Gay Men’s Chorus announces new executive director
Justin Fyala will take the reigns on August 15
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW) has announced that Justin Fyala will serve as its new executive director. Set to assume his new position on Aug. 15, 2016, Fyala will be the eighth executive director since GMCW’s founding in 1981. He replaces outgoing executive director Chase Maggiano, who left to head The Washington Chorus.
Fyala previously led Chicago’s Windy City Gay Chorus and Treble Quire, The Youth Choral Theater of Chicago, and Bella Voce. A classically trained vocalist and opera enthusiast, he holds a Masters in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelors in Choral Music Education from The Pennsylvania State University.
“We are delighted to have found someone with such a full complement of talents,” Robert Hall, the chairman of GMCW’s board of directors, said in a statement. “Justin’s current work in Chicago with a great LGBTQ chorus, an impressive youth group and other choirs impressed the selection committee and board leaders. Justin’s passion for choral music is evident from the moment you meet him. We are excited to have him join our team as an important leader for GMCW for years to come.”
“Choral singing has been a part of my life every day since I was ten years old,” Fyala said in a statement. “My voice changed early and my teacher didn’t know what to do with me, so she made me the narrator. Instead of being ruffled by the experience, I began to devour recordings and books to learn all I could about this magical art form.
“I am deeply honored to bring my experiences to the GMCW family and to work with some of the most inspiring choral artists in the nation,” he continued. “The people of GMCW understand that the strongest organizations stand tall on the shoulders of those who came before while looking to the future and continuing the fight for inclusivity of all communities. That thrills me.”
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t 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 week’s 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.