Classical notes: Marking a gay pride milestone in song

It was 50 years ago this month that a riot at the Stonewall, a Greenwich Village bar, sparked the gay rights movement. Since then, June has been the traditional time for celebrations of gay visibility and acceptance. While the parade and festival known as Capital Pride are taking place this weekend in Albany, the happenings will continue throughout the region.

On back-to-back nights next weekend, local LGBT choruses are offering concerts that honor and recall the struggles and victories of the gay community during the past five decades. First up is the Capital Pride Singers with the program And Still We Rise at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at First Congregational Church in Albany. The following evening, the Albany Gay Men's Chorus presents This Is ME at the Massry Center in Albany.

Separate conversations with leaders of each chorus hit on similar points, including a simple pleasure in making good music together, a welcoming spirit (no auditions required for joining) and the surprising fact that each group is led by a conductor who is straight.

The Capital Pride Singers, founded 25 years ago, has about 40 active singers and membership is open to all. "We're gay, straight, and everything in between, we don't ask," says its board president, Valorie Martin. "We have a really good time and a great family atmosphere."

The Gay Men's Chorus is now in its 11th season and has had a recent boost in membership, which also totals about 40. Tenor Bob Willower also emphasizes the feeling of community as well as the hearty camaraderie. "Everyone's got a good sense of humor and there's always a lot of laughs," he says. "We're no different than any other group."

Yet when it comes to the musical selections and the context in which they are presented, there's no mistaking that these are gay choruses. That should be more true than ever with the...