LIVE Magazine, Vol 7, Issue #165

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Artistic director doug Wilson
Tapped To Lead Gay Chorus
all-male choral group selects prominent leader in
choral music as its new artistic director.
douglas Wilson, an award-winning and well-known musician,
specializing in choral music and music education, has been named
new artistic director of the palm springs Gay Men’s chorus.
His first objective will be to audition new and returning members with
the goal of creating a 100-voice auditioned male chorus—comprised
of gay- and gay-supportive men from the palm springs, california,
metropolitan area. the chorus will perform concerts in December and
april, and a cabaret event next august.
“i am honored to direct this dedicated group of singers, and work with
their support team, as we kick off our 15th season. in the past few
years, the chorus has developed into a “chorus like no other”. i look
forward to working with these fine musicians.
Wilson is a psGMc singer, vocal coach and section leader. He also
directs the children’s choir and Hand Bell choir at Hope Lutheran
church, palm Desert, california. Before moving to palm springs, he
was accompanist and associate director of vocal groups and church
choirs in Michigan and nevada. Doug is a retired administrator of
the clark county school District (Las Vegas, nevada). He was also
organist and choir director for the community Lutheran church in
Las Vegas. Wilson received his Bachelor of Music from Michigan
state University and his Master of Music, organ performance from
arizona state University. He resides full time in rancho Mirage with
his husband.
“We are thrilled that Doug has accepted the position,” said david
sanchez, psGMc board chairman. “there are few individuals in our
valley with his talent, skills set and track record. He will bring not only
his depth of experience, but also his passion and professionalism.”
founded in 1999 as caballeros, the original chorus of 24 men selforganized
after discussing the need for palm springs to have a gay
chorus for men’s voices. the group is part of the Gay and Lesbian
association of choruses (GaLa). GaLa leads the LGBt choral
movement and cultivates artistic development of 8,000 singers from
more than 170 choruses around the globe
the chorus has performed at the steven chase awards Banquet:
evening Under the stars; and at one night only. Guest performers
have included opera singer Janet Hopkins; dance company tango
nacional argentina; and Florence Henderson.