Chase Maggiano to leave Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington
After three years as the executive director of the Gay Menβs Chorus of Washington, Chase Maggiano announced that he will be leaving to take the same position with the Washington Chorus.
βThere are certainly mixed emotions that come with this, but Iβm really looking forward to getting back to my classical roots,β says Maggiano, a classically-trained violinist. As one of the nationβs premier symphonic choruses, the Washington Chorus regularly performs with the National Symphony and other professional music organizations. The Gay Menβs Chorus, though run by paid staff, is composed of singers who volunteer their time.
βI also feel good with this decision [because of] where the Gay Menβs Chorus is at the moment,β Maggiano toldΒ Metro Weekly. βThe organization that I came to three years ago was very different than it is today, and Iβm really proud of the membership and the board of directors and the staff for all working together to create such a healthy Gay Menβs Chorus.”
Thea Kano, the organizationβs artistic director, calls the departure βbittersweet.β
βWeβve grown to a greater, more professional level under his leadership,β sheΒ says, βand weβre certainly going to miss him tremendously. [But] weβre so very happy for him, and know that heβll continue to do great things, both for the Washington Chorus and for the arts community in Washington.β
It’s likely, moreover, that there will be future crossover between the two choruses. Says Maggiano: βThea and I and [TWCβs artistic director] Julian Wachner have already talked about possible collaboration in the future.β
Maggiano will continue with GMCW through this seasonβsΒ 35th anniversary concert at the Kennedy Center in May. He also intends to help the search for his successor. He will officially start with the Washington Chorus on July 1, replacing the outgoing Diane Peterson, who, as a longtime friend and mentor, sought Maggiano out as her successor.
The search for his replacementΒ at GMCW will start soon. βItβs a fantastic organization,β Maggiano says, βand a fantastic position to have, and one that I will miss.β
Support Metro Weeklyβs Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet itβs crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So wonβt you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each weekβs magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.