The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus will share the stage with Stephen Schwartz, award-winning lyricist and composer.
Photo: BGMC
BOSTON, Mass.—The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) proudly presents Wicked Awesome, a production celebrating the music of Stephen Schwartz, the award-winning lyricist and composer of Broadway blockbusters Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. Schwartz will take the stage with BGMC for the concerts, which take place at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall on March 21 and 22.
“Stephen Schwartz’s music has long been an inspiration to the Chorus, just as it has to generations of people, young and old, the world over,” said Rueben M. Reynolds, III, BGMC music director. “We’re thrilled to share the stage with Stephen and celebrate the many gifts he has given us. I promise that Wicked Awesome will live up to its name and so much more.”
In addition to selections from the Tony Award-winning musicals Godspell, Pippin, and
Stephen Schwartz
Photo: Stephen Schwartz
Wicked, BGMC will perform songs that Schwartz composed for the beloved Disney films Enchanted, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt, and Pocahontas.
The Chorus will also reprise a newer piece by Schwartz called “Testimony.” With lyrics taken directly from videos recorded for the It Gets Better Project, which aims to prevent LGBT youth suicide, “Testimony” is a powerful composition that reflects the resilience of LGBT people in the face of harassment, violence, and discrimination.
“One of my greatest musical pleasures is singing with a chorus, so I am very much looking forward to these concerts with the 200 voices of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus,” said Schwartz. “It’s always fun for me hearing songs usually sung by one or two voices interpreted in a big choral arrangement, and I expect it to be an entertaining and exciting evening.”
“From ‘Corner of the Sky,’ to ‘Colors of the Wind’ to ‘Defying Gravity,’ Stephen Schwartz’s music has long given voice – and comfort – to the dispossessed and those who feel like they don’t fit in,” said Craig Coogan, BGMC executive director. “His song ‘Testimony’ fits squarely in that tradition and the Chorus is excited to have Stephen join us as we perform this piece for a New England audience.”
About the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus creates musical experiences to inspire change, build community and celebrate difference. The BGMC is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. In November, 2013, CBS-WBZ named The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus one of the top five choruses in the city of Boston.
[From a News Release]
