SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN'S CHORUS
HELLO YELLOW BRICK ROAD
July 19, 2023
Overview
Hello Yellow Brick Road, performed with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, is a wild and wonderful celebration that combines highlights from Elton John’s groundbreaking album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road—marking its 50th anniversary—along with favorites from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Stephen Schwartz’s blockbuster musical, Wicked.Program
To Be Announced
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
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San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
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 executive director Chris Verdugo and artistic director Jacob Stensberg, 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 groundbreaking performances. In 2023, SFGMC opened 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.
Jacob Stensberg, Artistic Director
Jacob Stensberg is an enthusiastic and energetic conductor and performer whose creative output centers core values including authenticity, connection, and compassion. He is the artistic director of the 250-voice San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Chan National Queer Arts Center. Prior to his appointment with SFGMC, he was the assistant director for Purdue Musical Organizations at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. In addition to his work at Purdue, Stensberg enjoyed working with Butler University choirs and orchestras, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Circle City Chamber Choir, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater, Zach&Zack Productions, BOBDIREX, the Eclectic Pond Theatre Company, and the Civic Theater of Lafayette.
Stensberg’s recent highlights with the SFGMC included a record-setting Holiday Spectacular, record-setting spring performances of Disney PRIDE in Concert, and his debut conducting the San Francisco Symphony in July 2023, in partnership with SFGMC. He earned a bachelor of music education at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and a master of music in conducting from Butler University.
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 executive director Chris Verdugo and artistic director Jacob Stensberg, 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 groundbreaking performances. In 2023, SFGMC opened 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.
Jacob Stensberg, Artistic Director
Jacob Stensberg is an enthusiastic and energetic conductor and performer whose creative output centers core values including authenticity, connection, and compassion. He is the artistic director of the 250-voice San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Chan National Queer Arts Center. Prior to his appointment with SFGMC, he was the assistant director for Purdue Musical Organizations at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. In addition to his work at Purdue, Stensberg enjoyed working with Butler University choirs and orchestras, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Circle City Chamber Choir, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater, Zach&Zack Productions, BOBDIREX, the Eclectic Pond Theatre Company, and the Civic Theater of Lafayette.
Stensberg’s recent highlights with the SFGMC included a record-setting Holiday Spectacular, record-setting spring performances of Disney PRIDE in Concert, and his debut conducting the San Francisco Symphony in July 2023, in partnership with SFGMC. He earned a bachelor of music education at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and a master of music in conducting from Butler University.
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