Portland Gay Men's Chorus to perform anti-war cantata in New York on 9/11

With the eyes of the world on New York City, the Portland Gay Men's Chorus will perform at a remembrance concert there on Sept. 11. About 115 men from the choir will close a day of reflection by singing part of a larger concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Joined by Richard Zeller, an internationally known Portland baritone, the choir will perform "BraveSouls and Dreamers," Robert Seeley's anti-war cantata that uses the words of world leaders to urge peace and examine the cost of war. Zeller will sing the role of the Sage, who embodies the voice of Isaiah, Jesus, the Dali Lama, Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Jimmy Carter.

Jennifer Gill, who sang the role of Mother in the 2007 premiere, will join the chorus.

To close the concert, the New York City Gay Men's Chorus will join the Portland choir for an encore. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, will conduct the encore.

"It's huge for us," said Bob Mensel, the choir's artistic director for the past 18 years. "Performing in New York itself would be a great event, but to be part of this day is mind-boggling."

Mensel describes the music as neo-Romantic and tonal, and the words as "strident and provoking." He says, "Historically, artists and arts communities have provided social commentary on contemporary issues. The message of 'BraveSouls and Dreamers' is not political, it is human. Its reflection on the tragedies of war is as germane to the conflict in Iraq as it is to Vietnam, World War II, the American Revolution and the Civil War."

Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/performance/index.ssf/2011/08/portland_gay_mens_chorus_to_pe.html

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