The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s (GMCSF) Invincible concert was a celebration of grief, a celebration of survival, and a celebration of Pride. The show debuted a new work, Amor Eterno: A Requiem for Pulse, which was specially commissioned for this night.
The song is a tribute to the victims and survivors of the Pulse Massacre, which was ten years ago this month. 49 people died, 53 others were injured, and scores of family and friends have spent the past decade dealing with the tragedy. Amor Eterno consumed the first act.
Two survivors shared their story of bleeding for hours in the bathroom. A nurse, who happened to be in the club, triaged gunshot wounds and waited hours for rescue.
Then came a moment for each victim. Names were read one at a time as their picture was carried to the middle of the stage and held there for a moment before moving off stage. Then came another. Then another. Each name landed like a punch in the gut with no break to catch your breath.
The requiem itself, composed by Saunder Choi, was performed in seven movements that not only captured the horror of the event but also the joy of victims’ lives. The voices of soloists Elisse Albian and Enrico Lagasca seemed to envelop the listener’s body and pierce their soul.
Going into intermission many of the attendees were visibly shook.
The second act was dedicated to celebrating Black independence day, Juneteenth, and a couple of traditional gay touchstones.
It opened with Lift Every Voice, the Black national anthem, followed by the traditional spiritual Go Down, Moses and Stand Up.
The night wrapped up with Roar by Katy Perry and Get On Your Feet, by icon and ally Gloria Estefan.
The chorus was accompanied beautifully by Symphony of the Americas.
The chorus also announced next season’s schedule, including four holiday shows at Sunshine Cathedral, a Cher tribute show at Seminole Hard Rock in March, and will wrap up at The Parker reprising their Disney greatest hits show for Pride.
Screenshot via Greater Wilton Manors, YouTube.
