Boston Gay Men’s Chorus thrilled to make history in George
The Boston Gay Men's Chorus gave a free, once-off concert in the Conville community hall on Tuesday night, 19 June. The all-male choir from Boston in the USA received a raucous welcome when they opened with Make them hear you from Ragtime.
Accompanied by a piano and drums, the choir sang upbeat as well as serious songs like Rise up, The human heart and I love You/What a wonderful world with Bill Spera as soloist.
The 200-voice ensemble has a wide repertoire ranging from classical to popular music. Under the leadership of music director Reuben M Reynolds, the group aims to bring about social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community.
Their adaption of the spiritual When the saints go marching in, as well as their rendition of Shosholoza got the audience fired up.
The occasion was attended by Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke and a number of George councillors.
The evening was concluded with This is me from The Greatest Showman by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. What surprised was the sheer size of the choir (200 men) and their sober dress code (black suits). Another pleasant bonus is that the numerous performances by the choir are readily available on YouTube, sporting exuberant choreography and giving a glimpse into their ordinary family life. The chorus left yesterday to give two concerts in Cape Town.
Their South African tour included performances in the Soweto Theatre and the Great Hall of Wits University in Johannesburg. They will be strutting their stuff in Langa Community Hall and the Hugo Lambrechts Music
Centre in Cape Town. Their Cape Town performance is in aid of the Triangle Project's Health and Human Services and the Langa performance benefits Passop's LGBTQ refugee outreach program. Their participation in the Gay Pride Parade down York Street on Monday was a highlight for the chorus, as the LGBTQ march was a historic first for the city of George.