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Gary Miller (conductor)

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Accomplishments

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Under Miller's leadership the NYCGMC operated not only as a musical ensemble but as a political and social organization. In a 2005 interview in The New York Times Miller said of the chorus, "As gay men we wanted to make music for the education and enrichment of the community. It was to be equal parts music, social and political."[citation needed]

In 1984 the chorus performed at the Eastern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). It was the first time that the ACDA had featured a gay chorus at one of its conventions.[1] The ACDA had initially refused to allow the chorus to use the word "gay" in their printed program, a decision that prompted Miller to file a successful lawsuit against the organization with the backing of the American Civil Liberties Union.[citation needed]

During his tenure the chorus notably became the first gay musical ensemble to receive a recording contract.[citation needed] Over the years Miller commissioned 40 new choral works by numerous notable American composers.[2] He also led the chorus in several AIDS benefits which helped to raise awareness of the disease as well as to bring in funding for medical research.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Gay Men's Chorus Wins Right To Use Name In S.J.", San Jose Mercury News, January 29, 1986
  2. ^ a b Wadler, Joyce (June 25, 1998). "PUBLIC LIVES; A Baton Is Passed, but the Chorus Sings On". The New York Times.