Barcelona Gay Men’s Choir is growing, with 70 founding members and a plan to audition ten additional voices soon. It is a predominantly member-led ensemble and stands as the largest LGBT+ choir in the country. The group will showcase its talents in a charity performance on September 17 at the Teatro Principal in Alicante, with proceeds benefiting the Professional Leisure Association for people with functional diversity, known as AODI. Tickets are on sale now for 15, 20, and 25 euros.
We have a voice is the name of the new show that premiered on July 12 at the Condal Theater in Barcelona. The show has earned the title it carries and runs for about an hour and a half, presenting a repertoire of 16 songs. The program blends musical pieces in varied styles, with artists singing and dancing on stage. Gerard Ibanez collaborated to translate the performances into sign language, assisted by an interpreter, Conxita Paricio, to make the songs accessible for deaf audiences.
The organizers emphasize that the audience will not simply watch a choir on stage; the experience promises humor, high-quality vocal performances, and a lively, engaging show. Audiences will be invited to sing and dance along to a mix of musical, pop, and diverse, entertaining numbers. Angel Hurtado, who leads the Barcelona choir, speaks from Alicante, supported by manager Mary Dolores Padilla. He recalls a visit to Alicante a year earlier with a similar production, noting the strong public response and the belief that another visit was warranted to build on that momentum.
Ángel Hurtado mentions one of the songs for the stage, a memorable classic from the musical Miserables. The show is described as a blend of exuberance and emotion, featuring exuberant dance and a diverse musical spread that includes a popular anthem about weather and resilience, alongside a robust medley of diva-inspired performances and a tender ballad. The choreography balances energy with moments of quiet reflection as the performers connect with the audience.
Inspired by the vibrant traditions of LGBT+ choirs in Anglophone countries, BGMC was founded in 2007 to provide a space for men to develop musically and culturally. The choir aims to contribute to visibility and normalize homosexuality through performances that entertain a broad public audience.
Since its inception, the ensemble has pursued social impact by dedicating a large portion of its concerts to charitable causes. On the evening of September 17, the event will begin at 20:00 and will raise funds for AODI in collaboration with the Culture and Equality departments and the Alicante Entiende association. AODI representatives expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration with the Barcelona Gay Men’s Choir, highlighting the value of ongoing community support. The organizers encourage community members to attend and participate in the performance, underscoring the role of shared culture in enhancing visibility for the LGBT+ community.
Hurtado notes that several LGBT+ choirs exist across major cities, with some ensembles welcoming mixed voices. He points out that BGMC remains the largest, attracting members aged from twenty to sixty years old.