In my last post, I had not yet gone to see this year's wonderful San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Santa Concert at the Davies Symphony Hall. Therefore, I neglected to talk about one of my personal favorite holiday traditions that I have started in the past five years. This year's was the best, by far, for three reasons:
1) A friend who sings in the Chorus got me a ticket in the Orchestra section in row N. It was pretty much the perfect spot to watch the concert from. Not right on the stage and not too far back. Plus, I happened to sit next to the lyricist of one of the songs the Chorus sang called Christmas by the Bay. So, the friend I sat with and I were smiling most of the time.
2) The concert raised funds for Make a Wish. There were 2,500 people in the audience including many Make a Wish kids and their families (and a Make a Wish kid in the Chorus). While I may not select that charity for my personal giving, it was pretty amazing that the Chorus raised $11,600 in one night by making a simple ask. Before announcing the amount raised, the conductor said, "I love being here in San Francisco."
3) The theatricality of this particular show was great. To paraphrase another friend, the first half of the performance show-cased the talent of the magnificent Chorus, focusing on songs. But, the second half of the show highlighted their ability to entertain. There was a brilliant Broadway Medley with Christmas songs sung to the tune of many favorite show-tunes (from Wicked, Phantom, and Rent to name a few). It was so much fun!
So, as I ramp up my shopping and endure the end of year crunch at work, I think about how much I enjoy the annual SFGMC holiday concert and how I want to continue this tradition in year's to come no matter where I live.
1) A friend who sings in the Chorus got me a ticket in the Orchestra section in row N. It was pretty much the perfect spot to watch the concert from. Not right on the stage and not too far back. Plus, I happened to sit next to the lyricist of one of the songs the Chorus sang called Christmas by the Bay. So, the friend I sat with and I were smiling most of the time.
2) The concert raised funds for Make a Wish. There were 2,500 people in the audience including many Make a Wish kids and their families (and a Make a Wish kid in the Chorus). While I may not select that charity for my personal giving, it was pretty amazing that the Chorus raised $11,600 in one night by making a simple ask. Before announcing the amount raised, the conductor said, "I love being here in San Francisco."
3) The theatricality of this particular show was great. To paraphrase another friend, the first half of the performance show-cased the talent of the magnificent Chorus, focusing on songs. But, the second half of the show highlighted their ability to entertain. There was a brilliant Broadway Medley with Christmas songs sung to the tune of many favorite show-tunes (from Wicked, Phantom, and Rent to name a few). It was so much fun!
So, as I ramp up my shopping and endure the end of year crunch at work, I think about how much I enjoy the annual SFGMC holiday concert and how I want to continue this tradition in year's to come no matter where I live.
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