“Merry & Bright” will bring holiday cheer to viewers as the Chorus continues creative partnership with WCVB Channel 5
BOSTON, November 22, 2021—Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) is pleased to announce that “Merry & Bright,” a 30-minute showcase of holiday songs by the chorus, will air on MeTV Boston on Friday, December 17 at 6:00pm and on WCVB Channel 5 on Saturday, December 18 at midnight and Sunday, December 19 at 1:00pm.
This special production features past performances of festive fare from BGMC’s legendary holiday concerts, with commentary and behind-the-scenes context provided by host Reuben M. Reynolds, III, BGMC’s Music Director. Viewers will be treated to unique, fun-filled performances of “The 12 Gays of Christmas,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Boogie Woogie Chanukah,” and “Let It Snow,” along with “What If…,” a suite of classic Christmas songs reimagined in the iconic styles of composers Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim, polka music maestro Lawrence Welk.
“BGMC’s holiday concert is the highlight of the year for many of our fans and chorus members alike,” said Reynolds. “We’re thrilled to be able once again to share this fun and festive music with audiences across Massachusetts and New England. We’re going to make the holidays merry and bright, alright—and very, very gay.”
“Merry & Bright” is the third collaboration between BGMC and WCVB Channel 5, coming after last year’s “Home for the Holidays,” which with “Holiday Lights” was seen by more than 340,000 viewers and earned rave audience reviews; and “PRIDE” this past June, an LGBTQ Pride Month showcase. WCVB Channel 5, Boston’s Hearst-owned ABC affiliate station, is the market’s longtime news and community leader.
The collaboration between BGMC and WCVB Channel 5 was formed after BGMC ceased live performances in March 2020 because of COVID-19. It was one of several digital initiatives BGMC launched in order to continue its mission of creating musical experiences to inspire change, build community, and celebrate difference in the midst of the pandemic. The chorus also created BGMC Online, a curated collection of new and archival digital performances that includes “Up on the Housetop,” “From Our Home to Yours: Everything Possible,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Born This Way: Virtual Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. BGMC Online also features highlights from BGMC’s archive of 450 video performances that are viewed more than 1.5 million times annually. Playlists include BGMC’s most popular videos from YouTube, its most recent live Pride concert, 2019’s “God Save the Queens” its most recent live spring concert, 2019’s “Raise You Up,” and playlists from BGMC’s tours of the Middle East in 2015 and South Africa in 2018. Additionally, the chorus treated fans to the web series “Celebrity Spotlight,” which showcased previously unseen video of the chorus performing with acclaimed soloists Alex Newell, Laura Benanti, and Nick Adams.
BGMC is preparing to return to live performances in 2022 with “Disney PRIDE in Concert,” a first-of-its kind collaboration between an LGBTQ chorus and Disney Concerts. It will be BGMC’s biggest show to date with 250 singers, 43 songs, a 25-piece orchestra, and video clips from Disney films. Shows will take place at Symphony Hall on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 8pm and Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 3pm. Tickets go on sale in March, 2022.
“Making and sharing music that moves people is the gift we have to give. We’re excited to bring ‘Merry & Bright’ to audiences in their homes again this holiday season,” said BGMC Executive Director Craig Coogan. “We look forward to continuing this new tradition while we work toward getting back onstage next year.”
“Merry & Bright” will also be available to watch on YouTube on December 19 at 2pm and OnDemand at WCVB.com and BGMC Online. WCVB Channel 5, Boston’s ABC affiliate station, is Boston’s broadcast/digital media leader, providing news, weather, sports, community service and entertainment on multiple platforms including WCVB Channel 5, wcvb.com, WCVB mobile and MeTV Boston.
About Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 200-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the LGBTQ community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and millions more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. CBS-WBZ named the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus one of the “top 5” choruses in the city of Boston. The Boston Business Journal in 2018, 2019, and 2020 named BGMC one of the top performing arts organizations in the city. BGMC is a Cultural Ambassador — being the first LGBTQ chorus to perform in Poland in 2005, the Middle East in 2015 and in South Africa in June 2018.