at Seminole Hard Rock.

The Douglas Jackson Pew Community Leadership Award: “This award is presented at our annual gala fundraiser to individuals and corporate partners who are recognized as mission champions for the Chorus, strengthening our communities and advancing us toward achieving our vision.”

Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn, 2024

Harvey Shapiro and Michael Dager, 2023

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, 2023

The Al LaMorges Community Leadership Award: “Presented at our annual gala fundraiser to individuals who are recognized as mission champions for the Chorus, and by so doing, has made the Chorus stronger and advanced us toward achieving our vision.

Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith, 2023

Mark Byrd and Glen Weinzimer, 2022

Mark Hunter and Patrick Volkert, 2020

Joe Pallant, 2019

DC Allen and Ken Flick, 2018

*The award was renamed on November 4, 2023, in honor of the first Board Chair of GMCSF, Douglas Jackson Pew.

Membership Awards

The Bill Spinosa Distinguished Service Award: “Presented annually to the Chorus member who has performed, in a singular fashion, service to the Chorus far over and above the expectation of membership, and by so doing, has made the Chorus stronger and advanced us toward the achievement of our vision.”

Kenneth Pope, 2015 • Wayne Schubnel, 2016 • Gary D. Corbett, 2017 • Tony Corrente, 2018 • Dustin Ewing, 2019 • Joseph Fletcher, 2020 • Jerry Day, 2021 • Fred Boykin, 2022 • Jonathan Sanz, 2023 • Michael Foley, 2024

The Gary Corbitt Core Values Award: “Passion, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence, Pride Presented to the member who best represents and lives the core values of the GMCSF consistently throughout the season, providing leadership and selfless service.”

Steven Begert-Clark, 2017 • Don Tomasello, 2018 • Michael Valdez, 2019 • Charles Robinson, 2020 • Brad Johnson, 2021 • Michael Gillespie, 2022 • Alex Crotts, 2022 posthumously • Rick Vaughan, 2023 • Bert Cohen, 2024 • Larry Small, 2024

The Greg Futchi Award: “For Self-Expression, Contribution, Generosity, and Creativity. Presented to the GMCSF member who best represents the values we love and remember about our dear brother, Greg.”

Randy Washburn , 2016 • David Littlefield, 2017 • Doug Cureton, 2018 • Tim Richardson, 2019 • Tom Malone, 2019 • Skip (George) Panse, 2020 • Scott Hindley, 2021 • Jim Lopresti, 2021 • Bruce Anderson, 2022 • Don Thompson, 2023 • David Gray, 2024

Timeline of Events

2010 – 2011 Season 1:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

December 17- 18, 2010 “Home for the Holidays,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC with guest artists, Dinggin Filipino-American Choir. “We have come together out of a common passion and commitment to make beautiful music, to form a brotherhood where each member is known, appreciated, and encouraged to bring his unique talents and abilities to the chorus, and a sense of responsibility for the future we will leave beyond our time” (Bill Spinosa, Chorus President in program book) “We know that being a member of GMCSF is not just about singing. It is about being a good role model for poor youth, giving back to the community, and offering a helping hand to those who need one.” (Chorus statement in the program book)
April 8-9, 2011 “Singular Sensation,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. Music of Broadway with guest artists Soprano Birgit Fioravante, Soprano Vivian Levine, and Soprano Wendy Reynolds
June 17-18, 2011 “Metamorphosis: Change Can Be Wonderful,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. A performance of a choral song cycle composed by Robert Seeley, with lyrics by Robert Espindola, and premiered by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, March 19, 2004, in Minneapolis, MN.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

December 11, 2010, In concert with Margaret Cho, Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, FL
On February 21, 2011, GMCSF joined six other Florida choral groups to perform in Miami Gay Men’s Chorus 2nd annual Choral Festival, Miami, FL.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

November 29, 2010, World AIDS Day Commemoration at Center for Spiritual Living, Wilton Manors. GMCSF performs in World AIDS Day events in South Florida every year following
Bill Spinosa serves as GMCSF 1st president for Seasons 1-4

