BraveSouls and Dreamers

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Bob Mensel, Artistic Director

Thursday, July 17
Hilton Hotel Ballroom
11:00 am

The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC) will present the GALA premiere of BraveSouls and Dreamers, a provocative, moving, and timely new work about the devastating realities of war, its consequences on families, and the ongoing pursuit of peace.

BraveSouls and Dreamers was commissioned by the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and written by the creative team of composer Robert Seeley (NakedMan, A Jubilant Gloria) and librettist Robert Espindola (Exile, Metamorphosis). Inspired by the words of some of history’s greatest peacemakers – Ghandi, Jesus, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Isaiah, Jimmy Carter, Confucius, Buddha, and the authors of the Qur’an – the text boldly contrasts a prevailing hope for peace with the stark reality of war. PGMC artistic director Bob Mensel describes the work as "compelling, the music rich and nuanced, and the words – often – strident, yet always heartfelt." He says, "Historically, artists and arts communities have provided commentary on contemporary social issues. Our country is in a war, and I’ve noticed few arts groups address this fact in their programming." Mensel continues, "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, WWII, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. PGMC is proud to bring this powerful message of hope to our community."

BraveSouls and Dreamers, composed for men’s chorus, orchestra, and soloists, is one of the largest projects undertaken in recent years by the award-winning Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Mezzo–soprano Jennifer Gill, recipient of the Marquis Award in the New York Classical Singers’ Vocal Competition as a Young Artist who currently performs with the Portland Opera, will appear with PGMC as a guest artist. She will sing the role of Mother, a symbolic representation of all mothers who have lost children in war.

PGMC will perform the entire dramatic cantata in a special concert in the Miami Hilton Hotel Ballroom at 11am on Thursday, July 17. (There will be no admission charge for this special performance.) The Chorus also will perform an abbreviated version in its GALA Festival set on Friday, July 18, at 6:15pm in the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Both performances will be accompanied by full orchestra.

For more information about the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, please visit www.pdxgmc.org