The holiday season is a time of joy, unity, and celebration, and for many, it’s not complete without attending a performance by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (GMCW). This December, anticipation was high as the chorus prepared for its renowned Holiday Show. Founded in 1981, the GMCW has long been at the forefront of choral performance supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in the Washington area.

A Time of Reflection and Celebration

In this pivotal presidential election year, the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies felt eager to promote joy and positivity in preparation for the nation’s imminent changes. The GMCW Holiday Show is not just a performance; but a show of strength, connection, and hope. The 2024 Holiday season featured five performances, all taking place at The Lincoln Theatre in DC.

Ronte Pierce, Assistant Conductor of the GMCW, shared his vision for this year’s chorus show.

Q: What’s the theme or inspiration for this year’s holiday performance?

This year‘s show is inspired by world pride. We want to include and represent various cultures in our concert. In fact, GMCW is inclusive of all communities, as reflected by all our members.

Q: What message do you hope the audience takes away from this year’s show?

I hope that this year‘s show inspires our audience to embrace their loved ones, celebrate the season, and focus on the true meaning of the holiday. 

Q: How do you ensure that the performances remain inclusive and resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds?

I’m not well-read on the organization's history, but I do know it’s a lot more diverse and inclusive. One requirement for membership is to sing tenor, baritone, or bass. So, regardless of gender or sex, membership is open to anyone… upon audition, of course.

Q: What does being a part of GMCW mean, and how has it shaped your journey as a performer or community member?

On a personal level, being a member of GMCW has been therapeutic. As an assistant director of the organization, I’m in charge of the Seasons of Love ensemble. Our ensemble sings mostly gospel music. I haven’t attended a church consistently for reasons I won't go into, but gospel music has been a vehicle through which I maintain a spiritual connection. Being able to continuously engage, sing, and teach music in a community of singers who share a life journey similar to mine has been more therapeutic than you’d imagine. For that, I am thankful to GMCW, especially Thea Kano, the Artistic Director and my supervisor. She is so supportive. 

Concert Highlights

Attendees at this year’s holiday show will delight in a selection of festive tunes. The program opened with classics like “Christmas Isn’t Christmas ‘Till You Get Here,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Winter Proverbs.” The rendition of “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” was truly uplifting. The chorus encouraged the audience to chant those three powerful words as the chorus sang harmoniously. This song served as a heartfelt call for peace showcased as a backdrop in various languages. At the end of the musical piece, the phrase “May peace prevail” appears prominently on the back wall. A Korean version of “Silent Night” was performed, further celebrating cultural diversity. At one point, the entire chorus performed in sign language, making the moment memorable. It was inspiring to see so many languages, faiths, and traditions honored during the performance. In a time when peace feels scarce and the rights of the LGBTQIA community are under threat, this message is crucial and impactful. Promoting unity and compassion through art can inspire hope and dialogue in challenging political times.

Other standout arrangements included “Give Love on Christmas Day” and “Now Behold the Lamb.” The grand finale featured an unexpected twist: a festive rendition of “Texas Hold ‘Em,” skillfully arranged by Charles Beal. The dancers performed wearing black chaps, red sequined shorts, and red bandanas, leaving the crowd cheering and eager for more. The Rock Creek Singers and 17th Street Dance also performed in various selections, enriching the overall experience.

A Celebration Beyond THE Performance

As The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington concludes its spectacular show, the importance of this event extends beyond the performance. It symbolized resilience, connection, and celebration. With themes of world pride and inclusivity, the chorus not only entertains but also inspires those who attended to embrace the spirit of the season wholeheartedly. 

Mark your calendars for the next year, gather your loved ones, and prepare to experience an extraordinary showcase that embodies the true spirit of the holidays.

Brittney R. Sims is a music writer and medical provider in the Washington DC Metro area. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Brittney now calls Prince George’s County, MD, home. She graduated from Howard University and George Washington University and loves urban music.