2023 Songs of The Phoenix

Diversity makes for a better cocktail party.

INSPIRED BY THE SEA

DIVE INTO NEWLY REDESIGNED SPACES FOR YOUR NEXT OCEANSIDE EVENT

presented by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida with Artistic Director, Gabe Salazar

Sponsored in part by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Amazon, Funding Arts Broward, The Maurer Family Foundation and VACAYA

Friday, March 24, 2023, at 8:00 PM

The Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Performances by Tropical Wave, GMCSF’s Soloists & Dancers, David Harris and Anthony Velazquez of Dance NOW! Miami, Guest Conductor Paul Rolli, and Sunshine Cathedral’s Rev Dr. Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister as The Narrator

Anthony Cabrera – Assistant Conductor

James Smith – Production Director

Edwin Neimann – Principal Accompanist

Christopher Toth – Accompanist

Diablo Sound – Sound Design

Tom Michalak – Production Assistant

Francois Ratzel – Choreographer

Joseph Fletcher – Costumes & Wardrobe

Bruce Anderson – Costumes & Wardrobe

Craig Hinman – Costumes & Wardrobe

Orchestra

Piano: Edwin Neimann

Keyboard: Chris Toth

Woodwinds: Christine Pascual-Fernandez

Violin 1: Daniela Lemus Castillo

Violin 2: Laura Gonzalez

Cello 1: Maria Karla Llera Soler

Cello 2: Stephanie Jaimes

Electric Guitar: Hugo Fuguet

Electric Bass Guitar: Julian Rauh

Percussion: Felipe Diaz

Drums: Teresa Flores

THANK YOU

Our friends at Sunshine Cathedral: Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister, Reverend Robert Griffin, Executive Minister, Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager, and M. Tate Tenorio, Theater Manager at The Parker

Book developed and produced through generous support from:

We are so thrilled and honored that you have joined us tonight for what will be a spectacular evening of music. It is such a joy to lead this wonderful group of singers, who are so passionate and invested in who we are and what we do as a chorus. Our purpose within and throughout our community is more important now more than ever, and I am proud to stand on the podium knowing that this group, along with so many others, has persevered through many challenges. I am so thankful for all of the leaders before me who have laid the foundation for us to have such an amazing platform to share our stories through song.

When the opportunity arose to be a co-commissioner on tonight’s important work of music, I quickly jumped at the opportunity. Songs of the Phoenix is such a unique work in that it tells a compelling and inspiring story through the lens of several different composers. Songs of the Phoenix is a testimony and reminder that we are resilient and that we will rise again in solidarity for the greater good.

We hope that tonight will bring you feelings of hope, courage, strength, and love. We have come so far, but still have much work to do. I know that with your help we can collectively be a beacon of love for so many people that need it right now.

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 a 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, and beyond!

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 as a choral conductor and 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, ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

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 (CGCC), 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.

GUEST ARTISTS

TROPICAL WAVE

Under the direction of Assistant Conductor, Anthony Cabrera

Tropical Wave is the outreach chamber ensemble of GMCSF, designed for special service performances and when a venue has limited space for the entire chorus. They are also frequently showcased in our mainstage concerts.

Tenor 1: Mark Blackburn, Rafael Gragert, David Pfeffer, Jonathan Sanz, Johann Torres

Tenor 2:

Jose Blanco, Rick Heal, Francois Ratzel, Don Thompson

Jose Blanco

Mark Blackburn

Mun Wye Chng

Reynaldo Araque

Stan Burch

Baritone: John Chaffin, Dion Grace, Paul Guariglia, Charles Robinson, Eric Strom

Bass:

Felix Fidelibus, Richard Fulks, Ronnie Jones, John Lewis, Rick Vaughan

GMCSF SOLOISTS

Doug Ferguson

Dion Grace

Rafael Gragert

Fred Johnson

Zak Laux

David Pfeffer

GMCSF DANCERS

Gregory Johnson

Alan McKnight

Eric Miji

Carter Poust

Jonathan Sanz

Johann Torres

Rick Vaughan

Rashad Webb

Francois Ratzel

Eric Strom

SONGS OF THE PHOENIX

CORNERSTONE

Soloist: Rashad Webb

Sponsored by Hal Noble

We need more love and compassion in the world.

WE RISE AGAIN

Soloist: Dion Grace

ACT I

Text ran from Psalm 118:22

Arr. by Shawn Kirchner

Words & Music by Leon Dubinsky

Arr. by Stephen Smith

Words & Music by Andrew Lippa

WE RISE

Soloist: Zak Laux

WHO AM I?

