MGMC Fact Sheet
Founded in 1999, the Chorus has grown from 6 members to a group that one comprised more than 100 voices singing in complex rhythms and multiple harmonies. Our members represent a broad cross-section of the gay community ethnically and professionally—including lawyers, medical professionals, bankers, realtors, stockbrokers, retailers, teachers, media executives, entrepreneurs, and retirees. Member’s ages range from the early 20’s into their 80’s, and they live all over Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Some members are single, some are partnered, some are married, and many are parents.
The Chorus provides a positive and welcoming atmosphere for gay men to meet and sing. We enthusiastically embrace our diversity and we welcome everyone as a member. Everyone interested in joining is invited to do so. No auditions required.
Currently under the artistic direction of Anthony Cabrera, the Chorus performs two to three major shows per year—usually in December, February or March, and May. The shows normally feature a wide variety of vocal selections, plus the chorus finds creative ways to provide additional entertainment value through dance, acting or other means to deliver a heartfelt and sometimes humorous look at gay life in Miami and the human experience. Previous shows include “By the Sword”, “Miss Twinkelton’s School for Sensitive Boys Presents: The Nutcracker, Men in Tights”, “Look: back, inward, forward”, “extrABBAganza ”, and “Blame it on Broadway”.
Since the first show in 1999, many thousands of people have attended our performances. Our audience base of subscribers continues to grow each year, as we have expanded the number of community appearances and the number of shows offered each concert season. We perform at the beautiful Art Deco gem, the Colony Theater on Lincoln Road. We have presented at the Lincoln Theater on Miami Beach, at the historic Olympia Theater in the Gusman Center in downtown Miami, and in 2008 we packed the new Ziff Opera House in Miami’s new performing arts center. In April of 2009, the Chorus performed for more than 25,000 at the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival’s Opening Ceremonies.
Corporate and individual support continues to increase, through donations, bequests, and advertising sales in our concert programs. Participants include restaurants, local media, realtors, physicians and veterinarians, hotels, art galleries, furniture stores, insurance agencies and legal firms all across South Florida. Their support indicates the importance of the Chorus’ audiences to the local business community.
The Chorus receives support from the public and private sectors, including grants from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the City of Miami Beach, the Dade Community Foundation GLBT Initiative, AT&T and the American Express Charitable Fund. These grants recognize the Chorus’ growing cultural achievements and significance to the entire community.
The Chorus is a registered non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Members of the all-volunteer Board of Directors manage the Chorus’ finances, legal issues, overall artistic direction, marketing, public relations and grant applications.
The Chorus is a proud member of GALA (the international Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses) and of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