2011 – 2012 Season 2:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

Dec. 14, 16, and 17, 2011 “Ring Them Bells,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. Featuring Soprano Birgit Fioravante and narrator Jan McArt, including the first appearance of a select small ensemble of GMCSF members under the direction of Sebastian Salvo.
March 30, 31, and April 1, 2012, “Bach to the Future,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. A concert of classical, American folk, Spiritual and Inspirational music
June 22 and 23, 2012, “Take Me to the World,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. A mosaic of classical, popular, and folk music from around the globe featuring soloists from the chorus and guest artist Soprano Melanie Sierra.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

February 4, 2012, GMCSF joins six other Florida choral groups to perform in Miami Gay Men’s Chorus 3rd annual Choral Festival, Miami, FL.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

In December 2011, Chorus members collected over 750 stuffed animals to donate to Broward Health’s Children’s Hospital, beginning a tradition that would continue to the present day at each Holiday season.
In July 2012, over 100 members of GMCSF traveled to Denver to perform in the Gay and Lesbian Association of Chorus’ quadrennial festival, joining over 6000 singers from around the world.

2012 – 2013 Season 3:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

Dec. 13, 14, and 15, 2012 “Mighty Sounds of Joy,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. Performance of beloved Holiday classics with an inaugural concert by GMCSF’s small ensemble, Tropical Wave, under the direction of Harold Dioquino. The chorus presents its first Community Excellence in Service Award to the LGBT Youth Program at SunServe, South Florida’s LGBTQ Social Service Agency.
March 22 and 23, 2013, “Too Much of a Good Thing Can be Wonderful,” at Sunshine Cathedral. GMCSF Artistic Director Gordon Roberts shares the podium with Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese, Artistic Director of Florida’s prestigious Symphony of the Americas, in joint concert performances with the 65-member orchestra. The concert includes both classical and pop repertoire.
June 21 and 22, 2013, “Lights, Camera, Action: The Music and Magic of the Movies,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. Eight of the fifteen songs in the concert were arranged for male chorus by Gordon Roberts and Harold Dioquino.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

GMCSF’s elite small ensemble, Tropical Wave, has its first “solo” performance at the dedication of Congregation Etz Chaim at Temple Beth Torah with the community’s special guest Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
March 19 and 24, 2013, GMCSF’s partnership with the Symphony of America includes a reprise of Too Much of a Good Thing Can be Wonderful at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

GMCSF’s March performances include the first piece choreographed by GMSCF member Scott Hindley who will choreograph numerous other GMCSF productions henceforward.
GMCSF hires its first Director of Development, Ed Corley
GMCSF receives its first grant from Broward Cultural Division

2013 – 2014 Season 4:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

Dec. 13, 14, and 20, 21, 2013, “Heaven and Nature Sing,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC.
Another set of Holiday classical and contemporary favorites showcases the talents of guest organist Mark Jones and members of the dance troupe at Muse Center of Fort Lauderdale, joining with GMCSF dancers prepared by choreographer Scott Hindley reprising the classic Radio City Rockettes’ Parade of the Toy Soldiers. The chorus presents its Community Excellence in Service Award to the Pride Center at Equality Park.
March 28-29, 2014, “No Man Stands Alone,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC with guest artist soprano Wendy Reynolds.
June 20, 21, 2014 “Believe: Wishes Do Come True,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC, with guest artists soprano Kirsten DiNonno Noffsinger.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

December 16, 2013, GMCSF becomes the first LGBTQ group to perform in the prestigious “Sunday Afternoons of Music” at Miami University’s Frost School of Music’s Maurice Gusman Concert Hall.
GMCSF’s holiday performance at the Sunshine Cathedral video was recorded by Miami Public Radio station WLRN, edited, and broadcast on December 22, 24, and 25, 2014.
April 5, 2015, United Church of Christ, Oakland Park, FL. Reprise of “No Man Stands Alone.” This is the first in a series of reprise performances to be hosted by the church.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

GMCSF receives a grant from the John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, which underwrites the John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair for the next five years.
GMCSF received its first operating grant from the Broward County Board of Commissioners, as the Cultural Affairs Division recommended.

