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Ben Riggs, Artistic Director of Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, to take the reins on August 1

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Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) is pleased to announce that Ben Riggs will become the organization’s fifth Artistic Director on Aug. 1, 2012.

Riggs has been the Artistic Director of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC) since 2007. He also has served as Artistic Director of the Boulder Chorale, a 120-voice volunteer mixed chorus in Boulder, Colo. He holds a bachelor of music in piano from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, and a master of music in choral conducting from the University of Colorado. Riggs will receive his doctorate of musical arts in choral literature and performance, also at the University of Colorado, in August 2012.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Riggs as the new Artistic Director of the TCGMC,” said Mary Schwind, Chair of TCGMC’s Board of Directors. “Ben is not only an established choral leader in the Denver community, but an active performer in his own right. We are confident that the Chorus, which has been so carefully nurtured under the direction of retiring Artistic Director Dr. Stan Hill, will continue to flourish under Ben Riggs’ direction.”

Read the complete press release.

Join Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus and our partner Project 515 Education Campaign for our 12th annual Songs from the Heart fundraiser. 2012 is the year for marriage equality, so we’re throwing a gala wedding reception at Aria at the Jeune Lune!

Songs from the Heart is Friday, June 1 at 6 pm. Single seats and tables are now available for purchase! Hope to see you there!

Minneapolis photographer Brent Dundore (BD Portraits) has joined forces with the TCGMC to create the “MARRY US Campaign.” The combination of the TCGMC’s musical message and Brent’s photographs create powerful images of love, friendship, community, and inclusion. It is the sincere hope of the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus and BD Portraits that these photographs inspire voters in Minnesota (and beyond) to vote for what is right: Marriage Equality for ALL!

On October 26, 2010, we gathered at our regular Tuesday evening rehearsal at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis to record a message of hope for our younger brothers and sisters.

This video has been included as part of the “It Gets Better” Project. Read our complete message and watch our video here.