Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director Sean Baugh directs the Chorale in concert
(Photos courtesy of Turtle Creek Chorale)
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
On Saturday, May 17, the Turtle Creek Chorale will host a big party for its fans, its alumni and, well, itself. TCC will mark its 45th anniversary with a celebration at Gilley’s Dallas. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, dancing and film clips showcasing the Chorale through its longtime legacy.
But the event isn’t just about the organization’s past; it’s also about looking forward to the future.
“It’s just going to be a fun and good birthday party,” TCC Executive Director Dr. Dawson Taylor said. “We’re celebrating what we mean to Dallas and what Dallas means to us but also our community.”
Taylor was named to his position in November. This event marks a first for the former chorale singer now serving as its leadership. He’s been in the executive director’s seat six months, but he’s long been affiliated with the chorale much longer than that. To celebrate this milestone is icing on the cake as TCC heads into its 45th season beginning in June.
Originally, this would have been a different weekend for TCC. The organization’s annual Rhapsody gala was scheduled for this weekend. But timing just wasn’t on TCC’s side this year, so that event was rescheduled for September.
But that left Saturday’s date was still open for the organization.
“I think with me being new, and we hadn’t found an artist, things weren’t looking like this was the right time for Rhapsody,” Taylor said. “But we already had save-the-dates out, so we decided to host this event.”
The event will feature concert footage, recorded messages from former presidents and a champagne boast.
“We’re also gonna have one of the largest birthday cakes you’ve ever seen,” Taylor said.
“This is a time for us to reminisce about the past and dream about our future.”
Reaching this point wasn’t an easy road for the Chorale. Through its 45 years, TCC has performed for the Queen of England, sitting governors and presidents and at Carnegie Hall.
But even with all that, what really highlights the longtime organization is its spirit.
“We’re the biggest gay mens’ chorus, and, in its time, the chorale has really united this community,” Taylor said. “But also, we’ve lost over 250 men to HIV/AIDS. We survived that to become what we are now.”
Taylor said that the TCC is the biggest it’s ever been now, with just shy of 300 members.
“I bet the 30 men who got on stage in 1980 for the first concert never dreamed of this,” Taylor said.
As for Taylor personally?
“It’s a privilege to help lead the chorale in this time alongside Artistic Director Sean Baugh.
We want to celebrate our 45th but look ahead to our 50th,” he said. “We need to gather for these milestone birthdays.”
For tickets, visit TurtleCreekChorale.com.