2014 – 2015 Season 5:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

Dec 12- 13, 19 -20, 2014, “Comfort and Joy” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC. The chorus presents its Community Excellence in Service Award to Broward House, an HIV-AIDS housing and social service agency.
March 27-28, 2015, “Let Music Live,” at Sunshine Cathedral MCC, featuring “Music Makes Me Feel,” a Mark Hayes composition commissioned by GMCSF for its fifth anniversary, with the composer in attendance. The work was based on interviews with chorus members about what inspires them to sing.
June 27, 2015, “Street of Dreams” at Bailey Concert Hall, Davie, Florida, with headlining guest artist Tony Award Nominee and Platinum Award-winning songwriter Ann Hampton Calloway. This is the chorus’ first subscription concert at a venue different from Sunshine Cathedral.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

April 7-8, 2015. GMCSF is a guest of the Symphony of the Americas, performing a reprise of select songs from the March concert, “Let Music Live,” at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

January 18, 2015, GMCSF raised $25,000 at its first annual Fundraising Brunch, a tradition that continues each Spring Concert cycle.
Dennis St. Jean serves as President of GMCSF for season 5
Mark Kent hired as Executive Director of GMCSF
Michael Mendillo hired as GMCSF Director of Development
Doug Leib hired as GMCSF Office Manager

2015 – 2016 Season 6:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

Dec 11- 12 and 18-19, 2015 A Time to Love at Sunshine Cathedral MCC, with guest artist, soprano Birgit Fioravante.
March 18-19, 2106, Love, American Style at Sunshine Cathedral includes premiere performances of “The World Is Mine” and “Candlelight” from Not in My Town, an opera based on the events following the brutal slaying of Matthew Shepard. The opera was composed by Michael Ross for our Florida professional vocal ensemble, Opera Fusion, and is scheduled for a premiere on June 17, 2016.
On June 10-11, 2016, Love and MarriageJune 17 at Sunshine Cathedral is a choral theater performance with a script by Island City Stage’s Michael Leeds. In addition, the chorus presents its Community Excellence in Service Award to the Transgender Services Program at SunServe.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

November 5, 2015, Tropic Wave first performs in concert at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Pompano Beach, and will return each year after that.
December 9, 2015, GMCSF performs “Comfort and Joy” at Live at Lynn Series, Wold Theater, Boca Raton, FL.
February 20, 2016, Tropical Wave presents “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” at Sunshine Cathedral.
May 14, 2016, Chorus members present the Big Gay Sing, a community “sing-a-long” hosted by The Lady Bunny and featuring “The Wizard of Odds,” a set of songs from the original Wizard of OZ film, the Wiz recasting, and the Broadway show Wicked at Sunshine Cathedral.
June 2, 2016, Members of GMCSF are guest artists for performance with the Master Chorale at Kellogg Foundation annual meeting in Miami Beach’s New World Center.
June 26, 2016, Members of GMCSF are guest artists for the staged production of South Pacific at FAU.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

In November 2015, GMCSF was awarded a two-year grant by the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation to fund Our Night OUT, a regional collaboration by LGBT arts organizations.
GMCSF receives its first grant from the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs
January 17, 2016: GMCSF presents “The Magic of Music,” its second annual Fundraising Brunch at Pier 66 Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale
After an extensive national search, on January 30, 2106, GMCSF auditioned three finalists for the position of Artistic Director to succeed founding Artistic Director Gordon Roberts. Harold Dioquino has been selected to assume the John C. Graves Maestro’s Chair as the second Artistic Director and Conductor of GMCSF.
Christopher Toth has been hired as the principal accompanist of GMCSF
Jason Stunk is employed as Assistant Conductor and Director of Tropical Wave
Bill Spinosa serves as President of the Chorus for season 6
James Smith began as Director for GMCSF performances and was named Production Director.
After June 12, 2016, shooting at the Pulse NightClub, GMCSF sang at a series of vigils in solidarity with the LGBT community of Orlando at The Pride Center, The Parker Playhouse, and NSU Art Museum.

2016 – 2017 Season 7:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

December 11, 2016, Holiday at the Hard Rock with headlining guest artist Broadway star and recording artist Linda Eder. This is the first in a series of annual Holiday concerts to be underwritten by Hard Rock Live.
December 16, 2016, Celebrate the Season at Sunshine Cathedral. Understanding the special place of the Cathedral in the holiday season for so many in its audience, GMCSF added holiday performance to its seasonal arrangements in 2016, and each year is exceptional.
March 24, 2017, We are Family, the performance of "Songs of My Family" with guest artists from Dance Miami and composer Robert Seeley in attendance. Via pre-recorded video, TV and film star Sharon Gless presents the Valuing Our Families Award to the composer's 10th-anniversary in memory of lyricist Robert Espindola, his late partner. The performance was a unique presentation that incorporated a set of staged narratives telling family stories from GMCSF members used as personalized introductions to many of the songs.
June 24, 2017, Generation Out, a Pride Month performance of song and narration at Parker Playhouse with Script by Tony Puma and David Simson and choreography by Ron Hutchins.