Soloist: Jonathan Sanz

WE ARE TREES**

Soloist: Rafael Gragert

Dancers: GMCSF Dancers

MOTHER DEAR PRELUDE 2

SONG OF TOMORROW

Soloist: Rafael Gragert

MUSICA Y SABORES

Soloist: Jose Blanco

PRAYER

Soloists: David Pfeffer, Johann Torres, Mark Blackburn

PRELUDE 1 INTERMISSION

Words & Music by Ingrid Michaelson

Arr. by Dave Volpe

Words by Melissa Li, Music by Kit Yang

Arr. by Bronwen Chan

Words & Music by Ty Defoe

Arr. by Dave Volpe

Words by Siedah Garrett

Music by Andrew Lippa

Words & Music by Andrew Lippa

Words & Music by Joriah Kwame

Arr. by Dave Volpe

Words & Music by Diana Syrse

Words & Music by Patrick & Daniel Lazour

PRELUDE 3

ACT II

Words & Music by Andrew Lippa

FLAG SONG

Soloists: Doug Ferguson, Rick Vaughan, Mun Wye Chng

Sponsored by Dennis St. Jean

BLOOM

Soloists: Mark Blackburn, Fred Johnson

Dancers: Dance NOW! Miami

PRELUDE 4

SONG OF THE PHOENIX

I DREAM OF A TIME ***

Soloist: David Pfeffer

Words & Music by Stephen Sondheim

Words by Alexandra Elle

Music by Stephen Schwartz

Words & Music by Andrew Lippa

Words & Music by Andrew Lippa

Words & Music by Tom Nichols & Dan Chadburn

Dedicated by Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn to the members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Thank you for your witness of love and family shared so beautifully through music.

LIKE A RIVER IN MY SOUL

Tropical Wave

Sponsored by John Lewis, “Dedicated to my partner, Louis Hemmerich who brings peace, hope and love like a river in my soul.”

LEAN ON ME WITH WE SHALL OVERCOME

Tropical Wave

Traditional Spiritual

Arr. by Tom Osiek, Edited by Dan Forrest Arranged by Mark Hayes

Sponsored by John Chaffin, with loving recognition of Elliot Pilshaw, who introduced me to the numerous joys of small-ensemble singing

(STAND UP &) COME TOGETHER

Sponsored by Jorge Ornelas, Jr.,

We need more love and compassion in the world.

Words & Lyrics by Nick Goldston Arr. by David Maddux

* Please note that any last minute changes to the concert program are at the discretion of the Artistic Director. All orchestrations written by Peter Seibert.

** “As a Native American who grew up on the Pala Indian reservation in California, I naturally identified with Ty Defoe’s “We Are Trees.” The chanting in the music reminded me of the tribal ceremonies I attended as a child. For all of my ancestors who lost their land and had no voice, I became inspired to tell my people’s stories through modern dance. This piece depicts themes of eco-harmony, coexistence with nature, and the resilience of our land.”

*** “I Dream Of A Time is a wish for the future and a song of love and gratitude for those in our lives who have become a part of our chosen family. For many who have joined the GMCSF, singing has been a lifeline. We know that we can open our minds and change hearts when we lift our voices together in song. The longing for love and acceptance is as strong today as it was 23 years ago, and we continue to share hope for a future where each voice is heard and we find a place where our love can speak. - Tom Nichols

SONGS OF THE PHOENIX: RESILIENCY AND HOPE UNITE US

“Remain true to yourself. But move ever upward toward greater consciousness and greater love! At the summit, you will find yourselves united with all those who, from every direction, have made the same ascent. For everything that rises must converge.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, The Omega Point

A TRILOGY IS BORN – In the early days of the pandemic, Tim Seelig, Artistic Director of The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Broadway composer Andrew Lippa shared thoughts about filling out an incomplete trilogy of works created by Andrew for the San Francisco group. The first two, “I Am Harvey Milk” (2013) and “Unbreakable” (2018), had words and music by Andrew. This time, Andrew offered to curate a work that might address the unique challenge of the pandemic that seemed to change everything everywhere. Crafting his concept from a broader view to catch all the angles, Lippa envisioned a song cycle created by as diverse a group of librettists and composers as possible. Two years later, on April 10, 2022, the men of San Francisco’s chorus premiered Songs of the Phoenix at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. A dozen other choruses signed on to this commission, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. While, at first glance, it may seem that he diverged from the powerful themes of the two earlier works, a closer look at each work Lippa wrote or curated tells a different story.

