Blockbuster Concerts

By  GALA Expert 

 May 27, 2023 

  

Evening Blockbuster concerts incorporate chorus performances, choral collaborations, Festival Choirs, new commissions, spoken word, video and guest artists – all tied together by theme.

A stylized line drawing of a bird made from a treble clef, and staff paper

 

very gay choir in Mexico city with flags

GALA Festival – Minnesota Mosaic
Wednesday, July 10
This high-energy sing-along in Peavey Plaza, outside Orchestra Hall, is expected to draw thousands of local Minnesota singers as the opening event for Festival 2024. Amplification along Nicollet Mall will make the event accessible to thousands of singing enthusiasts. Enjoy food trucks, local performers and bands from across Minnesota.

Mní Sóta Sings– Minnesota Welcome Concert
Wednesday, July 10
Following the Festival Opening in Peavey Plaza, audiences are invited into Orchestra Hall for Sing Mní sóta (Lakota for “clear blue water”). The concert honors the water, land and music of Minnesota featuring Calliope Women’s Chorus, Twin Cities’ Gay Men’s Chorus, One Voice Mixed Chorus, and shOUT: Minnesota’s Trans & Gender Diverse Voices. Enjoy life-sized puppets, Minnesota composers, poetry by Andrea Jenkins, and Ojibwe water protector and musician Sharon Day.

The Peace of Wild Things
Thursday, July 11
This vibrant concert honors the music of communities fighting against climate change, and in support of healthy land, air and water. Singing bowls, movement, group singing, Indigenous Two-Spirit voices, and guest artists lead the celebration of LGBTQ and allied voices in support of our environment. 

Re:Generation
Thursday, July 11
From Stonewall to Tic Toc, Re:Generation honors musical bridges between generational ages. Stories, photos, and music guide us on a journey through the decades. Featuring performances of the Sage Elders Festival Chorus and the Gen-Z Youth Chorus.

Choral Carnival
Friday, July 12
In contrast to the Festival’s large, themed evening concerts, Saturday evening’s Choral Carnival is designed to engage Festival delegates, as well as the broader Twin Cities’ community, in short 45-60 minute rotating performances across downtown Minneapolis. The Choral Carnival will reflect the variety of Minneapolis’ music community in addition to highlighting visiting choirs and artists. Festival delegates attend all events for free; locals may purchase a “passport” ticket which offers access to any of the evening performances.

Legacy
Saturday, July 13
Join choirs from across the GALA spectrum to honor queer legacy through song, story, and art. From Harvey Milk and Marsha P Johnson, to Bayard Rustin and Pauli Murray, this concert celebrates queer change-makers in the shadows and those at the forefront.

Global Mosaic
Saturday, July 13
Celebrate LGBTQ+ choirs from across the world in an evening of collaborative performances across cultures. Global Mosaic features the Latinx Festival Chorus, guest artists and international LGBTQ composers.

Banned
Sunday, July 14
Throughout the world, legislatures are trying to ban books in schools, transgender athletes, women from control over their bodies, drag queens, and many other elements of our LGBTQ+ community’s independence.  Join us for a Blockbuster concert uniting chorus’ by protesting in the best way we can, by using our voices!

Rise Up Resilient – Closing Concert
Sunday, July 14
Festival 2024’s closing concert honors the power of people to change the world. Show Stoppers, the GenZ Festival Chorus, GALA’s Multa Voce Festival Chorus, and a Festival video montage round out the program.