Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco
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Also known as | LGCSF |
Origin | San Francisco, California, United States |
Genres | Broadway, choral, classical, jazz, popular |
Occupation(s) | Choir |
Instruments | ca. 35 voices |
Years active | 1980-present |
Members | Artistic and Music Director Michael Reilly |
The Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco (LGCSF) is a special singing group that started in 1980. It was founded by Jon Reed Sims. This chorus was the first in the world to use both "lesbian" and "gay" in its name. The LGCSF uses the power of music to bring people together and make communities stronger. They believe music is a language everyone can understand.
Contents
Concerts and Performances
The LGCSF performs many concerts throughout the year. These shows often have fun and creative names. They share stories and celebrate different themes through their songs. Here are some of their past performances:
- BrokeBACH Mountain, November 18 and 19, 2011, Mission Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA
- A Shameless Show of Holiday Shite, December 18 and 19, 2011, Martuni's Piano Bar, San Francisco, CA
- Love Bites, and so did the 80s, February 10, 11, and 12, 2012, Missional Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA
- World Premiere: A Harvey Milk Cantata, April 27, 2012, Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA
- 34th Annual Pride Concert: A Harvey Milk Cantata, June 22, 2012, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
- 35th Annual Pride Concert: Ripped From The Headlines! Music Celebrating LGBT Stories, June 22, 2013, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
- We Celebrate!, November 16, 2013, First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco, CA
- Swing Break, April 11 and 12, 2014, Mission Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA
Music Directors
The music director is like the leader of the chorus. They choose the songs, teach the singers, and conduct the performances. Many talented people have led the LGCSF over the years:
- Robin Kay (1980)
- Pat Parr
- Trent Morant
- Michael Carlson
- Jerry R. Foust
- Stephanie Lynne Smith (2002–2010)
- William "Billy" Sauerland (2011–2017)
- Michael Reilly (2017–present)
Awards and Recognition
The LGCSF has received several awards for their excellent performances and contributions to the community. These awards show how much their hard work and music are appreciated.
- Best Concert, Cable Car Awards (multiple times)
- Bob Cramer Award for Excellence, Cable Car Awards, 1992
- Arts Excellence Award, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, 1994
Recordings
The chorus has also recorded several albums. These recordings let people enjoy their music even when they can't attend a live concert.
- Together in Harmony (1994)
- Wish You Were Here (2000)
- 25th Anniversary (2005)
- Group Therapy (2005)
Working with Others
The LGCSF is part of a bigger group called the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses). This organization connects many similar choruses from all over. Being part of GALA helps choruses share ideas, support each other, and perform together.