By GALA Expert
April 9, 2025
River City Mixed Chorus performed the world premiere of Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray, a multi-movement composition that chronicles the life and work of American civil rights activist, Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
1,400 audience members packed the hall for River City Mixed Chorus’ premiere of a new GALA commission, “Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray” on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The 10-movement dramatic cantata tells the story of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray: queer lawyer, poet, professor, civil rights activist, and ordained priest. The commission is by composer Steve Milloy, libretto by Kim Hines, with Jane Ramseyer Miller serving as editor and dramaturg.
River City conductor, Barron Breland remarked, “we had no idea how powerfully Pauli Murray’s story would impact us especially in our current national context. The audience response was incredibly positive, but more importantly they left inspired to do more, to be a spark in their own communities.”
The commission premiere comes on the heels of the U.S. government erasing references to Pauli Murray from federal websites, and systematically removing rights and protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
I was incredibly moved and inspired by the commission. Steve Milloy’s beautiful and impactful writing brings Pauli Murray’s story to life, leaving me wanting to know more about this amazing person, and inspiring me to be a better person.
Dr. Thea Kano (she/her/hers)
Artistic Director
Federal City Performing Arts Association
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC | Potomac Fever | Rock Creek Singers | GenOUT Youth Chorus | 17th Street Dance | Seasons of Love
11 choruses across North America are scheduled to perform the Pauli commission with 5-6 more choruses pending. Bring the commission to your city in 2025 or 2026, or attend one of the upcoming concerts!