Now more than ever, we feel called to raise our voices for peace, justice, democracy, equity, and inclusion. This year’s UUSM D4$ Choir Concert, held on June 11, celebrated Pride Month while also serving as an act of resistance.
The program invited the audience to sing along in both pride and protest. Featured hymns included We Are a Gentle Angry People, written by Holly Near in response to the 1978 assassinations of Harvey Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone; How Could Anyone, affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person; Lift Every Voice and Sing, widely known as the Black National Anthem; and Building a New Way, with its call to create a more equitable world through the power of love.
Our exceptional music professionals delivered deeply moving performances throughout the evening. Soprano section leader May Claire La Plante sang We Tell Each Other Stories in memory of Matthew Shepard, whose murder remains a tragic symbol of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Our Director of Music, Saunder Choi, performed It Means Beautiful, an empowering ballad about embracing one’s authentic self. Alto section leader Olivia Salazar introduced Mujer Contra Mujer, a song that challenges prejudice against lesbian couples with a message of validation and defiance.
Tenor section leader Daniel Voigt was joined by the choir for a stirring rendition of Huddled Masses, an anthem championing immigrants and refugees. Its title and chorus draw on Emma Lazarus’s famous words, inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Bass section leader David Erik Peterson brought the house down with Stephen Stills’ 1960s protest song, For What It’s Worth. Unsurprisingly, many boomers in the audience recognized the Buffalo Springfield classic and couldn’t resist singing along.
Last but certainly not least, our keyboardist, Ryan Humphrey, introduced his piano solo, Seven Variations, WoO 78, by Beethoven, by explaining why it can be considered a protest work. His virtuosic performance of this technically demanding piece earned a richly deserved standing ovation.
The choir itself embodied the spirit of the concert through songs such as Freedom’s Plow, celebrating the discipline and perseverance required in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, and Stardust (featuring David on djembe). Stardust calls for “a home where we can run” in memory of Ahmaud Arbery, “a home where we can pray” in memory of the victims of the Mother Emanuel shooting, “a home where we can breathe” in memory of George Floyd, and “a home to sleep and dream without fear” in memory of Breonna Taylor.
The song that moved me most during rehearsal was Heroes All Around, a tribute to those who provided loving end-of-life care to people dying of AIDS after they had been abandoned by their families and the healthcare system. Four choir members shared the solo parts: Leonard Cachola (tenor), Kevin Smith (bass), Julie Mercik (soprano), and Karen Hsu Patterson (alto). Their performances were deeply moving, and knowing that Karen works in palliative care made the lyrics especially poignant.
To close the evening, the choir performed Bob Dylan’s iconic 1960s protest anthem, The Times They Are A-Changin’, with Saunder as soloist. The concert concluded with True Colors, an enduring anthem of hope, authenticity, and pride for the LGBTQ+ community.
Following the concert, we had a chance to share community at a reception in Forbes.
A big thanks to everyone who was able to join us for this annual fundraising event. If you missed it, here’s the youtube recording:
See you next year!
Janet Goodwin
