Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus Announces New Artistic Director

Hartford, CT – The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus (HGMC) has selected Dr. Wendy K. Moy as its new Artistic Director. Moy – an award-winning conductor, singer, educator, and nonprofit founder who champions issues of social justice through music – will begin her tenure on January 1.

"I'm delighted to have Wendy join our organization as Artistic Director. Her previous choral experience, artistic vision, and connection to Gala Choruses will help the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus grow moving forward while also furthering our mission," said Robert Reader, Executive Director of the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus.

“I am very excited to be named the Artistic Director of the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus and to start my work with them in furthering their mission to ‘use music as a catalyst to inspire, impact, and enrich the lives of our members, patrons, and the community,’” Moy said.

Throughout her career, Moy, who hails from Washington State, has helped spearhead international calls for scores on themes of social consciousness. She has premiered/commissioned numerous new works by both established and emerging composers. Moy is the Co-Founder/ Co-Artistic Director of Chorosynthesis Singers, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the culture of American choral music through collaboration, sustainability, innovation and excellence. Under Moy’s co-direction, Chorosynthesis Singers recently released Empowering Silenced Voices, a two-CD set of new choral music based on themes of social consciousness. Chorosynthesis Singers also recently commissioned and performed Seven Living Words of the HIV-Positive.

A frequent guest conductor and clinician, Moy recently made her international conducting debuts in Brazil and China. She continues to perform as a soprano soloist and sings with the Connecticut Choral Artists (CONCORA), as well as with Chorosynthesis Singers. Moy’s work with GALA Choruses (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) began with an ethnographic study of the Seattle Men's Chorus, the largest gay men's chorus in the world and the largest community chorus in North America.

She is an American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) International Conducting Fellow and serves on the organization’s Standing Committee on International Activities.

Moy is currently Director of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus and Director of Choral Activities and Music Education at Connecticut College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Seattle Pacific University, a Masters in Music Education from Westminster Choir College, and a Doctoral of Choral Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington.
“We are thrilled to have an artist of Wendy’s caliber at the helm of the Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus,” said Stephanie A. Johnson, Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus Board President. “We look forward to a fantastic spring season and GALA Festival 2020.”

About The Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus (HGMC)

Founded in 2012, the 60+ voice ensemble is celebrated for its musicianship, creative programming and community outreach. Under the leadership of Interim Artistic Director Justin Gazard and Executive Director Robert Reader, the HGMC sings a wide range of music as a catalyst for enriching and educating both participants and audiences by demonstrating to individuals the many ways that beautiful music positively impacts our world.

The HGMC recognizes the sociopolitical statement inherent in being an openly gay organization and, as such, representatives of the LGBT community. In addition to our concerts, we represent the LGBT community through partnerships with other gay and gay-affirming organizations, outreach within our community and beyond, and participation and performances at Pride events, cultural celebrations, civic programs, sporting events, and other special occasions.