ABOUT US
Small ensembles.
Powerful voices.
HarMANY
Auditioned ensemble
HarMANY is our dynamic, auditioned small group exploring pop, Broadway, and tight harmony repertoire that stretches beyond the scope of the full chorus. Formed in 2009 and directed by Ben Hagen, the ensemble delivers high-energy, staged performances that combine musical precision with personality and flair.
HarMANY also represents DMGMC in community outreach settings when a smaller ensemble is needed, extending our visibility and impact throughout the region.
BEN HAGEN
HarMANY Director
Within the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus, smaller ensembles provide unique opportunities for artistic exploration, outreach, and representation. These groups expand our impact beyond the full chorus, allowing members to perform specialized repertoire, respond to the needs of our community, and bring music to spaces where a full ensemble may not be possible.
The chorus is home to two ensembles: TRANScendent, our trans and non-binary centered group, and HarMANY, our auditioned small group ensemble. Each reflects our shared mission to be a community champion, singing to promote harmony, ignite hearts, and move minds, while offering its own distinctive voice and focus.
TRANScendent
Trans and non-binary ensemble
TRANScendent is a member-founded ensemble created to uplift and empower transgender and non-binary voices through music. Directed by Tristan Miedema, the group affirms that there is space for trans and non-binary singers in the choral world and in the broader LGBTQ community.
Woven into our concert season and active in independent outreach, TRANScendent has quickly become a powerful symbol of visibility, courage, and belonging across Iowa and beyond.
TRISTAN MIEDEMA
TRANScendent Director