Providence Gay Men's Chorus Serve Up Holiday Cheer

In the midst of economic tough times and chilly weather, the Providence Gay Men's Chorus is preparing to warm the hearts of audiences with a collection of Holiday favorites, along with some new songs.

The PGMC's Holiday show, Joy, will be performed December 2, 5, and 6 at Beneficent Congregational Church in Providence.

John Beaudreau, the President of the PGMC, said the content of the show would be diverse.

"Our first half is a little bit more traditional," Beaudreau said, noting classics such as "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Home for the Holidays" will be performed.

The second half promises to be more offbeat, with songs from the beloved comic strip Peanuts, along with tunes that have been rarely heard.

"We have a couple of songs that are going to be new to almost everyone," Beaudreau said. "They're very whimsical."

The PGMC hopes to transport audiences to different places around the world where Christmas is celebrated.

Beaudreau promises "cute costumes" and some "unexpected twists that will have people laughing and remembering our performance long after you've left the show."

The PGMC has 50 members, although only 35 of those actually perform. There are a handful of newbies from Rhode Island College. Beaudreau complimented the younger singers, noting that they bring a lot of vitality to the chorus.

"They have been part of other gay choruses where they came from," Beaudreau said, noting word of the PGMC had got around when they performed at the International GALA Choruses Festival in Miami last year.

"They contacted us before they even moved here to join us because they heard how wonderful we were," Beaudreau said. "We've got some amazing great new talent."

Teresa Coffman, a director of choral music at Rhode Island College, serves as the PGMC's musical director. Beaudreau had a lot of praise for Coffman's work with the PGMC for the past two years.

"She's definitely someone who knows how to direct a chorus," Beaudreau said, noting Coffman was one of a handful of women to oversee a gay men's chorus.

Established in 1995, the Providence Gay Men's Chorus began as a six-member group. Since then, its numbers have risen to as many as 50 singers in 2000. Through the years, the chorus has won acclaim from critics and audiences alike for their energetic vocal stylings. Readers of Rhode Island Monthly Magazine voted the PGMC the Best Male Chorus in 2004 and Motif Magazine named the PGMC Best Choral Group in 2008 and 2009.

For tickets, call 401-455-4698 or go to the PGMC Web site.