Choruses Unite in Song to Raise Money for Catherine’s House

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and WomenSing are joining forces to present two unique concerts on June 2nd and 3rd. The centerpiece for both shows will be a selection of graceful movements from Michael Tippett’s classic oratorio, A Child of Our Time – an impassioned protest against persecution and tyranny that includes African-American spirituals.

Dr. Kathleen McGuire, artistic director and conductor of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus said; “In writing A Child of Our Time, Tippett was inspired by Kristallnacht and the scapegoating of minorities. It is appropriate that the performance of the piece raise funds for Catherine’s House, a refuge and respite from another war of devastation: HIV.”

Martín Benvenuto, artistic director of WomenSing explained; “Tippett began writing A Child of Our Time on the day World War II broke out – September 1st 1939 – and completed it two years later. Since then it has become a part of the choral repertory worldwide.” Adding: “We are really excited to be working with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in bringing this beautiful composition to our community.”

In addition to Tippett’s masterwork, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will perform selections from their recent triumphant concert at Davies Symphony Hall – Divas’ Revenge II – as well as a sneak preview of songs from the forthcoming Pride Concert and WomenSing will present Ron Jeffers’ powerful Indian Singing, based on poetry by Gail Tremblay, rooted in the Native American experience. To top off the diverse program, SFGMC’s ensemble, del Castro, under new director Skip Myers, will perform a set of songs in Spanish.

The first concert will be held in San Francisco on Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 pm at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 2390 Bush Street. For Tickets, call 415.865.2787 or point your browser to www.sfgmc.org. The second of the two concerts will be held in Berkeley on Sunday June 3 at 4 pm at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. For tickets call 925.974.9169 or point your browser to www.womensing.org. Ticket prices for both shows are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Discounts for seniors, students and youth are also available.

For more information contact Teddy Witherington at 415.845.1206