Gay Men’s Chorus dedicates rousing and majestic virtual performance of Cyndi Lauper to frontline healthcare workers
150 members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus giving a ‘virtual’ performance (YouTube)
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is here to soothe a nation under lockdown with a stunning mashup of two LGBT+ anthems.
Though social distancing may be keeping them apart, 150 gay choristers came together in spirit for an incredible virtual performance from their respective homes.
As a thank you to those on the frontline of the pandemic, the group performed “Truly Brave,” a perfectly harmonised combination of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Sara Bareilles’ “Brave.”
“SFGMC’s first virtual chorus performance is dedicated to the ‘Truly Brave’ first responders and healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19,” the chorus posted with the video.
“You are our heroes.”
The ballad has been around since 2014 when Lauper and Bareilles first performed their songs together for a fundraiser for paediatric cancer.
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus was founded in 1978 with the mission “to lead by creating extraordinary music and experiences that build community, inspire activism, and foster compassion at home and around the world.”
“Truly Brave” marks the first-ever virtually recorded piece in the choir’s 42-year history, and the beginning of its new online platform, SFGMC TV.
The site will showcase the choir’s performances, as well as singer spotlights and interviews with notable performers and icons, including Andrew Lippa, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Schwartz, and Chasten Buttigieg.
The choir hopes it will allow its members and supporters to stay connected throughout the pandemic. It will also feature educational content from the choir’s RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music) program.
“SFGMC thrives on connection, both within the Chorus during our rehearsal process and with our broader community through performance,” said the choir’s artistic director Timothy Seelig.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform to connect us all digitally for the time being and beyond. We just couldn’t go another moment without putting our music and activism out there for people to enjoy!”
