SF Gay Men's Chorus releases, "Illuminate: Live at 35," including eleven world premiere commissions

July 15, 2014

Supported by a grant from the NEA, SFGMC directed by Dr. Timothy Seelig released its 30th recording, Illuminate: Live at 35 centered on themes of hope and young love including the breathtaking world premiere of Tyler's Suite. Featured guest artists include violinist Kevin Rodgers and noted singer Ann Hampton Callaway. 

The recording is available at:

Tyler's Suite brought together eight of the world's most renowned contemporary composers to create a work about the life of Tyler Clementi.

Clementi was a talented and creative young man deeply loved by his family and friends. He was gay and had just begun sharing this during the summer of his high school graduation. In his first month at college, he became a victim of cyberbullying. He discovered what his abuser had done and that his abuser was planning a second attempt. He ended his life several days later. In singing the music, the SFGMC asked what would have happened if Tyler had heard a chorus sing songs of affirmation and the stories of others who have found themselves in the depths of despair. Co-commissioning were the Windy City Gay Chorus, the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Flying House Productions, the New York City Gay Men's Chorus, and the Turtle Creek Chorale. They will present the work in their 14/15 seasons.

Because of his passion surrounding Tyler's story, composer Stephen Schwartz offered to select composers to collaborate on a multi-movement work. All significantly discounted their fees in support of the project. Lyricist Pamela Stewart met with the Clementi family, who were extensively involved in the project. Contributing to the suite were Nolan Gasser, Lance Horne, Craig Carnelia, Stephen Schwartz, John Bucchino, Ann Hampton Callaway, John Corigliano, and Jake Heggie.

Filling out the recording, choral music lovers will also recognize the names of composers Ola Gjeilo and Joseph Martin. Particularly moving is a work written by 16-year-old Julian Hornik inspired by the life and legacy of Harvey Milk.

Illuminate is distrbuted on the SFGMC's in-house label, edited by Dann Thompson, mastered by Romanowski Mastering and produced by Dan O'Leary. Two tracks were mixed by Leslie Ann Jones at Skywalker Sound assisted by Dann Thompson at Skywalker Sound.