[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE DENVER GAY MEN'S CHORUS

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                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker. I rise to commend the exceptional 
leadership and invaluable contributions of the Denver Gay Men's Chorus 
on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary. It is fitting that we 
recognize this chorus for its extraordinary service and its enduring 
commitment to creative and performance excellence as well as the 
enrichment of the artistic and cultural experience in the 1st 
congressional district and throughout Colorado.
  Since its inception, the Denver Gay Men's Chorus has proven to be a 
powerful force in promoting both artistic excellence and civic values. 
Founded in 1982, the chorus was the first openly gay organization in 
Denver. The group is a talented choral ensemble dedicated to musical 
excellence and it has been a beacon of strength and support for the gay 
and lesbian community. Touching ears and hearts alike, the Denver Gay 
Men's Chorus, with its unique ability to convey acceptance and pride, 
continue to be in high demand with diverse audiences. Truly, the chorus 
has established itself as a major cultural presence that has served to 
expand the appreciation of choral music and its enduring value as a 
means of poignant artistic expression.
  The Denver Gay Men's Chorus has openly declared that it exists to 
build community through music. Members have joined together for the 
explicit purpose of providing educational, cultural and social 
enrichment for themselves and their audiences. It is an organization of 
gay people and their friends that is actively engaged in making a 
positive contribution to the entire community.
  The Denver Gay Men's Chorus has amassed a distinguished record of 
service to our State and our Nation. It has participated in the Gay and 
Lesbian Association of Choruses festivals in six cities--Denver, 
Montreal, New York, San Jose, Seattle, and Tampa--representing Denver 
and Colorado as cultural ambassadors to the world. It has participated 
in exchange concerts with gay men's choruses in Boston, Chicago, 
Minneapolis, Portland, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
  In 1990, Rich Geraghty of Denver was appointed administrative 
director of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Board of 
Directors. Prior to locating in Washington, DC, the first national 
offices of the GALA Choruses were in Denver. In 1992, the Denver Gay 
Men's Chorus welcomed over 3,500 delegates and hosted 65 choruses at 
the GALA Choruses Festival IV held at the Denver Center for the 
Performing Arts. ``Of Rage and Remembrance,'' by featured composer John 
Corigliano, was performed at the festival's special AIDS Memorial 
Concert during the peak of AIDS deaths nationwide.
  Over the past 25 years, the Denver Gay Men's Chorus has performed 
over 130 different concert programs featuring over 1,300 compositions, 
arrangements, commissioned works, and medleys. It comes as no surprise 
that the chorus was honored with the Denver Mayor's A ward for 
Excellence in the Arts for 1992.
  As a choir member at Montview Presbyterian Church, I have an 
appreciation of choral music's power and its capacity to inspire both 
singers and audiences alike. It has been noted that ``singing is the 
bridge between heaven and earth; between ages and cultures. It has the 
power to move hearts and to touch us in ways that truly transcend 
mundane experience.'' Today, we celebrate the transforming power of 
choral music. We celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Denver 
Gay Men's Chorus as it continues to promote artistic excellence, pride 
and community. Choral music touches all of us and we are indeed 
fortunate to have a cultural asset of such magnitude. Please join me in 
commending the Denver Gay Men's Chorus, a distinguished choral 
ensemble. It is the leadership and dedication which members of this 
chorus exhibit on a daily basis that continually enhance our lives and 
build a better future for all of our people.

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