Welcome to the Orlando Gay ChorusIt’s fitting that it was on Valentine’s Day, 1990 that the Orlando Gay Chorus was founded; because over the next 17 years, the organization would truly be taken to heart by the Central Florida Community. This all volunteer, non-profit arts organization began not only with just 39 members and initial cases of the jitters, but with a mission and vision to use music to change images and attitudes, build a stronger community and make the world a better place. The men and women of the Orlando Gay Chorus believe that their music can affirm and change the lives of those who hear them. Their musical artistry speaks directly to the pride in themselves and offers the world a chance to see beyond headlines, contentious social issues and build bridges of understanding and love.Funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida and the Florida Arts Council, the Orlando Gay Chorus has prospered and grown over 17 seasons of providing exciting and eclectic musical experiences. They’ve performed locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally before audiences of up to 5000 enthusiastic patrons.The Chorus is not only appreciated as a vital part of the Orlando Arts Community, but also for their humanitarian efforts throughout the years. Each November, for well over a decade, in partnership with the Children’s Home Society of Central Florida, Orlando Gay Chorus members have provided Thanksgiving Day meal baskets for several families in need. In conjunction with their annual Holiday Concerts, they host the longest, continuous Marine Corps “Toys For Tots†Drive in Central Florida. The Chorus is also committed to supporting those health service organizations who work tirelessly to provide care to individuals with disabling disease. Having suffered the losses of previous members to the devastation of HIV/AIDS and cancer, and with current members coping with these diseases, the Chorus has performed at benefits and community awareness events such as Orlando’s Annual AIDSWalk, World AIDS Day Memorials, Holiday Party for Children with AIDS and the American Cancer Society’s Annual “Relay for Lifeâ€. As part of their mission to make the arts more accessible, they’ve collaborated with local government, higher educational institutions, businesses and other non-profits to bring their musical talents to as broad an audience as possible.In addition to ticket sales and grants, the Chorus helps sustain itself with the addition of corporate sponsorships, donations, merchandise sales and fundraising events. In October, OGC hosts its annual fundraiser, “Starry, Starry Night “. Each year, scores of individuals from several house parties in Central Florida converge on a posh hotel ballroom for desserts, entertainment and the opportunity to meet and mix with a national celebrity. OGC also recently saw the release of its newest CD “Everything Possible†which celebrated the best of its musical repertoire. With the Chorus, fundraising is a continuous endeavor, and helps allow the organization to grow and provide outreach to the community at large.The Orlando Gay Chorus will begin its 18th season in late August, 2007 with over 100 volunteer members and a season consisting of its noted three main concerts: “Don We Now…Our Gay Apparel†in December 2007, “Diva by Diva†in March 2008, and “Come On Get Happy: Celebrating Our Pride†in June 2008. Under the artistic direction of Mr. Mark Hardin and accompanied by Mr. Absalón Figueroa, the Chorus welcomes you to our family and encourages you to consider joining our volunteer ranks, either as a singing member or a member of our support staff, at the beginning of our new season or during the first two weeks of each of our concert preparation periods.Sincerely in Song,The Membership, Board of Directors and
Artistic Staff of the Orlando Gay ChorusFor more information go to our blog or please contact our Membership team at
[email protected].