I AM HARVEY MILK – Prophets are often mischaracterized as foretellers of the future. There is a certain kind of truth to that, but it is only secondary. Prophets are incapable of straying from the call to speak truth to power. That is what is essential about their role. When spoken with solid conviction, their words disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed, the cast-offs, the throwaways, the ones seemingly shrouded in hopelessness by the powerful. Harvey Milk was one of them, even though he may never quite have claimed the prophet’s mantle. On June 25, 1978, he ended his California Gay Freedom Day speech on the steps of the San Francisco city hall with these words: “So if there’s a message I have to give, it is that I found one overriding thing about my personal election. It’s the fact that if a gay person can be elected, it’s a green light. And you and you and you-- you have to give people HOPE.” Most prophets get in trouble for speaking so boldly. Many die at the hands of those too disturbed by their truth-telling. Harvey was one of them. Historians call his address on that day “The Hope Speech.”

UNBREAKABLE – In June 2022, South Florida audiences raved about the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s production of Andrew Lippa’s Unbreakable, an account of 100 years of LGBTQ+ history. This work, also co-commissioned by GMCSF, lauded the legacies left behind by many other notable lesbian and gay pioneers. But there were other stories told there. Our community’s history is filled with castaways, people huddled together in the darkness. Some of them, like Sylvia Rivera, were also prophets. And sometimes, stories like hers show that our resilience can take center stage. We were compelled to “drag” ourselves out of the closet into the full light of day, saying, “I am what I am.” We are truly “unbreakable.” The hurricane force of hateful winds has bent us, but we do not break. We sprout anew. All just when the time requires it. And then people take notice—no more shadows. Because we are resilient, our hope is unbreakable. It is all about aspirations, not pipe dreams.

SONGS OF THE PHOENIX – The third song cycle, the work of many diverse artists, differs from the first two significantly. First, rather than telling stories to showcase legacies from the past, most of the songs call poetic attention to matters of today that lead us into the future. Second, Songs of the Phoenix embraces the deep narratives of an inclusive American community. That aligns the Queer community’s concerns with those of more diverse groups. That said, Songs of The Phoenix builds on the other cycles’ themes of hope and resilience through the addition of more diverse communities. So how does all that add to our story? Perhaps we can summarize it this way: Our consciousness expands. We are part of other groups of resilient, unbreakable people. Our shared hope will never falter, even when we are “othered” away or diminished by powerful forces. Another prophet, Martin Luther King, said, “no one is free until we all are free.” We do not doubt that someday some among us will see petty divisions wither in flames, whether in the near or distant future. Then like the phoenix, when we rise from there, it will be as one human family united. Can we ever settle for less? Truly, can we?

In a series of blog posts, we will meet some artists and explore some facets of their messages. We will learn about the struggles, hopes, and glorious truths of unbreakable, resilient people rising and converging. From “We Rise,” a song in the cycle by Ingrid Michaelson: “We rise, and we rise/And we rise up like a friend/Or a mother or a lover or a brother/We rise.”

Find out more about the composers and lyricists by visiting The Chorus Blog on our website.

• We Are Trees - The Back Story From a Floridian’s Point of View

• Who Am I? A Question for Our Personal Phoenix

• Bloom - The Soul Pairing of Alex Elle and Stephen Schwartz

• Prayer and Protest - Ancient to Modern

• Phoenix On A Flag

It’s not the awards. It’s the rewards.

While we’re honored by the accolades, we’re even more proud of the positive outcomes. To schedule an appointment, please call 954-542-2500 or visit us online.

holy-cross.com

“It was great working with Joe, he stuck with us across an arduous 8 month search in the hyper competitive Fort Lauderdale market. His knowledge of local neighborhoods (down to each and every street) and peculiarities unique to Florida was particularly helpful as my husband and I relocated from out of state. After several offers we finally found the perfect house for us, the last month to close was nail biting, but he handled all the curve balls like a pro. Would highly recommend!”

Do you know why there are LGBTQ+ choruses? I posed this very question to my straight twin brother who glibly replied, “Because you love show tunes?” He is a great ally and very smug.

It really wasn’t that long ago that those in our community lived in fear of being arrested or fired, just for who they are. After openly gay San Francisco Mayor Harvey Milk was assassinated in 1978, a group of gay men spontaneously gathered at City Hall and sang. This was the birth of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Choruses gained momentum when the AIDS crisis struck in the 80s, because we needed a way to come together and heal from the loss of so many precious lives. Following a national tour of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in 1981, LGBTQ+ choruses began springing up in cities across the country. Now, more than 200 exist.