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

February 17, 2017, Tropical Wave performs Cabaret at the Coast with guest artist Liz Callaway at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.
March 25, 2017, "We are Family" reprise performance, United Church of Christ, Oakland Park, FL.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

July 6-7. 2016, GMCSF performs at its second GALA Conference in Denver, including a separate stand-alone set by Tropical Wave
July 23, 2016, GMCSF hosts Havana Cuba's Gay Chorus Mano a Mano as guest artists in a special concert, "Fraternidad," at Sunshine Cathedral.
October 22, 2016, Tropical Wave concert at Coral Springs Center for the Arts
November 2, 2016, GMCSF performs at the GLBX Council of the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce's 4th annual Artopia at the Galleria Mall.
November 19, 2016, Tropical Wave performs at The Judy Drucker Tribute Brunch on the 50th anniversary of the Great Artist Series of the Concert Association of South Florida, Miami.
February 5, 2017, GMCSF presents Building Bridges, the 3rd annual gala brunch at Pier 66 Hotel and Marina.
March 10, 2017, GMCSF sings selections from "Songs of My Family" for the World's AIDS Museum's special event, "An Evening with Larry Kramer," at Sunshine Cathedral.
GMCSF unveils its Young Conductors Program, which provides hands-on training and scholarships for talented young musicians.
Rick Vaughan serves as President of the Chorus for season 7
Juan Mansilla hired as Assistant Conductor of GMCSF

2017 – 2018 Season 8:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

December 9, 2017, Light and Joy at Sunshine Cathedral
December 17, 2017, Holidays at Hard Rock Live! with headlining guest artist Broadway and TV star Alan Cumming. The performance includes a presentation by Sharon Gless of the Valuing Our Families Award to Ruth Coker Burks, HIV-AIDS activist and advisor to President Bill Clinton. , The program consists of the GMCSF world premiere of the male choral setting of Kevin Membley’s Magnificat.
March 23-24, 2018, Two Boys Kissing at Sunshine Cathedral, a theater piece based on David Levithan’s 2013 novel, with composer Joshua Shank in attendance. Guest narrators included Larry Chidsey, Glen Knapp, and Edward Otto Zielke.
June 23 Bold Voices at Ft. Lauderdale’s Parker Playhouse with guest artists Unity on the Bay Gospel Choir and guest soloist Lenora Jaye

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

May 26, 2018, GMCSF members participate in a festival chorus with the New England Symphonic Orchestra performing in Carnegie Hall for the New York premiere of Mark Hayes’ “Requiem,” conducted by the composer.
June 1, 2018, the Small Ensemble performs with Exceptional Theater Company’s “Hollywood Stars: Wild Wild West” at Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

March 4, 2018, GMCSF presents Madhatter’s Gala, the 4th annual gala brunch at Pier 66 Hotel and Marina.
April 21, 2018, Proud Mary, a “festive fundraiser” cabaret performance by members of GMCSF at Sunshine Cathedral. A week later, the lounge was reprised at the Arts Garage, Delray Beach.
May 1, 2018, GMCSF performs at Holocaust Remembrance Day, Temple Solel, Hollywood.
June 15, 2018, GMCSF performs at Our Night OUT! Pride event with headliner RuPaul Drag Race contestant Monet X Change, Wilton Manors
Michael Valdez serves as President of GMCSF for seasons 8 – 9.
GMCSF, Stonewall National Library, and Island City Stage receive Night Foundation Grant to promote LGBTQ arts in South Florida.

