Hark! The SMC heralds sing.
Every holiday season, the Seattle Men’s Chorus delivers the gift of joy, laughter, and good will. They’ve been doing so for the last 37 years.
Their annual holiday concert overflows with heart, humanity, and harmony, and there is always something new to celebrate. This year’s SMC show title sums it up, A Sassy Brassy Holiday running December 10-23 at Benaroya Hall. Artistic Director Paul Caldwell conducts.
A glorious, big, bold brass sextet joins the chorus–two trumpets, a trombone, French horn, and tuba. This concert is especially meaningful to trumpeter Steve Mostovoy, who has been with SMC for 20-plus years and has recruited some of Seattle’s top brass.
A Sassy Brassy Holiday 2017 (Photo by John Pai)
The concert includes favorite carols and beloved classics like “Deck the Hall” and “The First Noel” but with the added warmth of brass and a sprinkle of sass. They mix a soaring gospel arrangement of “Joy to the World” with the cheeky and cheerful “Super Gay Christmas,” plus a naughty-but-nice Dixieland arrangement of “Let it Snow.”
During A Sassy Brassy Holiday SMC performs an eclectic mix of music, from classical to contemporary, Broadway to pop, and often feature music and stories that promote social justice and equality. No matter the subject matter or style, their concerts have one thing in common—they are fun.
Founded in 1979, SMC has emerged as internationally-respected music organization and the world’s largest LGBTQ Men’s Chorus with 380 members. Together, they raise their voices to transform society through innovative and entertaining programs that build community, illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ people and their allies, expand inclusion, and inspire justice.
SMC adds its voice to the AIDS epidemic, tours internationally, sings out for marriage equality and much more. The chorus members are musical ambassadors and activists whose vision and mission is to open the hearts and minds of the communities in which they live, work, and visit. Through these efforts, they hope for a more harmonious world—a world that celebrates the unique identities and talents of all people. This is vital in the current political climate of hate crime, anti-trans debate and acrimony from the alt-right.
The Chorus has toured the globe with appearances in Germany, Australia, England, Spain, New Zealand, The Netherlands, and Canada. It has performed at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Westminster Hall in London. They have welcomed countless guest artists, such as Debbie Reynolds, Rosemary Clooney, and Kristin Chenoweth. It has commissioned and debuted dozens of original works from the likes of composers such as John Corigliano (Grammy Award, 1997), Gian Carlo Menotti, Robert Moran, and Conrad Susa.
For the sixth consecutive year, SMC is proud to partner with Lifelong for a Holiday Food Drive during the Seattle concerts at Benaroya Hall. All non-perishable goods will be accepted and will be used in Lifelong’s food program supporting people living with chronic illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS.
As in years past, the Chorus will hold Everett and Tacoma area concerts. This year the Everett concert moves to a new venue, The Historic Everett Theatre. Details for those two concerts are online at seattlechoruses.org.
BTW, while you’re at the concert, pick up one of SMC’s CDs. There are 16 to choose from; buy as many as you can afford. It’s for a great cause.
A Sassy Brassy Holiday by Seattle Men’s Chorus runs Dec 10 – 23 (Dec 10, 17, 20. 21, 23) at Benaroya Hall and Dec 16 at Everett’s Historic Theater in Everett. Tickets to Seattle performances are $25-$85. Tickets to the Everett performance are $25-$55. Both Seattle and Everett concert tickets are available at seattlechoruses.org or over the phone at (206) 388-1400. The Seattle area box office is open Monday through Friday 11am-6pm.
Looking ahead to 2018
Singer, comedian, and viral video genius Randy Rainbow (yes, that’s his real name) will bring his wit and charm to the McCaw Hall stage next April for “Not In Our Town,” the special unity concert with Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus.
