Boston Gay Men's Chorus BGMC 09
(bgmc.org)

Choral groups are rarely required to display much physical courage, but a 2005 tour to Wroclaw in southwestern Poland by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) was a dramatic exception. The BGMC, founded in 1982, scheduled a charity benefit for a local pediatric AIDS center, which drew organized protests from a far-right-wing group that agitated for the concert's cancellation. In one of the most intolerant corners of today's Europe, street thugs shouted through bullhorns and waved banners with homophobic slogans. Regardless, the 120 Boston singers entered the hall and performed a program of soul-soothing songs, such as the Shaker anthem "Simple Gifts," as arranged by the American composer Aaron Copland: "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free." Other songs, such as "At the River" and "Down By the Riverside," speak of peaceful communion, especially telling in the context of local strife. With a nod to their audience and protestors, the BGMC also intones sonorously "Gaude Mater Polonia" (Rejoice, oh Mother Poland), a beloved local hymn dating back to the Middle Ages. Their mellifluous singing is accompanied by pianist Chad Weirick, the group's assistant music director, who performs with exaltation. Both for its historical context and high musical value, this CD provides lasting encouragement and inspiration to all listeners, teaching us to face down apprehensions and prejudices in ourselves as well as others.