The gay choral movement has played a vital role in the advancement of rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Our choruses sing in protest, celebration, and mourning. Now, we are seeing so many of the advances we’ve made being peeled back. At GMCSF we are firmly committed to continuing the legacy of advocacy and community building that are trademarks of gay choruses. This season, we’ve dramatically increased our community outreach performances, expanded our mainstage concert series, and built our membership to more than 170 singers. You can count us to be your voice, spreading messages of love and acceptance to as many people as possible. Through song, we open minds and change hearts.

I ask you to consider making a financial donation. To grow and reach more people, requires resources. The more you give, the more we can do. No matter the amount, every single donation makes a big difference.

Thank you for your support and for being a fan of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Together, we can build a better future for all people.

And for the record…I just LOVE show tunes!

Get Involved!

www.gmcsf.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Council Chair, Harvey Shapiro, Fred Boykin, Don Croxton

Mike Dager, Dino Georgiou, Gary Hoffman, Gerry Kennedy, George Kling

John Olson, Bob Pagano, Joe Pallant, Doug Pew, Don Tomasello, Rick Vaughan

OUR ORGANIZATION

Tenor I

Reynaldo Araque

Derek Barbara

Andy Barborak

Bob Beaulieu

Mark Blackburn

Jose Blanco

Rodney Bolton

Fred Boykin

Christopher Bright

Victor Budylo

Bradley Bush

Bruce Chartier

Antonio Corrente

Edmound Davis

Chad Edgar

Doug Ferguson

Sue Foley

Michael Gillespie

Rafael Gragert

Matthew Hoover

David Hopper

Fred Johnson

Douglas Leader

Ginny McCulloh

Mel Melendez

AJ Mendini

Nick Orr

David Pfeffer

Carter Poust

Brian Prenda

Jonathan Sanz

Ronny Sucre

Rashad Webb

Tenor II

Fidel Aburto

Bruce Anderson

Rafael Baez

Jorge A Bernal-Geschier

Miguel Bernard-Rivera

Stan Bunch

Bert Cohen

Doug Cureton

Jeff Goodwin

Rick Heal

John Ison

Christopher Jennings

Peter Konrath

Wayne Laubscher

Aaron Lauer

Zak Laux

Aaron Lockley

Hal Noble

Miguelanjel ODell-Perez

Jorge Ornelas Jr.

Billy Parjan

Alan Parshley

Michael Pellicone

Michael Ping

Eduardo Pinto

Geordanys Ramirez Daniel

Francois Ratzel

Jason Rawls

Jonathan Ruiz

Brent Simmons

Neal Sinha

Kevin Smith

Robert Smith

Rogelio Snyder

Dennis St. Jean

Andrew Stephens

William Tedjo

Don Thompson

Johann Torres

Omari Walker

Baritone

Eric Alayon

Christian Andaya

Bill Ball

John Chaffin

Roubik Danelian

Craig Dannenbrink

Guy D’Arcangelo

Daniel Elder

Frank Ferri

Joseph Fletcher

Michael Foley

Jarrod Gac

Walter Gardner

Brian Garrett

Cary Giacalone

Dion Grace

David Gray

Paul Guariglia

Sean Guerrier-Gac

Craig Hinman

Dean Hitsos

Michael Holtzman

Michael Jacobsen

Gregory Johnson

Ronnie Jones Jr.

