Singing Out Loud

What do you get when you cross a slew of talented gay singers, an accomplished musical director, and the belief that Buffalo’s LGBT community needs its own entertainment? You get one heck of a fine chorus.

The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) was conceived in 1999 to provide a “voice” to the LGBT communities of Western New York. BGMC strives to build bridges within the community through music while lifting the spirits of both the performers and their audience. The early leaders of the group worked hard to develop a nonprofit corporation to foster the organization, and after a thorough search asked Barbara Wagner to fill the position of artistic director and Debi Overton to be her accompanist. Barbara Wagnder has served as minister of music at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo for 45 years and was director of vocal activities at Nichols School for more than 24 years.

By 2001, auditions were underway and music was in the air. Soon BGMC had more than 50 members and was performing a regular concert schedule that included many community events both within and beyond the LGBT community of Buffalo. It didn’t take long for mainstream Buffalo to recognize their accomplishments. In 2008, BGMC received the Buffalo & Erie County Arts Council award for “Exceptional Contributions to the Arts and Cultural Community in Western New York.” The hard work of these dedicated volunteers and their supporters had paid off.

I recently spoke with Barbara Wagner about BGMC and her experience as one of only a handful of women directors in the world of gay and lesbian choruses.

Bryan Whitley-Grassi: What about BGMC attracted you to it?

Barbara Wagner: I’d always wanted to conduct a men’s choir. I love that full, rich sound, especially with the magnificent repertoire around for gay men’s choruses.

BWG: How does this choir differ from others?

BW: Well, obviously it’s all gay men but two members and me. It’s also very large, about 70 men this season, and very diverse in age, from 20-year-olds to the oldest, who is 76. There’s also a really strong sense of family and support amongst the group. We all know that no matter what is happening that we have each others support. But most of all, this chorus has the ability to change hearts and perceptions because we sing about LGBT issues that effect our community right here in Western New York.

BWG: What’s your favorite part about directing BGMC?

BW: I love the rehearsals, they’re so joyous. We laugh, we cry, we resolve vocal problems, and every minute is filled with some of the most meaningful and often most beautiful music ever written. The boys have an incredible work ethic and the singing is becoming quite extraordinary. Sometimes I can hardly believe the professional quality that I hear in them.

BWG: How has the public reception been?

BW: It’s been stunning. We sing to mostly sold-out crowds in rather large venues. Of course, we’ve run into controversy along the way, but controversy is good anyway. We’ve learned that we can’t shy away from the uncomfortable, we need to sing where it might be difficult in order to bring about positive change.

BWG: What is your favorite piece from your upcoming performances?

BW: That’s a tough one, I love them all. But we do have a beautiful new arrangement of “Everything Possible” that is important in so many ways. The chorus sings it as only gay men could. There is also a new piece that we commissioned from renowned composer Adolphus Hailstork set to a Harlem Renaissance poem, “Tableau,” written by Countee Cullen, that we are very excited to debut this season. But they’re all important and tell our story in as many ways as possible.

BGMC begins its summer concert series Friday, June 20, at 8pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, 695 Elmwood. They continue on Saturday, June 21, at First Presbyterian Church on Symphony Circle, and Sunday, June 22, at Williamsville United Methodist Church, 5681 Main Street. They are joined this weekend by the Royal Serenaders, directed by Roy Mathis, with special guest Debi Overton. Visit buffalogaymenschorus.com for more information.

Buffalo has a large and diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. For further information about its numerous organizations and activities, visit www.pridecenterwny.org, or call the Western New York Pride Center (852-7743). Gaywatch listings are free and may be edited for length. Publication is not guaranteed; please send updates to proudones@pridecenterwny.org. Organizations interested in classified advertising Artvoice can call 881-6124. Press announcements can be sent to editorial@artvoice.com. Photos are welcome!