"110 members with deeply rooted homosexual tendencies," is how Chouinard irreverently introduced this esteemed choir to thunderous laughs from both the audience and the chorus. This night was filled with plenty of rib tickling banter regarding absurdities and perceptions of gay men along with heart warming and uplifting anecdotes about social injustices, fears and overcoming prejudices. The sight of this tuxedo clad choir on risers in St. Joan's intimate space with an audience of 800, while at first glance overwhelming, soon became boldly majestic, both visually and aurally.

Musically, the night began with singer Gwen Matthews, front and center and a superb combo consisting of Chouinard on piano, Dick Hedlund on bass and Shane Speltz on drums/percussion. Peanuts' Christmas theme "Christmastime Is Here," a composition from Vince Guaraldi, received a splendidly jazzy performance from Matthews and band complete with a young child, Jack Rodmann, reciting a sweet poem intro about goodwill toward fellow men.

For their first number, TCGMC Artistic Director and Conductor Stan Hill led his mighty chorus with their accompanist Timothy DePrey joining Chouinard (at times, fun dueling pianos) for a festive medley titled "Christmas At Court-Book II." Inventively arranged by Wayne Love, the chorus had breezy fun with this frothy whimsical potpourri of songs. "Lovers on Christmas Eve" struck hearts with tender romance while the choir showed off their impeccable diction on "Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas/Pine Cones and Holly Berries”. Matthews warmed hearts with "The Christmas Child" and then, with the choir, built to a ferociously zippy pace on "We Need a Little Christmas" and finishing with "Sing a Christmas Carol."

"Thank you for inviting us back," responded Hill, "I think it's courageous of you." Hill then guided the chorus through a challenging Latin a capella performance of Stroope/de la Vega's "Amor De Mi Alma (Love of My Soul)" adapted for four parts by ME Howarth. Each section blended beautifully, dynamically building in waves, fully rich and lusciously articulate. Exceptional enunciation from baritone and bass impressively shone here. Usually the lower male range in large choirs can get rather muddy for an audience to fully understand the lyrics. This chorus proves the exception in spades.

A noteworthy premiere of former chorus conductor Craig Carnahan's composition "This Winter's Night" was dedicated to all members of the chorus in celebration of TCGMC's 25th anniversary. A robust and pure baritone solo was admirably delivered by Glenn Olson. Mark Riese's "A Christmas Trilogy” included “I Saw Three Ships," "What Child Is This?" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". This beautiful trifecta began buoyantly and crisp and moved into a haunting direction with "Child" where the "loo's"  tenderly caressed and "This, this is Christ the King" boomed in commanding proclamation. "God Rest Ye," done in tumbling rounds from each section varied wildly in tempo changes, never sacrificing its impressive articulation or assured intonation. DePrey provided a mesmerizing piano accompaniment as well.

Matthews delivered a Gospel inspired vocal to the Lowell Mason/Isaac Watts penned "Joy To the World." The combo got into the swing of the beat while Chouinard played a synthesizer. A heavenly trio of backup singers joined on this piece with Kathy Mueller, Kandi Matthews (Gwen's daughter) and Debbie Duncan.

Ever the quipster, Chouinard mused, "It seems a shame to have all of these gay guys here and not sing a show tune." Bring on Rogers and Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. Matthews led a jazzy sing along with the chorus and audience to finish a sensational first act of the concert. A twenty minute intermission followed with joyous hospitality offering of wine, apple cider and cookies. Too bad the cider wasn't heated as a rather uncomfortably cold draft of air permeated the atmosphere. Brrrrh!!

The second half of the concert aptly started with the Frank Loesser classic "Baby It's Cold Outside." (My sentiments likewise tonight and inside as well.) Matthews and Chouinard traded musical barbs with carefree ease and had a gay old time in the process. Chouinard tinkled the ivories dutifully as well. After a spell of chatting with the audience, Matthews treated us to a James Pierpont arranged "Jingle Bells" with full out scatting. Matthews and combo followed with an audience sing along of "Do You Hear What I Hear" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas." The chorus returned for a stirring a capella rendition of Bobby McFerrin's gorgeous arrangement of "23rd Psalm," exquisitely done by all four sections.

Fred Small's "Not In Our Town" has become a signature holiday tune for TCGMC because as Hill said, "When anyone is discriminated against, we are ALL discriminated against." This moving song is the true story about what happened in Billings, Montana when a menorah was hung for display in a resident's living room window. Struck by a brick by local KKK members, the town was horrified and in solidarity fought back with a profound gesture: Virtually each resident in Billings hung a menorah in their living room window.

This song's theme of discrimination rings especially true for this chorus, all who are gay, and all whom at one time or another faced prejudice and bullying. From childhood, bullying is truly traumatizing and for some, even suicidal. For gay adults, homophobia  continues its vicious attack with discrimination found in church, state and employment. The chorus gave a profoundly moving performance of this song with a hardy baritone vocal solo by  Charlie Clayton and resonant oboe work by Steve Humerickhouse. A triumphant standing ovation greeted this chorus with cheers of affirmation.

The Michael O. Jackson and Mark Kibble composition "Hallelujah Chorus from a Soulful Celebration" closed the evening supported by fine piano accompaniment from both DePrey and Chouinard. The beginning though, the only weak moment for the chorus, initially was off with balance problems and a dragging tempo, but soon picked up by the middle score. As Matthews joined in, the chorus worked up to a strong finish. The choir closed with an encore sing along of "Silent Night." With their exceptional musical standards, this choir is one of a kind and continues to impress locally and around the country. We at St. Joan's are blessed to have them kick off our concert series.

Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus debuted in 1981 and proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary. They just finished their 2005 Holiday concert, SOULstice at the Ted Mann Concert Hall Dec. 9-11. Locally look for upcoming concerts:

Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.

 
• You Raise Me Up, March 31- April 2;
• Out Loud's You Oughta Be In Pictures, May 13;
• The Songs from the Heart benefit, June 9;
• Pride Week Concert, 25 Years of Gay Pride: We've Come a Long Way, Baby!, June 23-24

Read about the remaining three shows in the SJA Concert Series and order tickets online at our Concerts Page.

Peg LaSota comes from a photography background. She now works in the digital world, computer instruction, and with "videography" and the restoration of family films. She is enthusiastic about capturing family memories and preserving them digitally. Along with that, her time is spent with her family and her love for learning Spanish, piano, recorder.....and of course singing with the choir!