This one-night-only farewell concert celebrates the historic legacy of
Dr. Timothy Seelig as he conducts his final concert as Artistic Director of SFGMC
Joined by the San Francisco Symphony for the first time in SFGMC’s 43-year history, special guests also include the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Davies Symphony Hall
Wednesday, July 13 • 7:30 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO (May 24, 2022)—Today, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) announced the program for Final Words, a one-night-only farewell concert for Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, taking place Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. at San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall (201 Van Ness Ave.) Tickets are on-sale now by visiting SFGMC.org or by calling 415-864-6000.
Final Words will celebrate the spectacular legacy of Dr. Timothy Seelig as Artistic Director as he conducts his final concert as Artistic Director of SFGMC. This extraordinary evening will feature a deeply personal playlist curated by Seelig highlighting the past 11.5 years of his artistic influence. Making this historic moment even more special, San Francisco Symphony will join SFGMC on-stage for the first time in the chorus’ 43-year history. Works include selections from Unbreakable and I Am Harvey Milk by Andrew Lippa, A Chorus Line, The Lion King, Tyler’s Suite, and more. Special guests include the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
“Final Words is the culmination of a career dedicated to not only music education and choral conducting, but to community-building, activism, and social justice ” said SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo. “We are deeply grateful for Tim’s service and dedication to the chorus and community at large. His immense impact will be felt for decades to come. We look forward to celebrating him and his incredible achievements on July 13.”
“It is a rare moment in time when a conductor is allowed to create a program that is made up 100% of his favorite pieces,” adds Seelig. “This is exactly what I am being blessed with as I end 11 ½ years with SFGMC and 35 years conducting LGBTQ+ choruses around the world. I had help in the selection process to be sure, but the final program couldn't reflect my career any better.“
Considered one of the nation’s most prolific choral directors, Seelig’s 11 ½ seasons at San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is marked by several distinguished milestones, including the Lavender Pen Tour, the groundbreaking tour that took the chorus through five southern states in the fall of 2017; the subsequent release of “Gay Chorus Deep South,” the award-winning documentary chronicling the Lavender Pen Tour; the creation of the Artist Portal at San Francisco’s National AIDS Memorial Grove; the purchase of 170 Valencia, the new home of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and The Chan National Queer Arts Center; the launch of RHYTHM, SFGMC’s educational outreach program to youth that has stretched nationwide; and more.
Throughout his leadership, Seelig forged intimate and important working collaborations with distinguished composers and musicians which have resulted in six major commissioned pieces of works. They include “Testimony” by Stephen Schwartz, “I Am Harvey Milk” by Andrew Lippa; “Tyler’s Suite,” featuring the work of nine celebrated composers including Jake Heggie, Ann Hampton Callaway, John Corigliano, Stephen Flaherty, and more; “#twitterlieder” by James Eakin; “Unbreakable” by Andrew Lippa; “@queerz” by Julian Hornik; and the upcoming “Songs of the Phoenix.” Many of these works have since been performed by other choral ensembles around the world.
Final Words is sponsored in part by The Terrence D. Chan Foundation.
About SFGMC
Founded in 1978, SFGMC sparked a nationwide LGBTQ choral movement after its first public performance at a vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since then, SFGMC has been embedded in the fabric of San Francisco. It has soothed souls in pain, lifted spirits in triumph, and has remained a steadfast beacon of hope.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards bringing renewed audience and choral industry acclaim. Recent touring schedules, recordings, and outreach programs have broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and ground-breaking performances. In 2019, SFGMC acquired a historic facility that has become its permanent home for rehearsals and offices. The building also serves as The Chan National Queer Arts Center, the first-ever community space for LGBTQ artists and arts organizations.
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