Justin Knight

John Lewis

David R. Littlefield

Tom Ludwiczak

James Mallon

Scott Messenger

Tony Minella

Orlando Ojeda

Chris O’Neill

Peter Reinoso

Curtis Robertson

Charles Robinson

Raymond Rodriguez

James Rogers

Larry Rosenberg

Steven Shapiro

Patrick Simonelli

Larry Small

Bill Spinosa

Jack Stein

Eric Strom

Shaun Swearingen

Stegar Thompson

David Van Cleaf

Kely Van Eaton

Neal Vardaman

Rick Vaughan

Eric Ziegler

Bass

Sandy Allen

David Baier

Rex Beyer

Peter Bisuito

John Burch

Mun Wye Chng

Craig Fashbaugh

James Ficke

Felix Fidelibus

Steven Freeman

Richard Fulks

Okan Gunay

Joshua Stuthridge-Heinke

Gary Hill

Terry Hirsh

Jim Houser

Victor Jannett

Bradley Johnson

Donald Kasischke

Herb Knowles

Joseph La Valle

Jim Lopresti

Colin Ludlow

Alan McKnight

Eric Miji

Rodrick Minnis

Terry Moore

Clayton Paterson

Steven Patterson

Marcus Saitschenko

Jose Santos

Donald Small

OUR ORGANIZATION

Charles Swan

Robert Thompson

Don Tomasello

Michael Valdez

Aubrey Williams

Tim Yarbrough

Rob Young

Non-Singing

Bob Artale

Joe Cannon

Philip Morris

Keith Muller

Ansel Thompson

Umberto Veltri

ARTISTIC TEAM

Artistic Director

Gabe Salazar

Assistant Conductor

Anthony Cabrera

Production Director

James Smith

Principal Accompanist

Edwin Neimann

Accompanists

Kevin Combs

Christopher Toth

Choreographer

Francois Ratzel

Costumes & Wardrobe

Joe Fletcher–Committee Chair

Bruce Anderson

Craig Hinman

Production Assistant

Tom Michalak

GMCSF STAFF

Executive Director

Mark B. Kent

Director of Marketing & Sponsorship

Edward Otto Zielke

Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Doug Leib

Office Volunteer

Howard M. Yopp Jr.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Chair

Fred Boykin

Board Vice-Chair

Kerry Waldee

Secretary & Chorus Representative

Bob Beaulieu

Treasurer

Michael Foley Directors

Ronni Arden

Adam Barber

Tony Corrente

Erick Eldridge

Johnnie Mejia

Tom Nichols

Judy Paul

Bill Spinosa

Rick Vaughan

LEADERSHIP TEAM President

Tony Corrente

Vice President

Jonathan Sanz Secretary

David Pfeffer Treasurer

Michael Foley

VP of Community Relations

Kely Van Eaton

VP of Equity, Access & Belonging

John Lewis

VP of Membership

Bill Spinosa

Section Administrators

John Chaffin - Tropical Wave

Doug Ferguson - Tenor 1

Rick Heal - Tenor 2

Joe Fletcher - Baritone

Aubrey Williams - Bass

Volunteer Coordinator

Kris Jarmann

Risk Assessment Advisor

Dr. Jack Killen

GALA Festival Representative

Bert Cohen

Music Librarian

Tim Yarbrough

One Voice Newsletter

David Gray–Committee Chair

Miguel Bernard-Rivera

John Chaffin

YOUTH PRIDE CHORUS

Artistic Director

Gabe Salazar

Executive Director

Mark B. Kent

Marketing Director

Edward Otto Zielke

Program Development Coordinator

A.J. Mendini

Youth Engagement Coordinator

Andrew K. Stephens

HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Council Chair

Harvey Shapiro

Members

Fred Boykin

Don Croxton

Mike Dager

Dino Georgiou

Gary Hoffman

Gerry Kennedy

George Kling

John Olson

Bob Pagano

Joe Pallant

Doug Pew

Don Tomasello

Rick Vaughan

GERRY KENNEDY AND PAUL SMITH

Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith retired from very busy careers in Washington DC and have lived in our community for eighteen years. They jumped into volunteer roles as soon as they were settled.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Paul worked for years as a volunteer clinician with Sunserve providing therapeutic services, including psychotherapy and clinical instruction, as well as supervision of Masters-level students who were interning at Sunserve. Paul served on the board of directors of the Pride Center at Equality Park for seven years.

Following his career in finance, Gerry volunteered as Treasurer and board member at Wilton Station Condominium, Treasurer and Board member of GMCSF from its inception, and later as Chair of the GMCSF Board. They are continuing to volunteer their services at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, where they now live.

Gerry and Paul have long been very generous donors to many of our local LGBTQ+ organizations. They have given to Our Fund, Latino Salud, Sunserve, The Pride Center, Island City Stage, Equality Florida and GMCSF. Earlier this month, at GMCSF’s annual fundraising brunch, Gerry and Paul were honored for their service to the community and were presented the annual Al Lamorges Award.

THE MAURER FAMILY FOUNDATION

Through its charitable gifts, the Maurer Family Foundation aims to provide financial assistance to those organizations and institutions whose goal is to enrich their communities and the lives of their patrons through programs of cultural value. This includes, but is not limited to, fine art, experimental art, applied and decorative art, film, television, music, literature, poetry, architecture, theater, dance, opera, and folk traditions; in short, the entire realm of creative human endeavor.

We are grateful to The Maurer Family Foundation for their generous sponsorship of tonight’s concert.

LEVELS

OF GIVING

VIRTUOSI

Our treasured Virtuosi are truly the consummate artists in philanthropy and generosity. Their support substantially sustains the Chorus and helps build our future.

Maestros ($20,000+)

All benefits below, PLUS: Photo and biography in program once each season

Invitation to sit with the Chorus during a rehearsal

Composers ($10,000 - $19,999)

All benefits below, PLUS: Private dinner with GMCSF’s Artistic Director and Executive Director

Featured donor e-blast at least once each season

Customized naming opportunity for the season

Divas ($5,000 - $9,999)

All benefits below, PLUS: Name announced at concerts

Invitations to exclusive Virtuosi events

Invitation to the Chorus’s end-of-year dinner

Producers ($2,500 - $4,999)

All benefits below, PLUS: Concierge ticketing service Invitation to a rehearsal and wine reception VIP parking at Sunshine Cathedral concerts Invitations to exclusive donor receptions and events

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE

The Conductor’s Circle is a passionate community of supporters who generously invest in our season, enabling us to spread our messages of love and inclusion through song.

