The GenOUT Youth Chorus and the 160 singers of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington count among the most anticipated ensembles of the upcoming; “Born this Way,” concert at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW), which has performed for First Lady Michelle Obama and is now in its 34th season, will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015 and at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015.
“The GenOUT Youth Chorus will have its debut with the chorus backing them on Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful,’” said Thea Kano, the GMCW artistic director.
“The youth chorus will also participate in the song, ‘True Colors,’ providing a rhythmic accompaniment using colorful cups and handclaps as seen in the movie, ‘Pitch Perfect.’”
Audiences should be thrilled with “The Great Peace March,” that should prove a powerful part of the show, Kano continued. It will segue into an audience participation of “We Shall Overcome,” with the GMCW holding dozens of protest signs from the equal and civil rights movements.
“The emotional peak of the show will be the video depicting the history and progress of the movements, while the chorus sings ‘Beautiful City’ from the Broadway musical, ‘Godspell,” Kano said.
The GMCW boasts more than 250 singers, two select vocal ensembles, 100 support volunteers, more than 400 subscribers, 500 donors and an annual audience of more than 12,000 people.
Kano said the GMCW’s select vocal ensembles have kept a very busy schedule, with more than 45 recent outreach performances throughout the region including the XIX International AIDS Conference, the Smithsonian Folk life Festival, the HRC Inaugural Ball and the White House holiday tour.
In June of 2012 the GMCW select ensemble, Potomac Fever, performed at a reception honoring rising LGBT leaders that was hosted by President Obama at the White House.
The upcoming concerts will also feature a performance by NBC’s “The Voice” star Maiya Sykes who will perform a rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me.”
Kano said “Born this Way,” isn’t one of the GMCW’s typical shows because the audience won’t see the feathered and sequined costumes that many have grown accustomed to seeing during their shows.
Still, he said every song has been carefully chosen to further their mission of promoting equality and acceptance of all individuals.
“It is historical and emotional, as well as entertaining, and yields some of the most powerful singing we have yet to bring to our stage,” Kano said.
For tickets and information, visit www.gmcw.org or call 202-293-1548.