1 Corinthians 13:12 contains a phrase rendered in King James Version, “For now we see through a glass, darkly” which refers not to some cloudy lenses nor literally a drinking glass, but rather to a mirror. This often quoted text became the eponymous title for the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus 45 minute oratorio about the devastation of methamphetamine addiction through the eyes of three characters that premiered last weekend for the second half of their Friends Are Benefits with Through a Glass, Darkly concert done March 29-30.

Excerpts from this fascinating oratorio will be one of the featured highlights in the upcoming concert Songs for a Hopeful Season, the spring edition, if you will, of the SJA 2007-2008 Concert Series Sunday April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Not only do you have the returning appearance in concert at St. Joan’s of this nationally celebrated Gay Men’s Chorus under the distinguished direction of conductor Stan Hill but also another nationally recognized talent will make her SJA concert debut, Minnesota Opera’s own Elisabeth Comeaux. Both command brilliant artistry, decades of experience and oh, that big rich glorious sound. Hill will be conducting the Chorus with accompanist Timothy De Prey; our own Dan Chouinard will be at the piano and the accordion for part of the performances and chat with the artists as he drolly guides us along for one glorious ride.

Chouinard offered insights into what we can expect from Opera Soprano Comeaux(right). “Beth [he refers to her as] is going to bring a different mood to the Season of Hope concert which will be spirituals, a couple of French songs, one written by Gabriel Fauré, a couple of show tunes and one with the Chorus that’s written by Leonard Bernstein from Candide that she performed with the Chorus three or four years ago,” he said.

TCGMC will do excerpts from their most recent concert plus one they did with Elisabeth. Dan explained, “These are songs of hope, songs of regeneration, rebirth and exploration, new love and new friendship.” Clearing his throat, he added, “We have about two rehearsals to put it all together.” I ask if this material reflects the Chorus personally or perhaps even for the world at large and he responded, “The world at large is contained in the heart and soul of each one of us, what goes on in our own hearts is reflected in the larger world.”

Dan has worked with Elisabeth before on his Singer’s Voice program at the Dakota back in ‘96/’97. She works for the Minnesota Opera and is married to singer Dan Dressan, who’s head of the music department at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Chouinard remarked, “She has a very impressive, clear and bell-like voice; it’s been too long since I’ve worked with her.” Elisabeth took a break from singing, although she’s spent a number of years starring in Opera productions around the country, something that might wear down one’s energy after awhile. She took a complete break from her performing career, but now has returned to do occasional concerts and works for the Minnesota Opera.

First Half Cuts the Deepest

The first half of the concert includes a few songs from TCGMC on the subject of friendship written by Sondheim and Cole Porter as well as “Thankful,” a tune popularized by Josh Grobin. Beth will do a couple of French pieces and one with the Chorus. They’ll end the first act with selections from the Chorus’ recently commissioned work Through a Glass Darkly, composed by Michael Shaib, an oratorio about methamphetamine use and addiction in the gay community which will be accompanied by a recorded track—dance club type music. Dan and Stan will discuss sections of these excerpts.

Second Half Uplifts the Heart

The second half of the evening includes a few more songs from the Men’s Chorus on the subject of friendship and also some spirituals from Elisabeth. Leonard Bernstein’s “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide will be performed with Elisabeth and the Chorus with featured Tenor soloist Kelsey Bruso. All Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus concerts end with their signature tune “Walk Hand in Hand.”

“What have you learned about the methamphetamine pandemic; what surprised you?” I asked. Dan responded, “Well, the surprise for me is simply the scope of it. I simply haven’t realized the high percentage of young gay people who struggle with substance abuse and meth addiction. Stan Hill described to me that this was something akin to the AIDS epidemic for the new millennium, for the gay community in the United States. It’s a problem that touches a great many more people than I had realized. I think the hope of Stan and the Gay Men’s Chorus was to create a piece that at the very least get people talking about this within not only the gay community but within the broader community as well.” Dan revealed that presenting this subject clearly moves people. While observing Through a Glass Darkly from the TCGMC concert last weekend, a man wept openly by the end of the piece. Dan concluded, “That’s what St. Joan of Arc is about, taking things that don’t look like they belong together and finding out that they actually do, that they’re beautiful.”

SJA’s Confirmation class is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser that evening. Dan and Anna Vagle, SJA Concert Coordinators, felt it would be good to offer a dinner and concert package price, a discount on the concert. The package costs only $20. If you go to the dinner only it costs $10. The concert alone costs $17. So if you show your dinner ticket, you will receive $7 off of the concert price, a truly great value for just $20 and to a great cause, supporting our Confirmation program.

Michael Reinbold, SJA resident web reporter, freelances as a writer and does banquet catering at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice, low Christology and collaborative ministry, Michael also participates as a mass reader, SJA Choir member and Team Oz Red Ribbon rider. With an extensive background in theater, photography, fundraising, social activism and as an arts council panelist, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring social growth and witty exchanges.