Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC raises its voice in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, singing songs of equality and justice in a variety of styles.

About the GMCW
Led by Artistic Director Thea Kano, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) is now in its 38th season. GMCW sings to inspire equality and inclusion with musical performances and education promoting justice and dignity for all. GMCW has more than 250 singing members, four select ensembles, 100 support volunteers, more than 400 subscribers, 500 donors, and an annual audience of more than 10,000 people.

The Chorus and its ensembles have kept a very busy schedule in recent years, with more than 100 outreach performances each season. Recent outreach performances include the National Institutes of Health, Whitman Walker Health, DC Flag Football, Washington National Cathedral, and the White House holiday tour. In May 2016, GMCW ensemble Potomac Fever traveled to Ukraine for an historic LGBT music and outreach tour. In July 2015, members of GMCW embarked on a first-ever tour by a gay chorus to Cuba.

GMCW has performed for President and First Lady Obama, eight consecutive years at Vice President and Dr. Biden’s residence, at the historic Carnegie Library in honor of gay rights activist Dr. Frank Kameny, twice at the Kennedy Center Honors, and as part of the inaugural celebrations for President Obama and President Clinton.

GMCW has won three Washington Area Music Awards (WAMMIE) – for Best Classical Recording, Best Choral Recording and Best Choral Group. GMCW sponsors four select outreach ensembles: Potomac Fever, a 15-voice close harmony group; Rock Creek Singers, a 35-voice chamber ensemble; Seasons of Love, an inspirational and gospel group; and 17th Street Dance, a jazz dance ensemble.

Since 2001, the Chorus has maintained a robust youth outreach program, GenOUT, that offers on-school-time programs, as well as free tickets to high school students, parents and teachers. In 2015, GMCW launched the GenOUT Chorus, the first LGBTQ youth chorus in the District area. The Chorus made its debut in 2015 and has grown to include over 25 students from 16 area schools.

GMCW is a member of Chorus America, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses), and the Cultural Alliance of Washington.

Links to additional performances:
Full Chorus: “I Know Where I’ve Been” https://youtu.be/Cl21aLq_0t4
Highlights from Holiday Show: https://youtu.be/Xw6FEWs_2bs
“Proud” https://youtu.be/08l3oOX8Zng
Potomac Fever: “True Colors” at the White House https://youtu.be/PHCZRxnNFQ8