Pride Men’s Chorus London proudly presents a choral celebration of LGBTQ2 history: “Brave.” It is a personal as well as a collective story about liberation, the joy of living authentically, and the power of love and compassion. “Brave” documents the journey from the dark days of discrimination and persecution to the present day of equal rights and tolerance in our own community and across the nation, lest we forget the dark history from which we came. The goal of this performance is to enlighten and inspire the audience, the LGBTQ2 community, and the broader community at large, and to help those with closed minds and hearts to open up.
Join Pride Men’s Chorus London as they present a celebration of diversity and love, sharing songs and personal reflections about the brave souls who came before, whose activism was hard fought. “Brave” is a multimedia performance featuring fierce anthems, loud and proud protest songs, and rousing reinterpretations of popular numbers to inform, delight and inspire you to celebrate your own uniqueness. This includes selections from two Broadway musicals, “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Falsettos,” as well as an award-winning song from the film soundtrack to “Brokeback Mountain.” In addition, PMCL will perform covers of artists such as Andra Day, Barry Manilow, Heather Small, Pet Shop Boys, and The Hollies, as well as a heart-warming mashup of Cindy Lauper’s “True Colours” with Sara Bareilles’s “Brave” (arranged by San Francisco’s Gay Men’s Chorus).
Two key pieces — “Testimony” and “Michael’s Letter to Mama” — peer into the private struggles of finding self-acceptance and the courage to come out in an intolerant world. Composed by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Wicked” and others) for San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in 2012, “Testimony” features lyrics taken from submissions to Dan Savage’s It Gets Better Project. “Michael’s Letter to Mama” is a special choral arrangement of a coming out letter penned by author, Armistead Maupin, in his influential “Tales of the City” books and mini-series. They remind us of the importance of chosen family in fostering positive self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love to create a life worth living. Bring your tissues, because things are going to get messy up in here!
Artistic Direction: Clark Bryan
Conductor: Andrew Rethazi
Assistant Conductor: Tom Corken
Trigger Warning (TW): Some content in this performance may contain triggering and/or sensitive material. Hate speech (i.e. language that may be interpreted as homophobic or sexist), self-harm, suicide, homophobia/transphobia are topics depicted within this event. If you feel triggered, please know there are resources to support you:
Reach Out: https://reachout247.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/
Queer Support: https://www.queerevents.ca/resources/crisis-hotline-support/resources
Pride Men’s Chorus London was founded in 2016 and is a program of Aeolian Hall. PMCL was the 2018 recipient of the Jack Richardson London Music Award Best Classical Vocal (Choir/Group). Since its foundation, PMCL has sung to sold out audiences. PMCL creates experiences through choral music that promote community, inclusiveness and excellence. With the goal of combatting stereotypes and perceptions, we challenge the heteronormative worldview by inspiring our audience, the LGBTQ2 community and our broader community through advocacy and music. We celebrate victories won, we mourn lives lost, we find unconditional acceptance, and we celebrate all life in harmony, through our songs.
Welcome to the Aeolian Phoenix Sessions
The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions take centre stage… in the comfort of your own home. Every month we premier at least four productions recorded at Aeolian’s studios or in the artist’s home.
The Aeolian Phoenix Sessions are intended to provide patrons with a cross-section of the music going experience. From classical to jazz, rock to country, and bluegrass to folk, the Sessions aim to bring music back into your home and heart.
Interested in one show only? Trust us: you’ll like what you see. Try the Phoenix Sessions all month and experience a few productions that you might never have seen in person.
Our goal was to reignite live music and get artists on stage, technicians behind the soundboard and our patrons on their feet listening to extraordinary talent in extraordinary times.
Terms and Conditions
Membership to the Phoenix Sessions is $20 per month (automatically recurring) and you select the productions you wish to enjoy.
Cancel anytime by contacting boxoffice@aeolianhall.ca.
We do not have a multi-viewer pass. If you plan to safely watch with friends or family, please consider donating to further offset the costs associatedwith these productions.
Tickets to individual productions are not available.
Upon registration and after monthly validation, you will receive a confirmation email including a link that youx will use each time you wish to view aperformance. Save that link… But we are always here to help. Contact us at boxoffice@aeolianhall.ca if you lose your pass.
Shows will be available on the date and time specified on Aeolian’s website.
Payment is final. No refunds will be offered.
Rent The Aeolian
The Aeolian is a beautiful, unique, award-winning location to host your event.
While particularly renowned for its acoustic/live music presentations, the Aeolian is a versatile facility and can also host conferences and fundraisers.
Give the Gift of Aeolian
Looking for a unique and fun gift for a special someone?
Look no further than a gift card for The Aeolian. This is a perfect gift for any lover of music and the arts.