Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles

The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) is a prominent choral organization that has played a significant role in the LGBTQ community and the arts scene in Los Angeles since its inception. The chorus was established on a warm July evening in 1979 when a small group of men gathered at the Plummer Park Community Center in what is now West Hollywood. They had advertised the formation of a new gay chorus, and to their surprise, 99 men attended the first rehearsal, marking the birth of GMCLA. Under the leadership of founding director Harold Kjellberg, the newly formed chorus quickly made its mark by participating in the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) concert in Washington, D.C., during the March on Washington in October 1979. This event drew between 75,000 and 125,000 individuals advocating for equal civil rights and the passage of protective legislation. Throughout its history, GMCLA has faced challenges, especially during the AIDS crisis, which claimed the lives of over 150 of its members. Despite these losses, the chorus has remained committed to its mission of service within the LGBT community, often performing at memorials and commissioning music that reflects the community's experiences. Celebrated by the Los Angeles Times as one of the last important links to a glorious tradition in music, GMCLA has grown to over 300 members and has developed an international reputation for musical excellence. The organization has released fifteen CDs, commissioned more than 300 new works and arrangements, and has appeared on national television. The chorus's members contribute over 60,000 volunteer hours annually to support GMCLA's mission of musical excellence and community partnership. GMCLA's timeline includes several milestones, such as its incorporation in 1980 with assistance from AT&T, its first performance at Hollywood High School in July 1979, and its participation as a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) in September 1979. The chorus has also fought for its identity, successfully litigating to retain the word 'Gay' in its title and promotional material in 1984. The chorus has toured extensively, including performances in Central Europe in 1987, in South America in 2003, and an international tour broadcast on Russian television in 1999. GMCLA has also been featured in documentaries and has performed for notable figures such as President Bill Clinton and Sir Elton John. Education and community outreach are integral parts of GMCLA's mission. Initiatives like the Alive Music Project, launched in 2007, and the 'it gets better' campaign, which supports LGBT teens, demonstrate the chorus's commitment to using music as a tool for social change and support. GMCLA honors its legacy by remembering members who have passed away, particularly those lost to HIV/AIDS before 1995. The chorus maintains an archive curated by GMCLA alumnus Russ Bickers, documenting the visual history of its members and their contributions to the vocal community. In recent years, GMCLA has continued to innovate and engage with diverse audiences. Notable events include the 'I Rise' concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2017, which explored the intersection of faith and LGBTQ communities, and the collaboration with Arts for Incarcerated Youth. The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles stands as a testament to the power of music to unite, heal, and advocate for change, maintaining a deep connection to its roots while looking forward to a future of inclusivity and artistic achievement.