2018 – 2019 Season 9:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

December 15, 2018, Heart of the Holidays at Sunshine Cathedral with guest artist Anthony Valazquez from Dance Now! Miami
December 16, 2018, Holidays at Hard Rock with headlining guest artist, TV, and Broadway star, Matthew Morrison. The performance includes guest artist Anthony Valazquez from Dance Now! Miami and the presentation of the Community Excellence in Service Award by Matthew Morrison to the Gay Straight Alliance at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, FL. The program includes the GMCSF world premiere of the male choral setting of Kevin Membley's Gloria and Gary Fry's The Song in our Hearts.
March 29-30, 2019, From the Heavenly to the Divine featuring the world premiere performance of the male choral setting of Norwegian composer Kim Andre Arnesen's "Requiem of Solace," commissioned by GMCSF, and Tropical Wave's world premiere performance of Robert Delgado's male choral setting of Teddy Bear a la J.S. Bach.
June 21, 2019, "Up Rise Sing" with guest artists Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus and Miami Gay Men's Chorus at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. GMCSF was among the co-commissioning choruses along with The NYC Gay Men's Chorus and the LA Gay Men's Chorus for the premiere of the "Quite No More" song cycle celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall uprising

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

On August 5, 2018, GMCSF performed with the New River Orchestra, Sunshine Cathedral, in a recital to end the "Music Summer School " weeklong.
April 27, 2019, Proud Mary II cabaret performance at Sunshine Cathedral
June 8, 2019, GMCSF is a guest chorus for Pride Wind Ensemble LGBT Pride performance at Amaturo Theater.
June 12, 2019, Tropical Wave performs at the "Pulse Remembrance" event in Richardson Park, Wilton Manors.
June 14, 2019, GMCSF performs at Our Night OUT! Pride event with headliner Todrick Hall, Wilton Manors
On June 22, 2019, GMCSF joined the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus and the Miami Gay Men's Chorus for a reprise of "Up Rise Sing" at Coral Gables Methodist Church, Coral Gables, FL.

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

On October 18, 2018, GMCSF was invited by the City of Miami Beach to welcome the site evaluation committee from the Democratic National Convention
March 10, 2019, GMCSF presents Mardi Gras Gala, the 5th annual gala brunch at Pier 66 Hotel and Marina
GMCSF is awarded the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce's Nonprofit of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding business practices and success
2019 GMCSF National Anthem Performances:
- January 26, Pegasus World Cup horse race at Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
- February 1, Florida Panthers NHL game, BB&T Center
- February 28, Ft. Lauderdale mayor's State of the City Address assembly
- March 13, Miami Heat Pride Night at American Airlines Arena, Miami
- June 22, (Tropical Wave) Museum of Discovery and Art, Ft. Lauderdale
- June 29, Florida Marlins Pride Game at Marlins Stadium

2019 – 2020 Season 10:

MAINSTAGE CONCERTS

Dec 14, 2019 - Holidays at Sunshine Cathedral
Dec 15, 2019 - Holidays at Hard Rock Live with guest artist Jordyn Sparks

INVITED PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL CONCERT EVENTS

Mar 8, 2020 - The Greatest Showmen, 10th Anniversary Gala Brunch at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

OTHER EVENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR GMCSF and OUR COMMUNITY

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global health emergency, and we stopped live performances for the remainder of the season.

The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Inc. (FEIN #27-3533074) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the State of Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. If you would prefer not to receive mail from us, please call (954) 763-2266 or by email.

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There will not be a magic day when we wake up and it’s now okay to express ourselves publicly. We make that day by doing things publicly until it’s simply the way things are.

HISTORY

The Beginning

Leadership Development

Leadership Development

Leadership Development

Leadership Development

Leadership Development

Artistic Direction

Artistic Direction

Artistic Direction

New Visions

Artistic Direction

Artistic Direction

Staff Recruitment

Staff Recruitment

Staff Recruitment

Making An Impact

Staff Recruitment

Staff Recruitment

Equity, Access and Belonging

Equity, Access and Belonging

Equity, Access and Belonging

In Memorium

Equity, Access and Belonging

Equity, Access and Belonging

Community Awards

Membership Awards

Membership Awards

Membership Awards

Membership Awards

Membership Awards

Timeline of Events

2010 – 2011 Season 1:

2011 – 2012 Season 2:

2012 – 2013 Season 3:

2013 – 2014 Season 4:

2014 – 2015 Season 5:

2015 – 2016 Season 6:

2016 – 2017 Season 7:

2017 – 2018 Season 8:

2018 – 2019 Season 9:

2019 – 2020 Season 10:

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