TCGMC Spring Concert: Erased | March 27-28, 2020

The annual spring concert, Erased, features three world premieres by esteemed Twin Cities-based composers, Jake Runestad, Timothy C. Takach and a larger choral work by TCGMC Artistic Director, Dr. Gerald Gurss. The program will address communities in danger of being erased: from immigrants and LGBTQ affirming churches to trans youth. In some cases, the repertoire will address topics and themes in need of being erased, such as conversion therapy and HIV stigma.
Recently nominated for a 2020 GRAMMY® Award for Best Choral Performance, Jake Runestad is considered a “choral Rockstar” by American Public Media. One of the most frequently performed composers of choral music in the world, TCGMC commissioned Runestad to pen a setting of Harlem Renaissance author Georgia Douglas Johnson’s “When I Rise Up” to speak to the theme of overcoming oppressive ideologies and institutionalized inequities in society.
The music of Timothy C. Takach has risen fast in the concert world, having been performed on A Prairie Home Companion, The Boston Pops holiday tour, multiple All-State and festival programs and at venues such as the Library of Congress, Kennedy Center and Royal Opera House Muscat. His composition, “I Belong” a setting of a Rumi text, is a commission that tackles the idea of religious freedom and the need for people to find a spiritual home no matter the specific faith, or lack thereof.
The concert is anchored by a new choral song cycle from American Prize finalist in choral composition, and TCGMC Artistic Director, Dr. Gerald Gurss. The work, entitled Stigmata, chronicles the experiences of HIV stigma on the lives of people living with HIV every day as well as their families; those who are newly diagnosed and the historical perspective of those who have died from AIDS; as well as addressing aspects of gay culture that also play a role in perpetuating HIV stigma. The metaphor of the stigmata serves as a reminder that we don’t need to inflict the horrible pains of social crucifixion upon the HIV+ community.
Concert information:
Friday, March 27, 2020 at 8pm
Saturday, March 28, 2020 at 8pm*
Ted Mann Concert Hall
Order Tickets Online, or by phone at 612-624-2345
Friday Ticket Prices: $27-$45
Saturday Ticket Prices: $30-50
*The March 28 performance will be ASL interpreted. The interpreter will be located on the right side of the stage. An area near that location has been designated as ASL Seating, with locations on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels