Meet Andrew – HGMC Member Spotlight
Andrew joined HGMC in October 2020 after moving back from Toronto, eager to get involved and connect through music. Having followed the chorus from its early days, he was excited to finally take the stage!
Singing his first solo, Always Something Sings, as lightning illuminated the church during the second night of performances was a truly unforgettable experience.
His favourite song to perform is “Isn’t It Time” by Daniel Albanello, a song that deeply resonates with him.
For karaoke, Andrew brings emotion to the stage with “Hallelujah,” a timeless classic.
If he could perform anywhere, it would be in New York or London—two cities renowned for their musical magic!
Meet Travis – HGMC Member Spotlight
Travis joined HGMC in the fall of 2021, even though masks were still mandatory during rehearsals. His first concert, “Get Me Through December,” was a memorable introduction to the HGMC stage.
During the pandemic, Travis embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking ways to connect and contribute to the community. One day, he stumbled upon an open rehearsal and instantly fell in love with the chorus, and the rest is history!
Among Travis’s favourite songs is “Maybe” by Robbie Smith. The song’s powerful message of hope, coupled with the impact of the Robbie Songs Project, makes it truly special to him.
For karaoke, Travis throws it back with “She’s So High” by Tal Bachman—because nothing beats a Millennial anthem!
After performing at Carnegie Hall with a few members from HGMC and Nova Voce, Travis set his sights on the ultimate dream: Broadway!
Meet Jeffrey – HGMC Member Spotlight
Jeffrey first joined the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus in 2019, singing in HGMC’s very first concert. After stepping away for a few seasons during COVID, he made his return for Welcome to the Sixties—and he’s been singing with us ever since!
Music has always been a part of Jeffrey’s life. He sang in choirs as a child and teenager, but as he got older, performing took a backseat. Joining HGMC reignited his love for singing and the joy of being on stage.
One of Jeffrey’s favorite HGMC memories? Performing Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas). Watching the audience light up as Santa made his grand entrance was a moment he’ll never forget.
When it comes to karaoke, Jeffrey keeps it classic with Your Song by Elton John. And if he could perform anywhere? His dream is to sing at the breathtaking Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Until then, you’ll find Jeffrey belting his heart out with HGMC.
Meet Kenn – HGMC Member Spotlight
Kenn joined the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus just before the pandemic hit—unfortunately, just in time for his first concert to be cancelled. But that didn’t stop him! He stayed involved, lending his voice to HGMC’s virtual performances.
Kenn’s love for choral music began in San Diego with the Gay Men’s Chorus. After moving to Halifax, he missed the stage—so when a friend told him about HGMC, he knew it was the perfect way to reconnect with his passion.
Some of Kenn’s favourite pieces from HGMC’s repertoire include Don’t Be Afraid, Sure on This Shining Night, and Lunar Lullaby—songs that hold a special place in his heart. When it comes to karaoke, Kenn is a sucker for a Broadway classic.
His dream? To one day perform in Paris, the City of Lights. Will HGMC make it there? Only time will tell!
Until then, you’ll find Kenn singing his heart out with HGMC right here in Halifax.
Meet David – HGMC Member Spotlight
Growing up in Cape Breton, David was immersed in singing and acting from a young age. However, after moving to Halifax, he found himself stepping away from performing and soon realized how much he missed it. Joining HGMC gave him the opportunity to reconnect with a huge part of his life.
David’s fondest memories with the chorus include co-hosting the Unison Festival in 2023, performing at Under the Spire in PEI, and the pure joy of performing during Pride and marching in the parade. “Pride is filled with so much love and joy from the community—it’s probably what I look forward to most every year!”
With a deep appreciation for the variety of music HGMC performs. David loves the challenge of traditional choral pieces that push his voice in new ways, but he’s just as passionate about the queer anthems. One of his recent favorites is Something Inside So Strong, a song that moved him during each performance.
David’s go-to karaoke songs come straight from the stages of Broadway. Whether it’s an emotional power ballad or a show-stopping 11 o’clock number, he always brings theatrical flair to the mic.
As for dream performances, New York City is at the very top of David’s list. He also dreams of performing in Europe, imagining the thrill of sharing HGMC’s music on an international stage.
David brings passion and flair to HGMC. Whether he’s singing Broadway hits or marching in the Pride parade, our resident diva shines!
Meet Barend – HGMC Member Spotlight
Barend has been a cornerstone of the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus since day one, gracing every performance with his passion and talent.
After decades of singing in church choirs and honing his voice through vocal training, HGMC felt like the perfect place for Barend—a space where he could express himself fully, connect with others, and build meaningful friendships within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
His go-to karaoke pick? Arlo Guthrie’s City of New Orleans—a nostalgic tune that perfectly captures his love of storytelling through music.
And when it comes to dream performances, Barend has his sights set high: performing with HGMC in New York City. Sharing their music on an iconic stage would be a dream come true.
For Barend, HGMC is more than just a choir—it’s a family where music, connection, and joy come together. Being part of this journey fills him with immense pride.
Meet Marcus – HGMC Member Spotlight
Marcus joined the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus in the winter of 2024, encouraged by fellow member Bryant, who suggested attending open rehearsals together, and though Marcus wasn’t sure what to expect, he decided to give it a try. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with HGMC!
While Marcus is still new to the chorus, one of his most cherished memories was performing He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother for the first time at St. Andrew’s United Church. The emotional power of the moment nearly brought him to tears.
When it comes to karaoke, Marcus gravitates toward classic crooner vibes, favoring timeless hits from legends like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.
Marcus dreams of singing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Versailles, or even the gymnasium of his old elementary school.
Marcus’s journey with HGMC has only just begun, and he looks forward to creating even more unforgettable memories with the chorus.
Meet Albert – HGMC Member Spotlight
Albert’s journey with the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus started at the inaugural meeting in 2019. From that moment on, he was hooked, attending every rehearsal and performance since. For Albert, joining the chorus was a way to become involved with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Halifax.
Albert holds a special fondness for the music featured in the December concert series, titled “Don we now our gay apparel.” The holiday season holds a particularly magical place in his heart, and many of the songs bring back happy, cherished memories.
Singing in his hometown of Halifax fills Albert with immense pride. He is particularly proud of the warm reception the chorus has received from the community. “The city has come a long way since my early days,” he reflects.
Albert’s unwavering dedication has solidified his status as an icon within the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus.