WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1993 as The Gay Gotham Chorus, the organization was renamed and incorporated as a non-profit in 2001 as Empire City Men's Chorus.  ECMC was initially formed primarily of and for the LGBTQ community, with programs that would feature multilingual repertoire of predominantly classical music. Today, ECMC has broadened its artistic and community mission to present a full spectrum of musical styles, ranging from pre-Renaissance to modern, eclectic, and adventurous works via active commissions. Much of ECMC’s programming is linked to or directly supports a relevant social justice cause. Music, camaraderie, and community we hold as central tenets. ECMC also strives to make a lasting contribution to men’s (TTBB) choral repertoire via commissioning new works on an annual basis, and from a variety of established and rising composers.  At the end of the day, we are singing men joined by beloved, supportive women who share a passion for community-inspired performances, and we hope to impart an affirmation of  character and strength within our listeners. Prior to the appointment of Vince Peterson as Artistic Director in the fall of 2014, ECMC has been led under the esteemed batons of Dr. Matthew Oltman, Christopher Clowdus, Dr. Jonathan Babcock, and Dr. Donald Messer.

What We Do

Empire City Men's Chorus produces at least two major concerts each year, along with a small number of pro bono and hired appearances.  The singing membership of ECMC is proud to represent diverse group of gender-identifying men of all sexual orientations. Considering both the singing and non-singing membership, we are 40-45 dues-paying men and women volunteers who embody the full spectrum of diversity.  

ECMC rehearses weekly on Tuesday during the months of September - May and hosts two annual rehearsal retreats.  There are also a number of group events throughout the year that serve to strengthen our musical and social bonds.

Our Mission

Empire City Men's Chorus is a forward-thinking, urban men’s concert chorus dedicated to refreshing men’s choral music and the people who experience us.

 

Proud Member of

Our Values

We value musical excellence, artistic versatility, and professionalism in our singers.
We value diversity in our membership, listeners, and communities.
We value fraternity and inclusivity.


 

highlights

  • Recording of the holiday and secular choral music of the late Dr. Conrad Susa [2017]

  • An invited performance for the UN Secretary General’s (Ban Ki Moon) UNiTE Campaign to End Violence Against Women at The United Nations General Assembly in New York City [2010]

  • Back-up singing for the raucous comedienne Margaret Cho on her tour of Cho Dependent [2010]

  • Brahms' Alto Rhapsody with The Astoria Symphony [2008]

  • Arnold Schönberg’s A Survivor in Warsaw [2005]

  • 10th Anniversary Tribute Concert, featuring world premieres by Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Moravec and Adam Silverman [2003]

World premiers

Other Special Events

In joyful recognition and gratitude, ECMC would like to express heartwarming thanks for having a musical part in the weddings of Alvin Luk & Gustavo Souza, Susie & Rod Cornicello, and Ronald Languedoc & Oscar Arce—we are so humbled to have been there celebrating with you on your special day.