Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Brings Joy and Jazz to the Holidays

This season, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) will fill Orchestra Hall with swing, soul and holiday spirit during its annual concert, “Jingle Bells & Jazz Noels.” The festive program will feature Tony Award-winning guest artist Alex Newell, known for their powerhouse vocals and Broadway charisma.

On its website, the Minnesota Orchestra describes the show as “a stage brimming with energy, tight harmonies, nostalgic flair and enough swing to make Santa shimmy.”

Artistic Director Dr. Gerald Gurss, now in his seventh season leading TCGMC, has been shaping the chorus’ sound and community presence since moving to Minnesota from South Carolina in 2018. Gurss has a long history of directing choruses affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA), an international network of LGBTQ+ and allied groups.

“When I started my doctorate work in South Carolina, it was an interesting place politically for people with various sexual identities,” Gurss says. “There wasn’t a lot to do for those who were queer and out except go to the bar, so I started the Midlands Men’s Chorus in Columbia, S.C.”

Before that, Gurss sang with the Heartland Men’s Chorus in Kansas City.

“I’ve always had a passion for the GALA movement and for being an advocate and social justice leader through choral music,” he says.

When the opportunity to direct the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus arose, Gurss says it felt like the perfect fit.

“It was one of the better choruses in GALA, in my opinion, and I was honored to be offered the position,” Gurss adds.

Though Tuesday nights are reserved for conducting rehearsals and performances, Gurss’ role extends far beyond the podium.

“Eighty-five percent of my job is administrative and communications work which consists of collaborating with community partners, handling outreach and marketing,” he explains. “Managing 175 singers requires a lot of organization, so there’s always something to do.”

This year’s concert carries a message that feels especially resonant.

“We knew we wanted to do a jazz-themed concert, something that, for the holidays, would let joy be the protest,” Gurss says. “We’re living in a very interesting time politically, and every day there’s something to be angry about, and rightfully so. But sometimes, when people who oppose you see that they haven’t taken your joy, that in itself is a form of protest.”

While the show promises plenty of uplifting energy, it will also include more contemplative moments. One example is the piece “A New Humanity Arise,” created by local composer Kyle Pederson, which Gurss describes as “a call to the people in the hatred and injustice to really remember who we are deep down and let that new idea of humanity rise within us.”

Another new piece this year is “Love is Love,” created in partnership with composer Naomi LaViolette of Portland, Ore.

“It kind of makes people who hold traditional Christian values be held accountable,” he explains. “While we’re framing a lot of holiday music around those traditional Christian carols with melodies we may love, the words are sometimes problematic.”

The central theme of this year’s concert, he added, is “joy.” Although there are a few contemplative moments woven throughout the performance, the overall tone is celebratory and uplifting.

This year’s show also marks a milestone as the chorus performs for the first time at Orchestra Hall, a significant step for the organization as it continues to grow into more professional venues.

“The caliber of our guest artist, Alex Newell, will not only inspire our chorus to bring its best but will also draw a diverse audience, people who may not have heard us before but know Alex from ‘Glee’ or from the Broadway musical ‘Shucked,’” Gurss says.

Accessibility remains a key value for the organization, which offers a range of affordable ticket options. Tickets are available through the Minnesota Orchestra website for Dec. 6, with performances at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.