The Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) announced today that Jerry R. Soria-Foust has been hired as their new Artistic Director bringing with him extensive experience as the former leader of the San Diego Men’s Chorus and Opus Q – A Men’s Vocal Ensemble among others. Soria-Foust was selected after an extensive national search, and succeeds Douglas Wilson who has retired after seven successful seasons.
“It is a thrill to return to Southern California, and to be selected as the next Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, one of the Coachella Valley’s premiere musical organizations. Through its family-like environment, its commitment to social justice and community outreach, and its exceptional performances, the Chorus continues to prove it truly is ‘A Chorus Like No Other.’
The past year has been a challenge for all of us, with a worldwide pandemic that halted the performing arts we cherish and a nationwide call for racial justice in America. As the Chorus enters its 23rd season, it is more important than ever that the community hears our voices and experiences our message of hope and resilience. I hope everyone will join me and the members of this remarkable organization for an unforgettable season,” said Jerry R. Soria-Foust, Artistic Director, PSGMC.
PSGMC will be holding its “Sing Out Proud” open call auditions September 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mizell Center, 480 South Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. This special evening of camaraderie will also be an opportunity to volunteer and get involved with one of the chorus’ many committees. Interested singers can also attend the open rehearsal that night, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. to experience what it is like to perform with the chorus and meet its members. PSGMC continues to build ‘A Chorus Like No Other,’ with a commitment to a high standard of excellence in their performances. In the audition process, PSGMC will be recruiting singers for the main chorus, but also for their small ensemble groups “Bruce Kenyon’s The Arrangement” and “Gentlemen’s Agreement.”
PSGMC auditions-1200x800
From 2005-2009, Jerry served as Artistic Director for the San Diego Men’s Chorus, where he led the chorus through a number of milestones, including performing as main stage entertainment on an ocean liner for RSVP cruises, singing the national anthem for the San Diego Padres, and becoming the resident choral ensemble in the newly renovated Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. During his time with SDMC, the Chorus collaborated with a number of award-winning artists, including Tony® nominated Sharon McNight, Broadway & American Idol star Frenchie Davis, Olympic legend Greg Louganis, playwright Del Shores, Grammy® nominated Westwind Brass, the San Diego Women’s Drum Circle, and more.
Jerry was also the Founding Director of Opus Q – A Men’s Vocal Ensemble, a select ensemble specializing in diverse repertoire performed in intimate settings in the Bay Area. He also served briefly as the Artistic Director for the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, where the chorus collaborated with luminaries like Sharon Gless and Sir Ian McKellen, as well as the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. To read his entire biography visit https://psgmc.com/leadership/.
The chorus is an auditioned, volunteer choral ensemble consisting of male singers age eighteen and older, gay or gay friendly, transgender male identifying and straight-allied men of all ethnicities. With a wide range of varying musical training and backgrounds, the Chorus is committed to fostering an environment of professionalism, respect, and unity.
The mission of the PSGMC is to be a chorus of gay men, who through musical excellence, community outreach, and civic responsibility, are dedicated to entertaining, inspiring, and educating the culturally diverse community in which we live.
For more information on meeting the requirements and an application form: https://psgmc.com/auditions/. For a variety of ways to support the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, visit www.PSGMC.com.