ABOUT THE STONEWALL CHORALE
Based in New York City, the Stonewall Chorale is the nation's first LGBTQ+ chorus. Its mission is to enrich people's lives through learning and performing beautiful choral music, and to nurture and celebrate the community they create together.
The Chorale originated in December 1977 as the Gotham Male Chorus, specializing in Gregorian chant and Renaissance music. In 1979, women joined the chorus for the first time, and the name was changed to the Stonewall Chorale. This year marks its 46th anniversary and the 20th season of Cynthia Powell as its Artistic Director.
The Chorale typically performs three concerts a year and makes appearances at special events throughout the tri-state area. The Chorale aspires to change the world, one concert at a time.
THE EARLY YEARS
The nation's first gay and lesbian chorus
The Stonewall Chorale originated in December 1977 as the Gotham Male Chorus, and specialized in Gregorian Chant and Renaissance music. In 1979, women joined the chorus for the first time, and the name was changed to Stonewall Chorale, the nation’s first Lesbian and Gay chorus.
In 1983 at Lincoln Center, the Chorale opened the first national festival organized and sponsored by GALA (the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses), now an international organization with more than 150 member choruses.
The Stonewall Chorale is among the various LGBTQ interest groups that emerged in major cities and proved crucial to creating support networks during the AIDS crisis. Stonewall has performed in public, community, civic, and corporate venues, and remained – for more than four decades – a reminder of the power of music to foster community.
In celebration of its 40th season in 2017, the Chorale commissioned a new composition for choir and instrumental ensemble from esteemed choral composer James Bassi. This commission presented us with a unique opportunity to give the international choral community a new major secular work that reflects the vision and values of not only the composer, but the choir for whom it was commissioned.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Michael Conwill, President
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Gwendolyn Stegall, Vice President
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Debbie Mincer, Secretary
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Justin Ross, Treasurer
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Linda Romano, Development
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Emily McSpadden, Member-at-Large
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Larissa Flint McDowell , Membership
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Taronté Venable, Member-at-Large, COVID-19 Committee Liaison
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Cynthia Powell (Artistic Director)