Everything changes but the dedication of the Turtle Creek Chorale members, TCC president says
SEAN BAUGH | Special Contributor
In the song “Change,” Melissa Etheridge sings, “The only thing that stays the same is change.” As president of the Turtle Creek Chorale, I am here to tell you, that quote applies to all of us.
The Turtle Creek Chorale is not immune to change, and we have certainly experienced our share over the past 31 years.
Honestly, though, five artistic directors in 31 years? That’s a pretty good track record for leadership when compared with senior management trends in the non-profit and artistic communities.
Change came to us last week in the form of news that Dr. Jonathan Palant was leaving the chorale. Jonathan has been my friend as well as the chorus’ artistic director.
His departure is a tremendous loss for so many of us.
I know my fellow chorale members well enough to say that we’ll weather this change, just as we have weathered many a difficult time. We have survived the AIDS crisis; we can survive anything.
It is our daily challenges that make the Turtle Creek Chorale what we are today: a strong, resilient and dedicated community of singers, friends and brothers.
With comings and goings also come growth and an incredible journey. The chorale will continue to sing with an even stronger voice as we rally to support our new artistic leadership.
In the coming weeks we will begin a nationwide search for the next artistic director, and you can rest assured that he (or she!) will meet a vibrant and dedicated group of men that recognizes its history and lives up to its reputation as one of the finest choirs in the world.
As Melissa’s lyrics coax us:
“And so it goes
This too shall pass away
It cuts so strange
The only thing that stays the same
Is change.”
In the coming weeks, the Turtle Creek Chorale kicks off its 32nd season with auditions for new members and rehearsals starting Aug. 23. I invite you to join us either by purchasing season subscriptions, giving to the chorale or singing with the TCC.
We, the Turtle Creek Chorale — the decorated Dallas, Texas men’s chorus — will continue on our mission to entertain, educate, unite and uplift our community. We are, and will be, an organization that you can be proud of.
This — I can assure you Miss Etheridge — will never change.
Sean Baugh is president of Turtle Creek Chorale. For more information on the chorale, go online to TurtleCreekChorale.org
This post is a plea for more information. When James Lhevinne was ill, the press discussed his health and the implications for the Metropolitan Opera and the Boston Symphony. The item was considered news worthy and made the NY Times.
The Turtle Creek Chorale is an important institution which represents gay people. The TCC and the media owe the public a more complete explanation surrounding the departure of Dr. Palant. If Leonard Bernstein had handed in his resignation one week after a concert, you can bet that it would have encouraged a little bit of journalistic curiosity.