Gay Men’s Chorus of L.A. Presents Three Performances of “Mighty Pipes” March 24, 2012

GLAM ROCK AND CLASSICAL WORKS MELD AT GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES’ “MIGHTY PIPES” CONCERT FEATURING
TONY AWARD-WINNING ACTOR/SINGER LEVI KREIS,
LEADING ORGANIST JOHN WEST AND WORLD’S LARGEST CHURCH PIPE ORGAN

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8 PM
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 3 PM
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 7 PM
First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Artistic Director E. Jason Armstrong Conducts Renowned 200-Voice Chorus

The acclaimed Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) pulls out the stops to present three performances of “Mighty Pipes” – Saturday, March 24, 8 pm, and Sunday, March 25, 2012, 3 pm and 7 pm, at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles – featuring special guest Tony Award-winning actor/singer Levi Kreis, noted organist John West and the venue’s famed organ, which is the world’s largest church pipe organ and is spotlighted by a newly installed $250,000 theatrical lighting system. GMCLA Artistic Director E. Jason Armstrong conducts an eclectic program of organ and choral music that melds classical works and glam rock to showcase the chorus’ considerable vocal versatility.

Among the compelling classical offerings are Tormis’ Laulja (The Singer), an ode for men’s chorus, organ and percussion; John Tavener’s Song For Athene, composed in 1993 and performed at the funeral of Princess Diana; and Duruflé’s lush Sanctus (from Requiem). Juxtaposing them are such rock anthems as Eli’s Comin’ by Laura Nyro, arranged by Bill Bowersock; Eleanor Rigby by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, arranged by Marshall Webb; Bohemian Rhapsody by Freddie Mercury, arranged by Steven Landau; and (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher by Gary Jackson, Carl Smith and Raynard Miner, arranged by Bill Bowersock. Levi Kreis is featured on the gospel song His Eye Is On The Sparrow. John West is highlighted on Widor’s lively tour de force Toccata (from Symphony for Organ No. 5).

Tickets range from $15 to $75 and are available online at www.gmcla.org. For more information call (800) MEN-SING (800-636-7464). The First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is located at 540 South Commonwealth Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90020.

EVENT:
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles – “Mighty Pipes”
E. Jason Armstrong, Artistic Director
Levi Kreis, Special Guest
John West, Organ

DATE/TIME:
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8 PM
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 3 PM
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 7 PM
TICKETS:
$15 - $75

VENUE:
First Congregational Church of Los Angeles
540 Commonwealth Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020

TICKETS:
available online at www.gmcla.org

INFORMATION:
800-MEN-SING (800-636-7464)

PROGRAM
Choral and organ music ranging from classical to glam rock

Shake the Rafters: A Blessing of The House
Music: Jon Bailey
Lyrics: Bill Bowersock
Laulja (The Singer)
Music: Veljo Tormis
Lyrics: Kristjan Jaak Peterson
Eli’s Comin’
Laura Nyro
Arranged by Bill Bowersock
Evil Ways / Mercy
Clarence Henry / Stephen Andrew Booker and Aimee Ann Duffy
Arranged by Michael Alfera
Featuring Levi Kreis
Eleanor Rigby
Paul McCartney and John Lennon
Arranged by Marshall Webb
Song For Athene
Music: John Tavener
Lyrics: Mother Thekla
Papa’s Prayer (Papa Was A Rolling Stone / Like A Prayer)
Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield; Madonna Ciccone and Patrick Leonard
Arranged by Bobby Buchanan
Imagine
John Lennon
Arranged by Bill Bowersock
Bohemian Rhapsody
Freddie Mercury
Arranged by Steven Landau
Stained Glass Window
Levi Kreis
Claire de lune (from Suite bergamasque)
Claude-Achille Debussy
Featuring John West, organ
Sanctus (from Requiem)
Maurice Duruflé
George Michael Medley
George Michael
Arranged by Pakk Hui
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Featuring Levi Kreis
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
Gary Jackson, Carl Smith, and Raynard Miner
Arranged by Bill Bowersock
Ramkali
Traditional Indian Raga
Arranged by Ethan Sperry
Heaven’s Hands
John West and Lorrin "Smokey" Bates
Featuring Levi Kreis
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
Bob Russell and Bobby Scott
Arranged by Bobby Buchanan
Toccata (from Symphony for Organ No. 5)
Charles-Marie Widor
Featuring John West, organ

Official Website: http://www.gmcla.org