30th Anniversary Concert “I Rise”

INSPIRED BY HISTORY
Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas City’s gay men’s chorus, presents I RISE, our 30th anniversary concert that looks back at our proud history while looking forward with the inspiring words of the late United States Poet Laureate, Dr. Maya Angelou.

The first half of our concert features songs that are memorable milestones of our incredible history starting with Brothers Sing Out which was performed at our very first concert in 1986. Since then, our audiences have been moved to tears, offered raucous laughter and reflected upon songs that resonate with them for so many different reasons. Our first half selections are the musical gems of Heartland Men’s Chorus.

The second half of the concert will offer songs that evoke the feeling and memories of the safe places we call home, followed by the world premiere of I Rise our newly commissioned piece by internationally renowned composer Mark Hayes and inspired by the poems of Maya Angelou. HMC is the first chorus to receive rights from Dr. Angelou’s estate to make use of her poetry in a significant musical work.

“Her poetry is synonymous with Civil Rights and elevating oneself and ones’ surrounding community,” says HMC Artistic Director Dustin Cates. “It’s only fitting for Kansas City’s gay men’s chorus to commission and present this significant work.”

HMC is proud to be collaborating with the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey as four of their dancers, directed by Chief Artistic Officer Tyrone Aiken, will interpret I Rise on stage with the Chorus.

“This concert is a perfect way to celebrate the rich history of an incredibly unique arts organization,” says Cates. “No other chorus in the Great Plains does what we do, or draws such large crowds, or provides a message that entertains, but also heals and inspires.”

I RISE will be performed 8 p.m. Saturday, June 11 and 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th Street in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Tickets ranging in price from $18 to $43 are available online at www.hmckc.org/tickets/ or by calling 816-931-3338.
Come as you are, dress is casual, be ready to be inspired!