Seattle Men’s Chorus presents Born This Way a joyous concert in celebration of solidarity for all LGBTQ youth and individuals.
The show’s title is inspired, of course, by Lady Gaga’s song. Her lyrics carry the message: “There’s nothing wrong with loving who you are!” Artistic Director Paul Caldwell promises a program that celebrates the unique identities of all of us.
The chorus members are musical ambassadors/activists, particularly important in the current political climate of hate crime, anti-trans debate and imposition from the hardt-right.
This multimedia concert features pop favorites from Gaga, P!nk, Cyndi Lauper, and Rufus Wainwright. The piece de resistance is the world premiere composition, “Crossing,” from Latina transgender composer, Mari Esabel Valverde, with text by Amir Rabiyah.
Valverde’s musical language is a homage to the music she loves, including diverse styles–from the French symbolists to Brazilian pop to Nordic art song and all the way up to contemporary American choral music. She holds degrees from St. Olaf College, the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, France and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she studied under David Conte. She believes music is fundamental to education and crucial to human development,
A queer, trans, mixed race, disabled, poet and educator. Amir Rabiyah, the text creator, has traveled all over the United States, leading workshops, and sharing stories and poems. Rabiyah is the co-editor of “Writing the Walls Down: A Convergence of LGBTQ Voices,” published by Trans-Genre Press in 2015.
Through SMC’s free Youth Ticket Outreach Program, hundreds of students and youth from throughout the Northwest community will be in the audience to celebrate diversity. As Gaga puts it, “Rejoice and love yourself today, ‘Cause baby you were born this way,”
SMC performs April 1st and 2nd at 8pm at McCaw Hall. Tickets range from $25-$78, available at www.seattlechoruses.org or over the phone at (206) 388-1400. The Seattle area box office is open Monday through Friday, 11:00AM-6:00pm.
SMC and SWC present Their Annual Children’s Concert
Seattle Men’s and the Women’s Choruses join forces to present their annual children’s concert at 2pm on April 1st . The concert is free for children and adults, but advance ticket reservations are recommended.
Presented by Debbie Killinger and Jeffrey Sutherland, the two choruses present an hour full of family-friendly music, including a collaborative performance by the students of the Washington Middle School Chorus. . There will be silly costumes, lots of laughter and audience sing-a-longs. After the performance, the chorus members will meet families in the lobby for photo ops and more giggles.
The Children’s concert is at 2pm on April 1st at McCaw Hall. It’s free for children and adults, but advance ticket reservations are recommended. Don’t miss this ode to Born This Way
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