About the OGMC

[ Our Mission | OMC and OGMC/CGO History | Cummunity Involvement and Action |
Organizational Status | Affiliations and Memberships ]

Our Mission

• providing an opportunity for gay men to affirm their identity
• providing mutual support for members
• promoting lesbian and gay artists and their works
• broadening musical tastes
• developing musical skills
• building a bilingual repertoire
• co-operating with other elements of the gay and lesbian community to foster a positive gay and lesbian image

OMC and OGMC/CGO History

In the summer of 1986 Gordon Johnston, inspired by the example of the Vancouver Men's Chorus, conceived of a gay men's choral group for Ottawa. Through contacts in the gay community, he brought together a small organising group in late August. This group was determined to recruit by word-of-mouth for rehearsals beginning that autumn. The Ottawa Men's Chorus (OMC) was thus formed and held its first rehearsal September 9, 1986.

The OMC gave its first public performance on December 13, 1986 at St. George's Anglican Church, Ottawa and has since then performed regular concert seasons. The number of concerts per season has varied but, since its inception, the OGMC/CGO has consistently given an annual Holiday concert and, since 1990, a Gay Pride concert. Initially, the concert programmes were rather short and were supplemented by instrumental performers. As the membership and talent grew, however, so did the programmes and level of challenge.

Concert history can be found here.

Consult the programs here.

Community Involvement and Action

The Chorus is proud of its continuing tradition of singing for various events in the community including concerts of both celebration and remembrance.

At its Spring Concert in 1997, the Ottawa Men's Chorus made public a decision long-anticipated in our community. In keeping with the fact that the Chorus has always been primarily gay and extensively bi-lingual, it was announced that henceforth we would be known as the Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus / Le choeur gai d'Ottawa.

Additional information on public visibility and community activities can be found here.

Organizational Status

The Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus is a federally registered charity. Donations are graciously accepted at any time and in any amount with our thanks. Further information on supporting the OGMC can be found here.

Affiliations and Memberships

The Chorus is a member of both the Choirs Ontario and virtually since our inception, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Inc. (GALA). GALA Choruses is an international association of 160 gay and lesbian affirming choruses which are as diverse as the communities they represent in North America, Europe and Australia. Every four years, a festival - with scores of member choruses performing - is held by GALA. The Ottawa Men's Chorus has participated in three festivals: GALA IV (1992) in Denver, GALA V (1996) in Tampa and GALA VI (Festival 2000) in San Jose.. At each, the OGMC was well-received.

Additional information and links to various choral associations and other choruses can be found here.