chorus highlights

2026

  • Silver Linings collaboration concert with Des Moines Diversity Chorus (DMDC) under the direction of Brandon Record.

  • Chase Shoemaker becomes the Artistic Director & Conductor of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus.

  • The Silver Party 25th Anniversary Concert in Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University celebrating 25 years of music that matters in Iowa.

2025

  • TRANScendent world premiere of commissioned piece “They Cannot Erase Us” with music by Pax Ressler and lyrics by Joseph Shapiro.

  • TRANScendent receives Courageous Six Changemaker Award at the One Iowa Annual Gala.

2024

  • The chorus receives the 2024 Spotlight Award from Bravo Greater Des Moines in recognition of DMGMC's impact in the greater Des Moines community.  

  • DMGMC attends GALA Chorus Festival in Minneapolis with 3 ensembles: DMGMC, HarMANY & TRANScendent.

  • Love tour collaboration concert with SFGMC.

  • World premiere of Beacon and Legacy.

2023

  • TRANScendent, member-founded small ensemble performs for the first time at DMGMC Pride Cabret.

  • Tristan Miedema becomes director of TRANScendent small ensemble. 

2022

  • Eric Shepard becomes the Artistic Director & Conductor of the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus.

  • Commissions and performs “Sanctuary” by Ben Wexler.

2021

  • Performs 20th Anniversary Concert “Music That Matters” as an outdoor event at Lauridsen Amphitheater in Water Works Park. Dr. Randy Buikema and Dr. Rebecca Gruber, former Artistic Directors, return as special guests to conduct.

  • The Chorus is the subject of an Iowa State University research project and display, entitled “Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus: Queer Spaces, Collectives Styles, and Activist Dress, 1984 to the Present.”

2020

  • Performs first online virtual concert “Light in the Darkness” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Develops and publishes “Out in the Schools” curriculum of equity and inclusion to Iowa high schools.

2019

  • Performs Andrew Lippa’s newest oratorio, Unbreakable, chronicling 100+ years of LGBTQ+ history in America in song

2018

  • Performs an LGBT Masterwork, Tyler's Suite, a nine-piece choral movement written in response to Tyler Clementi's suicide; sung from the perspective of those closest to him, Tyler's Suite was raw, uplifting, and filled with hope 

2017

  • Performs Our Bodies Our Lives in partnership with The Project of Primary Healthcare

  • Several panels of the AIDS quilt are on display at the performance

2016

  • Performs When I Knew – stories and songs of  ‘that moment’

  • DMGMC and HarMANY perform at the GALA Festival in Denver, CO

2015

  • Performs I Am Harvey Milk by Andrew Lippa

  • Creates a music video as a contribution to the It Gets Better project

2014

  • Concert sponsorship from the Meredith Corp. Diversity Group for SOUNDS WITHOUT BOUNDS

  • Holds Chorus Fundraiser EAT. DRINK. SING. – showcasing fine chefs in private homes

  • Performs with main stage act, Gloom Balloon, at the 80/35 Music Festival

2013

  • Collaborates with Simpson College Women’s Chorale

  • Celebrity performer Miss Richfield 1981 hosts the BIG GAY SING

  • Celebrates the anniversary of Walnut Hills UMC becoming a reconciling congregation

2012

  • DMGMC and HarMANY sing performances at the GALA Festival 2012 in Denver, CO

  • Transitions to online ticketing and produces a CD

  • Performs at the Roosevelt High School Pride celebration

2011

  • Celebrates the anniversary of Varnum v Brien with MUSIC FOR A CHANGE and a judges’ forum

  • 10th anniversary celebration performance of Eos by David Conte with guest conductor Dr. Randal A. Buikema  

2010

  • Performs in the Des Moines Social Club and Capitol Hill Lutheran Church

  • Performs a concert in Grinnell, IA benefitting the food pantry

  • Performs A NIGHT AT THE OPERA with the Des Moines Community Orchestra

2009

  • For the first time, sings at a same-sex wedding ceremony

  • DMGMC’s small ensemble HarMANY, debuts with Ben Hagen, director

  • Collaborates with Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble in a holiday concert

2008

  • Performs for the Hoover High School/Meredith Middle School Gay-Straight Alliance

  • Commissions In Our America, by composer Ben Allaway

  • Performs a program advocating marriage equality at GALA Festival 2008 in Miami, FL

2007

  • Performs at Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge Inauguration Ceremony

  • Performs a joint concert with Minnesota’s GLBTA chorus, One Voice Mixed Chorus

2006

  • Dr. Rebecca Gruber appointed Artistic Director and Conductor

  • Performs for the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, keynote speaker President Bill Clinton

2005

  • Ben Hagen joins the chorus as Accompanist

  • Performs a joint concert with the Des Moines Symphony, Westminster Church Oratorio Choir, and Iowa Y0uth Chorus

2003

  • Performs for the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, keynote speaker Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

  • Performs at Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson Inauguration Ceremony

2001

  • The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (DMGMC) establishes itself under the guidance of Dr. Randal A. Buikema

  • DMGMC gives its first performance at Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church

1985 through 1992

  • The Des Moines Men's Chorus began in a member's basement; some founding members sing with the DMGMC today.

  • The Chorus then practiced at the Urbandale United Church of Christ—the first open and affirming congregation in the Des Moines area.