About Us
The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus has been an LGBTQ catalyst for change through musical excellence since its founding in 1982. With more than 300 concerts, this 140-member ensemble is one of the premier gay performing arts organizations in the Rocky Mountain Region. Through its diverse and socially charged programming, DGMC’s reimagined choir concerts entertain, educate, inspire, and empower audiences to foster acceptance and tolerance throughout the greater Denver area and along Colorado’s Front Range communities.
DGMC has performed in Denver and around the U.S. in acclaimed concert halls, including Boettcher Concert Hall, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Gates Hall, the Paramount Theatre, the Red Rocks Amphitheater, and Carnegie Hall. Additionally, the chorus has delivered groundbreaking performances at Coors Field, in the U.S. Air Force Academy Chapel, and on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol as part of inaugural festivities for Governor Jared Polis. DGMC has traveled to 12 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada and has made joint appearances with several gay men’s choruses in major U.S. cities
In 2023, DGMC was among the first GALA choruses to present Disney PRIDE, a musical celebration of LGBTQ life, love, and perseverance.
In addition, they have premiered new-commissioned choral works from acclaimed composers such as Andrew Lippa, Nathan Hall, Alan Shorter, James Deignan, and Craig Carnahan. Guest artists that have performed alongside DGMC include Ann Hampton Calloway, Margaret Cho, Alan Cummings, Yvie Oddly, and Diane Schurr. DGMC has performed twice with the Colorado Symphony.
In the name of advocating for a better tomorrow, DGMC has collaborated with The Matthew Shepard Foundation, the LGBT Community Center of Colorado, the Colorado AIDS Project, One Colorado, the Boulder County AIDS Project, Out Boulder County, the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, PFLAG Boulder County, and the It Gets Better campaign. DGMC has helped raise awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity issues, pioneered an educational outreach program to nurture safe learning environments, and continues to support anti-bullying efforts in Colorado schools.
During its 40th anniversary season, DGMC collaborated with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, a first for both organizations. Aurora’s Rangeview High School Choir joined DGMC for the Colorado premiere of “The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” a powerful multi-movement piece inspired by the last words of seven unarmed black men.
DGMC’s future is full of endless possibilities as its mission statement, “building community through music,” drives its imaginative motivation for success!
Off Kilter! is a dynamic a cappella troupe comprised of singers from the larger Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. This 17-member ensemble performs throughout the year at numerous small venues in the Denver metropolitan area and engages communities, supports causes, and entertains audiences of all ages with a repertoire that ranges from classical to contemporary. In recognition of their musical excellence, Off Kilter! has participated in masterclasses with the King’s Singers, the world-renowned British men’s a cappella vocal ensemble, and with Dr. Ann Howard Jones, America’s distinguished clinician, adjudicator, teacher, and choral conductor. Off Kilter! is available to perform at private functions.
For more information and to book Off Kilter!, contact us here.
Johnny Nichols Jr.
Johnny Nichols Jr., joined the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus as Artistic Director in the summer of 2023. He recently served as Artistic Director for Ipswich River Community Chorus in North Reading, MA, and Assistant Conductor & Director of Education and Outreach for the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, where he spearheaded educational initiatives and curriculum, including music-focused social justice learnings, conducting various ensembles, program development, and more. As Director of Education and Outreach for Revels, a national performing arts organization that celebrates culture and tradition in nine major cities, Nichols created adult and youth education programs and initiatives and programs for various venues such as schools, classrooms, libraries, in-house programming, and more. Prior, he served in positions with the Me Too Boston Chorus and Boston Children’s Chorus, among other posts.
Nichols received a Masters of Music from Texas Southern University and Bachelors of Music from the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Ricki Moyer
Ricki Vorrath-Moyer attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, then received her Bachelor’s of Music degree in Organ Performance at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She went on to receive her Master’s of Music degree in Organ Performance, with minor emphases in Choral Conducting and Piano Pedagogy. She is currently Organist/Accompanist at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Denver. She is a member of Denver’s premier handbell ensemble, the Rocky Mountain Ringers. Ricki also serves as the Artistic Director of the Metropolitan Choral Festival.
Benjamin Hanson
Benjamin Hanson joined DGMC in 2024 as the choir’s Assistant Conductor. Benjamin is a versatile conductor and singer based in Fort Collins, CO.
From Bach to bluegrass, he has conducted church, school, and community choirs across the country, including preparing choruses for performances of numerous major works like Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion,” Joel Thompson’s “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” and Brahms’ “German Requiem.”
As a soloist, Benjamin has been featured in performances of Handel’s “Messiah,” Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion,” Dan Forest’s “Requiem for the Living,” as well as the principal soloist for the North American premier of Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s Exodus oratorio, “Der Durchzug durchs Rote Meer.” Benjamin also performs as a chorus member with the Colorado Bach Ensemble.
Benjamin also serves as the Music Director at Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins.
He holds a master’s degree in Choral Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Conservatory of Music at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, graduating with honors.
Carnival Rendezvous!
Denver Choruses 2024-25 Season announced
DENVER GAY MEN’S CHORUS KICKS OFF PRIDE WEEK WITH JULIAN RUSH IMPACT AWARD
“Sometimes finding time to volunteer is hard to do, however, one group, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus is stepping out and making a difference in the homeless community in Denver.”
“I am astounded by the work you are doing in Denver. . . it is soul enriching music made tangible by the partnerships you are building in Denver and around the country to lend your courage and your sense of human dignity to not only the LGBTQ communities but to so many others who need a voice.”