Benefactors ($1,500 - $2,499) Friends and Supporters benefits, PLUS: Priority access to the best seats for our concerts

Supporters ($300 - $1,499) Friends benefit, PLUS: Patron’s Club membership

Introducing THE PATRON’S CLUB

Friends ($1 - $299) Listing in concert program books and GMCSF’s website

The GMCSF Patron’s Club is an annual membership program with an annual fee of $300 ($25 a month). Members of the club get the benefits listed for our “Supporters,” level of giving, dedicated e-blasts that give updates on the chorus and our progress, a GMCSF T-shirt, and access to a special event. GMCSF donors of $300 or more who renew for the 2022-2023 season are automatically enrolled in the Patron’s Club.

As of 12 months ending 3/1/2023

VIRTUOSI

MAESTROS ($20,000+)

*Denotes active singing members

Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton, LGBT Trust Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Dan Chadburn and Tom Nichols

COMPOSERS ($10,000 - $19,999)

Fred Boykin* and Jack Killen

Joseph Fletcher* and Kerry Waldee

Richard and Emilio Quadracci Cabrera, The Windhover Foundation

Richard Vaughan* and Walter Sherman

DIVAS ($5,000 - $9,999)

Ginny Dixon and Gisella Oliveira

William Elliott and David Bacher

Matthew Gill

Michael Kalb

Mark Kent and Kevin Daft

Paul Rolli and Bennett Quade, The William Bennett Quade and Paul Rolli Donor

Advised Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

PRODUCERS ($2,500 - $4,999)

Ronni and Jonathan Arden

Joseph A. Grano

Tyler Healis

David Jobin and Angel Burgos

Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith

Steve Oden and Mike Greer

George “Dan” Prigmore and Marcia Hayes

Harvey Shapiro and Michael Dager, Stronger Together Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

William Spinosa* and Frank Molano

Mimi Pink

Dennis St. Jean*

Donald Tomasello* and Robert Pagano

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE

BENEFACTORS ($1,500 - $2,499)

Anonymous

Bruce Anderson*

Brock Boyd and Doug Spellberg

Brian Burress and Chris De Los Santos

Christopher Chouinard and Harold Rodriguez

Antonio Corrente* and Douglas K. Leib

Stephen Ferrante

Michael Foley* and Tommy Zhang

Cary Giacalone* and Kris Jarmann`

Matthew Kent and Brenda Moons

John Klomp and Joseph Brannen

Steven Lutz

Ron MacDonald

Harold Noble* and Douglas Peachey

Murry Stegelmann

GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY

SUPPORTERS ($300 - $1,499)

B.J. Albright and Philip Morris

Christopher Ambs and Scott Clearwater, Charitable Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Adam Barber and Bryan Yarchan

Robert Beaulieu*

William Beck and Peter Flyzik

Steven and Thomas Begert-Clark

Stephen Bender

Don Camarda

Doug Carl and Sumner Riddick

John Chaffin*

Philip Cordell

Dorothy Correnti and Lance Miller, In honor of Tony Corrente and GMCSF

Roberta Corrigan

Jimmy Cunningham and Jerson Velasquez

Craig Dannenbrink and C.J. Jensen

Broderick Davis

Janis DiMonaco

Mark Dobosz

Andy Fischman

Melody Fiore

Kenneth Flick and D.C. Allen, No Gay Hate Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Richard Fulks* and Chris Wilcox

