Chase Maggiano, Executive Director of The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, is on his way to The Washington Chorus in June. He will be sorely missed. Yesterday, he sent this announcement and heartfelt email to everyone at GMCW:
“Dear GMCW Family,
With both excitement and sadness, I am writing to tell you that I have accepted the position of Executive Director of The Washington Chorus, and will be finishing my tenure with GMCW in June. I am grateful to each member of the Board of Directors for their support and counsel through this process, and for their incredible dedication to GMCW. This decision did not come without significant personal reflection, as I have found a welcoming home and family in GMCW. I am excited to return to my classical music roots with The Washington Chorus, yet I know I will feel the loss of the incredible work we’re doing here at GMCW as we bring a message of equality to the world through music.
I am grateful to know that GMCW rests in the exceptional hands of Dr. Thea Kano, our strong Board of Directors, and our inimitable staff. Our financial house is in order, the office is running on all cylinders, the artistry is world class, and you – the GMCW family – remain the heart and soul of this organization.
In my three seasons with GMCW, you have become my friends. I have learned from you and you have helped shape GMCW into what it is today. In particular, Rob Hall led the search that brought me to this extraordinary family, and I am ever-grateful for his leadership and dedication. Charlie Berardesco, my friend and counselor, will fittingly lead the search for the next Executive Director. As our community has changed, so too has our chorus. Each singer, Board Member, volunteer, and supporter has provided guidance in GMCW’s journey. Thank you.
A search committee is being finalized to identify the next Executive Director, who we plan to have in place on or before July 1, 2016. With the long timeline, we will find a strong partner for Thea and the Board, and my involvement will ensure a smooth transition.
Our GenOUT Chorus, our international outreach, our impossibly robust local outreach, our ability to add layer upon layer of meaning to our music, and our (let’s be honest) fabulous production numbers are all things I will miss. GMCW stands out locally and across the country for good reason. Namely, we have a jewel in Washington, and her name is Thea Kano. I’m honored to know her as a colleague, fellow dreamer, and friend
I look forward to seeing all of you for the rest of the season and well beyond. As we celebrate our 35th Anniversary at Boots, Class & Sass (where I’ll be playing fiddle), Carmina Burana at The Kennedy Center, and the annual Spring Affair, I hope to see you so we can celebrate all that we have accomplished together.”
Boots, Class & Sass plays this Saturday, March 12th at 8 PM at The Lincoln Theatre -1215 U Street NW, in Washington, DC.
For tickets, call the box office at 1-877-435-9849, purchase them in person at the 9:30 Club box office – 815 V Street, NW from 12-7 PM on Monday through Friday, for ASL or wheelchair seating, call (202) 293-1548, or purchase your tickets online
Performances continue next weekend:
March 19, 2016 at 3:00 PM (ASL)
March 19, 2016 at 8:00 PM
March 20, 2016 at 3:00 PM (ASL)
LINKS:
A Thank You to GMCW: The Energy and Commitment of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by David Friscic.
Review: ‘The Way We Were’ at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by David Friscic.
Interview: Jay Gilliam on The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s ‘The Way We Were’ at Atlas on 2/12 & 13 by Joel Markowitz.
Interview: Tim Gillham on The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s ‘The Way We Were’ at Atlas on 2/12 & 13 by Joel Markowitz.
Interview: Jarrod Bennett on The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s ‘The Way We Were’ at Atlas on 2/12 & 13 by Joel Markowitz.
Review: ‘The S* Show’ at Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) at Atlas by Michael Poandl.
Interview: Meet Soloist Paul Negron of The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s ‘The S Show’ Playing This Saturday at 5 & 8 PM at Atlas by Joel Markowitz.
Interview: Meet Soloist JJ Vera of The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s ‘The ‘S Show’ Playing This Saturday at 5 & 8 PM at Atlas by Joel Markowitz.
Review: ‘Born This Way’ at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by David Friscic.
Review: ‘When You Wish’ at Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by David Friscic.
Review: ‘Love Rocks!’ at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington by David Friscic.
Review: ‘Rockin’ the Holidays’ at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by David Friscic.
Review: ‘Love Stinks!’ at The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by John Stoltenberg.