History

It’s fitting that it was on Valentine’s Day, 1990 that the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) was founded; because over the next two-plus decades, the organization would truly be taken to heart by the Central Florida Community. This all volunteer, 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts and humanitarian organization, under the leadership of Founding President, David Schuler and Founding Artistic Director, Dr. Charles Callahan, began not only with just 39 members and initial cases of the jitters, but with a mission and vision to use music to change images and attitudes, build a stronger community and make the world a better place.

The men and women of the Orlando Gay Chorus believe that their music can affirm and change the lives of those who hear them. Their musical artistry speaks directly to their pride in themselves and offers the world a chance to see beyond headlines and contentious social issues to build bridges of understanding and love. Funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, the Orlando Gay Chorus – now 130+ members strong – has prospered and grown over 22 seasons of providing exciting and eclectic musical experiences. They’ve produced over 65 major concerts and 170 benefit and community performances, appearing locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally before audiences of up to 20,000 enthusiastic patrons.

The Orlando Gay Chorus is appreciated as a vital part of the Orlando Arts Community. In addition to its celebrated major concerts throughout the year, OGC supports other local arts organizations. Beginning in 2007, the Chorus has been honored to be a main stage performer at the respected annual Red Chair Affair at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, which kicks off the Central Florida arts season. As the winter holiday seasons draw near, the chorus answers the call each year from the Orlando Museum of Art, our

“neighbors across the parking lot”, by singing a variety of holiday songs at their annual Festival of Trees – a crowd favorite. And in support of United Arts of Central Florida, the Chorus provides a mini-concert during the ten-day ArtsFest in early February. The chorus’ ensemble “OUTLOUD!, also made its first appearance – to critical acclaim – at the Orlando International Fringe Festival. And in 2009, recognizing the chorus’ internship collaboration with Valencia College’s ASL Program, OGC was presented with an award by the State of Florida for making the arts more accessible to under-served communities. As part of OGC’s mission to make the arts even more accessible, they’ve collaborated with local government, higher educational institutions, businesses and other non-profits to bring their musical talents to as broad an audience as possible.

In addition to their music, OGC is also known for its humanitarian efforts throughout the years. Each November, for the past 21 years, in partnership with the Children’s Home Society of Central Florida, Orlando Gay Chorus members have provided Thanksgiving Day meal baskets for several families in need. In conjunction with their annual Holiday Concerts, they host the longest, continuous U.S. Marine Corps “Toys For Tots” Drive in Central Florida – 22 years and counting. The chorus is also committed to supporting those health service organizations who work tirelessly to provide care and support to individuals with disabling disease. Since its inception, and during every year, the chorus has donated its time and talents, performing at nursing homes and retirement centers, as well as lending its musical voice at benefits and community awareness events for cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and developmental disabilities.

True to its mission and vision, the Orlando Gay Chorus also remains deeply involved in its outreach to and support of the GLBT Community. Every four years, joining over 190 other gay and lesbian choruses throughout the world, OGC participates in and performs at the GALA Festival, the week-long, international choral festival of the GALA Choruses, Inc. In 1994, it undertook a concert road tour in NE Florida to help establish and support a new gay chorus in Jacksonville and has since collaborated with other choruses throughout the state.

The Orlando Gay Chorus is routinely honored with a WAVE Award for best local musical performer by Watermark newspaper, participates in and supports the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) and has been a vendor and performer at the world-renowned GayDays in June. At Orlando’s annual Come Out With Pride festival and parade each October, the chorus performs, marches and hosts a booth at this gathering, now the largest pride event in the state of Florida.

In 2007, OGC was honored to provide the musical entertainment for the University of Central Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union’s (GLBSU’s) first “Spring GAYla”. Billed as “The Gay Prom”, OGC was thrilled with the opportunity to reach out to this young, new audience and support the work of this vibrant campus organization. In the Fall of 2009, the chorus was specially chosen to perform at the National Out & Equal Workplace Summit at the Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort. And, most recently, in December 2010, OGC was chosen as one of only five GLBT choruses nationwide to perform with Margaret Cho when she brought "The Cho Dependent Tour" to Hard Rock Live in Orlando.

In addition to ticket sales, grants and concert bookings, the chorus helps sustain itself with the addition of corporate sponsorships, donations, merchandise sales and fundraising events. In a top fundraising effort, OGC began its 18th season in August, 2007 with a very special concert that month in support of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s traveling exhibit “Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals, 1933-1945" at the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center in Maitland, Florida. Of Ghosts and Glory honored music in the spirit of pre-Nazi German cabarets and celebrated songs of tolerance of today.

OGC has also hosted the major fundraiser, Starry, Starry Night™ in past Octobers, showcasing entertainment by Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian, Leslie Jordan, of “Will & Grace” and “Sordid Lives”, and Tony Award winning-actress and cabaret star Linda Lavin. In addition, each year, OGC produces its fundraising concerts UNCUT CABARET and A Lotta Night Music – very special evenings of cabaret featuring chorus members in solos, duets and ensembles. With the chorus, fundraising is a continuous endeavor, and helps allow the organization to grow and provide outreach to the community at large. The Orlando Gay Chorus enthusiastically entered its third decade with its 2010-2011 Season. Under the artistic direction of Mr. Jim Brown, assisted by Mr. Jed Daiger and accompanied by Ms. Sue Glerum, the chorus invites you to our concerts, welcomes you to our family and encourages you to consider joining our volunteer ranks, either as a singing member or a member of our support staff.

For additional information and questions about joining OGC, please see the Membership pages and contact Membership via the "Contact Us" page of this website.