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President’s Message

A Message from the President of the NHGMC Board of Directors

Dear Friends and Fans,

Founded in 1998, the Manchester Performing Arts Association d/b/a the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus (NHGMC) has a long, proud history of bringing the joy of music to tens of thousands of New Hampshire citizens in communities across the state. Now in our 22nd year, the NHGMC is stronger, more well-known, and in higher demand than at any time in its history.

Our story is the story of a dream come true, with the many struggles, triumphs, low points, and incredible high points we’ve experienced along the way. It’s a story that began in the world of 1998, when acceptance of LGBT people in New Hampshire was scarce. It’s a story that continues today, in the world of 2019, where our Chorus is accepted, loved, respected, and popular virtually everywhere in New Hampshire across all segments of the public. 

The not-for-profit NHGMC has experienced several wonderful events over the years. Read about our history. In 2004, we were the first openly gay singing group to perform inside a Disney World theme park in Florida. In 2016, we performed on statewide and national television (C-SPAN). In 2017, we performed the National Anthem at Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox – the first openly gay choral group to do so. Each year, from 2010 to 2018, we belted out the National Anthem for New Hampshire Fisher Cats baseball games in Manchester, including the 2017 Minor League All Star Game. In 2018, as part of NHGMC’s yearlong series of spectacular 20th Anniversary events, for the first time we performed several songs inside the State House for New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and the Executive Council, at the governor’s personal invitation. In 2019, NHGMC was also proud to sing at Congressman Chris Pappas’s swearing-in ceremony, at the Congressman’s personal invitation. Also this year, for the first time, NHGMC performed the National Anthem and several inspirational songs at the Opening Ceremonies of the New Hampshire Special Olympics, at the University of New Hampshire’s Wildcat Stadium. 

Our Chorus is also a proud community service organization. Throughout the year, NHGMC gives concerts and special performances at assisted living centers, interfaith services, pride festivals, and other benefit and charity events.

If you’d like to support the NHGMC, there are many ways to do so:

If you’ve never been to one of our concerts – if you’ve never heard our talented men belt out beautiful songs in our signature four-part harmonies – check out our Upcoming Performances.

NHGMC is going strong — stronger than ever. We thank our loyal Corporate Sponsor, TD Bank, as well as you, our loyal friends and fans, for your support through the years and for making NHGMC what it is today — a true Granite State musical treasure. As president, I am very proud of NHGMC, its beautiful music, its community service, and the camaraderie and dedication among its members. I am proud to be associated with such a talented, wonderful group of men. Brothers Forever.

Paul Botana-Gumbs
President