Michael Goodman

Robert Graziano

Marc Grossman

Carlos Guerra

Richard Higgins

Terry Hirsh*

Gary Hoffman

John Ison*

Carl Jennings and Lawrence Gammons

J. Mark Kasper

George Kling

Eric Alayon*

David Allen

Frank Alvarez

Christian Andaya*

Anne Anderson

James Antenucci and Jerry Day*

Chesley Austin

Vance Avinger

David Baier*

Douglas Bandol

Dana Banker

Jeff Banning

Stephen Barnhart

Charles Beavin

Charles Bell

Gregg Kurek, In memory of George Brown

Jeffrey Lammers and James A. McLaughlin

Warren LeBlanc

Thomas Lenihan and Ian Cohen

Jeanine Lombardo

James Mallon*

Brian McNoldy

Tony Minella*

Orlando Ojeda*

Dianne Orr

Judy Paul

Raymond Rodriguez*

Dr. Runar Polluson and Robert Pinsky

James Profino-Bond

Francois Ratzel*

Orlando Santiago and Robert Wilt

Larry Scott and Frank Zurek

Rick Shapiro

Ronald Sierpien and Willard Jordan

Larry Small* and David Burba

Stephen Smith

Constance St. Jean

Jack B. Stein* and Peter Meccariello

Ralph Stivali

Don Thompson* and Gene Ramey

Michael Valdez* and Jeffrey Thomas

Kely Van Eaton*

Wesley Walker

Charlie Walter*

Preston Watkins and Philip Cross

Dr. K. David Weidner and Dr. William E. Gannon, Jr., In honor of Fred Boykin

Raymond Willey*

Howard Yopp

Eric Ziegler* and Ross Kemp

Edward Otto Zielke

FRIENDS ($1 - $299)

Alyssa Bennett

Scott Bennett, Charitable Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Miguel* and Ronald Bernard-Rivera

