One-night-only event to feature the world premiere song cycle,
Songs of the Phoenix, featuring 10 songs by 13 composers and lyricists representing an extraordinary diversity of voices
Evening to also include highlights from two of SFGMC’s most significant commissions, a 10th anniversary performance of Stephen Schwartz’s Testimony, plus a special tribute to Stephen Sondheim
Davies Symphony Hall
Sunday, April 10 • 7:30 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO (February 9, 2022)—Today, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo announced Voices Rising, a one-night-only event taking place on Sunday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. at San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall (201 Van Ness Ave.) Tickets are on-sale now by visiting SFGMC.org or by calling 415-392-4400.
Voices Rising will feature the much-anticipated world premiere song cycle, Songs of the Phoenix. Curated by Tony Award nominated Broadway composer Andrew Lippa and produced by Academy Award winner Bruce Cohen, Songs of the Phoenix includes 10 songs by 13 composers and lyricists representing an extraordinary diversity of voices. They are (in alphabetical order): Ty Defoe, Alexandra Elle, Siedah Garrett, Joriah Kwamé, Patrick and Daniel Lazour, Andrew Lippa, Melissa Li, Ingrid Michaelson, Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Sondheim, Diana Syrse, and Kit Yan. SFGMC will welcome special guest performers from San Francisco Bay Area Theater Company. SFBATCO’s Rodney Earl Jackson Jr. and Adam Maggio will also pen the narration for the song cycle.
“We have been in the planning and creation stages of a major world premiere since before COVID hit,” said Seelig. “The result is Songs of the Phoenix which showcases 13 lyricists and composers who represent an incredible breadth of experience and culture. The music tells the stories of hardship, rebirth, and victory—perfect for our time. In addition, we are excited to share some gems from our past repertoire that are sure to have audiences raising their voices. As we return to Davies Symphony Hall, we sing with the deep knowledge and joy that we have, indeed, survived our 2nd pandemic.”
“The phoenix has been emblematic of the spirit and determination of the City of San Francisco for decades,” said Verdugo. “So, it is only fitting that SFGMC’s triumphant return to Davies Symphony Hall for the first time in over two years will feature the collective rising of over 250 voices and pay tribute to the themes of rebirth in the face of adversity.”
Voices Rising will also include highlights from two of SFGMC’s most significant commissions including Andrew Lippa’s Unbreakable and Julian Hornik’s @queerz, which was originally scheduled to have its world premiere with SFGMC in Spring 2020. The program will also feature a 10th anniversary performance of Testimony, written by three-time Academy Award and four-time Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Inspired by the “It Gets Better Project,” Testimony was commissioned by SFGMC and had its world premiere at Davies Symphony Hall in March 2012. The evening will also pay tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim with a selection of his beloved works.
Songs of the Phoenix is generously underwritten by Steve Gallagher and Chris Thorne, in loving memory of Corianna Seelig-Gustafson, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Joseph Bondi, and Michael Golden and Michael Levy. Voices Rising is sponsored in part by The Terrence D. Chan Foundation.
About SFGMC
Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then, SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as The Chan National Queer Arts Center, the first-ever community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.