Queer Chorus of San Francisco explained

Queer Chorus of San Francisco
Background:	classical_ensemble
Alias:	QCSF
Origin:	San Francisco, California, United States
Occupation:	Choir
Years Active:	1980-present
Website:	qcsf.org
Current Members:	Artistic and Music Director Michael Reilly

The Queer Chorus of San Francisco (QCSF) was founded in 1980^[1] by Jon Reed Sims (1947–1984).^{[2] [3]} Initially known as the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Men’s Community Chorus, it was the world's first choral organization to use both "lesbian" and "gay" in its name,^[4] Within a few years, the chorus changed its name to Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco (LGCSF). In March 2022, by a vote of its membership, the group changed its name to "The Queer Chorus of San Francisco".^[5]

The Queer Chorus of San Francisco is dedicated to building and enriching its communities through the universal language of music.

Selected concerts

• BrokeBACH Mountain, November 18 and 19, 2011, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, San Francisco, CA
• A Shameless Show of Holiday Shite, December 18 and 19, 2011, Martuni's Piano Bar, San Francisco, CA
• Love Bites, and so did the 80s, February 10, 11, and 12, 2012, Missional Cultural Center for Latino Arts, San Francisco, CA
• World Premiere: Harvey Milk: A Cantata, text by Harvey Milk, music composed by Jack Curtis Dubowsky, April 27, 2012, Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA
• 34th Annual Pride Concert: Harvey Milk: A Cantata, June 22, 2012, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
• 35th Annual Pride Concert: Ripped From The Headlines! Music Celebrating LGBT Stories, June 22, 2013, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
• We Celebrate!, November 16, 2013, First Unitarian Church, San Francisco, CA
• Swing Break, April 11 and 12, 2014, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, San Francisco, CA

Music directors

• Robin Kay (1980)
• Pat Parr
• Trent Morant
• Michael Carlson
• Jerry R. Foust
• Stephanie Lynne Smith (2002–2010)
• William "Billy" Sauerland (2011–2017)^{[6] [7]}
• Michael Reilly (2017–present)^[8]

Awards

• Best Concert, Cable Car Awards (multiple recipient)
• Bob Cramer Award for Excellence, Cable Car Awards, 1992
• Arts Excellence Award, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, 1994

Recordings

• Together in Harmony (1994)
• Wish You Were Here (2000)
• 25th Anniversary (2005)
• Group Therapy (2005)

Affiliations

• Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses)^[9]

See also

• San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus

External links

• • GALA Choruses, Inc. official website
• LEGATO official website

Notes and References

1. Book: Ahlquist. Karen. Chorus and Community, Volume 2. 2006. University of Illinois Press. 251. 9780252072840.
2. Web site: About Jon Sims. Jon Sims Endowment Fund for the Performing Arts. May 3, 2017.
3. Sims also founded the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
4. Book: Bronner. Simon J.. Encyclopedia of American Folklife. March 4, 2015. Routledge. 9781317471950. 484.
5. Web site: We've become the queer chorus of san francisco . Queer Chorus of San Francisco . March 29, 2023 . May 31, 2022.
6. Web site: History. Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco. May 3, 2017.
7. News: Nugent. Michael. Lesbian/gay chorus director stepping down. May 5, 2019. Bay Area Reporter. April 26, 2017.
8. Web site: Staff. Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco. August 24, 2017.
9. Web site: Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco. GALA Choruses. May 3, 2017.