James Berry

Rex Beyer* and Nick Meyer

Jose Blanco*

Susan and Jeffrey Bogatin, In honor of Steve Patterson

Robert Boo

Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin

Edward Breeden

Richard Brennan and Terrence Brennan

Alvaro Bucheli

Carla Buonanno and Jack Stein

John Burch*

George Burger

Darin Bush

Mark Byrd

Joseph Cannon*

Allan Carp

Anthony Castaldi

Cindy Christie

John Coffin

Butch Culbertson

Robert Cullinane

Mary Davenport-Yant

Michael DeSarro

Marc Dickerman

Walter Dickey

Harold Dioquino and Marty Childers

James Easom

Chad Edgar*

Charles Egan

Yadin Elcon

Erick Eldridge

Steven Evans

Henry Fabian and Jason Rawls*

Michael Fahim

Stephen Fallon

Jack Faraci

Richard Farrar

Lance Fein and Lynete Van Heyzen

Douglas Ferguson*

Frank Ferri*

Ethan* and Andrew* Fletcher

Steven Freeman*

Matthew Freeman

Zachary Freeman

Kathy Friend

Jarrod* and Sean* Gac-Guerrier

William Garneau

Brian Garrett

Virginia Gascoigne

Doreen Gauthier

Constantine Georgiou

Jack Gerard

John Gillen

Michael Gillespie* and Tom Gutman

Kathleen Gleeson

Billie Goldstein

Bruce Gottsch

Deborah Graham

Peggy Gregorovic

Peter Grossman and Lawrence W. Timmins

Paul Guariglia*

William Haas

Cynthia Hall

Patrick Harris

Karen Hartnett

Fredrick Heal II*

Steven Herman

Doris Herrera-Pol

Keith Hickman

Linda Hindley

William Hines

David Hopper*

Andrew Horvath

Charles Horvath

Jim Houser*

Richard Huitema

William Hyman

Walter Jackson

Michael Jacobsen* and Bob Thompson*

Valerie Jacques

Victor Jannett*

Bradley Johnson* and Wayne Laubscher*

George Johnson

Michael Johnson

Kevin Jones

Hillary Josephs

Debra M. and Robert H. Joslin

Kevin Kane and Keith A. Smith

Michael Kane

Rubin Kaplan

Robert Kay

Faith Keady

James Kelly

Mark Kight and Robert Morrow

Patricia and Dean King

Stuart Kisselovich and Steven Patterson*

Mary Beth Koeth

Peter Konrath*

Greg Koslowski

Greg Kubiak

R. M. Kurlander

Laura Lanou

Linda and Douglas Lanou

Aaron Lauer*

Maurice Lawrence

John Lee and Tim Flenner

Robert Lee

Charles Leib

John Lewis* and Louis Hemmerich

Robert Lindsay

David R Littlefield*

Donald LoCascio and Robert L. Murphy

A. Ray Lockley* and Marty Onieal

Dorothy J. Lombardi

Nicholas Longo

James Lopresti*

Ken Manford

Derek Mann

Joseph Mannino

Erwin Mayer

Donna Marshalll

James McBride and John Harold

Brian McComak

Virginia McCulloh*

Georgia McGill

Richard Mcnany and Leonard Herbert

Michael McPherrin and Andrew Lopes

Betsy Melamed

Michael Mendillo

Arthur Mendini*

Melanie Merriman

Bob Miller

Rudy Molinet and Jeffrey Scott Shearer

Terry Moore*

Keith Muller and Stephen J. Pescia

Edwin Neimann*

Claudia and Ray Niles

Patricia Opper

Alan Parshley*

John Patrick

Clayton Patterson*

Stein Pederson

Caroline Pfeffer

Roberta Phillips

Harrison Pierson

Michael Ping*

Vicki Ploscowe

Patrick Quillen and Bert Cohen*

Daniel Geordanys Ramirez*

John Ramos

Michael Randich

Asa Ratliff

Terry Regnier

Peter Reinoso*

Lee Rickles

Rhonda Ritchie

Charles Robinson*

Irwin Rosen

Kenny Russell

Parivash Russell

John Russo

Richard Sacher

Marcus Saitschenko*

Gabe Salazar*

Richard Sanders

Thomas Santaniello

Jose Santos*

Jonathan Sanz*

Paul Schiminsky

Kim Nickelson Sguros and Louis Sguros

Steven Shapiro*

Jason Simon-Kean*

Henry Smith and William Sandrik

Jonathan Smith

Matther Sparks and Scott Hindley

Carrie Spencer

Andrew K. Stephens*

Van Stewart

John Stull and Michael Bracchi

Eric Sullivan and Randy Holland

Greg Tefft and Ed Stehle

Karl Trappe

Lawrence Turk and Stephen Draft

Jerry Tvrdik

Umberto Veltri

Steve Visano and Vaughn Brison

Dannielle Vizzini, Hair By Dannielle & Co.

Jerry Vroegh

Tony Walsh and Richard Johnson

Ric Wanetik

Troy Watson

David Welsh

Fred and Christopher West

Michael White

Pamela Whitman

Sharon and Edwin Wigutoff

Jay Wiley

Aubrey Williams* and Christopher Michaels

Michael Williams

Gwen Williams

William Willmitch

Stanley Wilson

Louisa Yanez

Tim Yarbrough*

Robert Young*

Sarah Young

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 new threats have emerged. Since the late 1970s the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement has been a crucial tool for advocacy, unity and education. GMCSF 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 GMCSF 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. If you would like to amend your current estate, contact Mark Kent at: (954) 763-2266 ext. 109 or mkent@ gmcsf.org. Establish a Legacy Fund with our community partner Our Fund Foundation, contact Mark Blaylock at 954-565-1090 or email MBlaylock@Our-Fund.org.

MEMBERS

Bob Pagano

Charles Nicoll

Christopher Chouinard

Don Tomasello

Donald Croxton

Doug Pew

Fred Boykin

George King

Gerald Kennedy

Jack Killen

John Burch

Mark Benson

Robert Benson

Marty Kaplan

Mitchell Grant

Paul Guariglia

Paul Smith

Peter Kimball

Robert Beardsley

Ralph Stivali

IN REMEMBRANCE:

Al LaMorges

George V. Brown

Greg Futchi

John Hohl

WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES

"The Sunshine Cathedral is a different kind of church where the past is past and the future has infinite possibilities!"

All people have sacred value. God is omnipresent Love. Rooted in the Christian tradition and the Gay Rights Movement, we are an inclusive church for ALL kinds of people.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Programming and operations generously supported by the following foundations:

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

GMCSF is grateful for the financial support from the following partners:

MEDIA PARTNERS

YPCSF.ORG

Asserting joy, diversity, strength and pride of today's youth

Welcoming all singers of all identities, grades 6-12

This program was made possible by a grant from The Our Fund Foundation, an LGBTQ+ community foundation

Is Presenting Media Sponsor of Holiday

Concert

ABOUT HOTSPOTS! || HAPPENING OUT TELEVISION NETWORK

Hotspots! || Happening Out Television Network was formed with a mission to raise a voice in support of important LGBTQ+ issues. And, We do it with a hint of fun and positivity. We cover a wide range of issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community including healthcare, senior citizens, HIV/AIDS, equality, students & youth, the trans community, communities of color, the lesbian community, prides, conducting queer events, collaborating with other non-profit organizations, planning educational travel, and so much more.

In the model of other community networks like PBS and NPR, Happening Out Television Network is America’s leader in LGBTQ+ media and is a non-profit (501c3) organization to support our community through LGBTQ+ News, Information, Entertainment, Education, and Fundraising

HOTSPOTS! || HAPPENING OUT TELEVISION NETWORK SHOWS

The world’s first LIVE daily LGBTQ+ evening news show, daily at 8 pm.

The World’s first weekly lesbian morning show Bringing the L & the G together.

Search for App/Channel ‘Happening Out’ on all these platforms!

The World’s Longest Running Gay Television Talk Show Wednesdays at 9 pm. It’s Happening Out is entering its 4th season with an all-new cast!

www.HappeningOut.com

LEARN MORE