By Denny Patterson
Since its founding, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) has been deeply committed to inspiring audiences, opening minds, changing hearts, and celebrating our shared humanity. In selecting Anthony Cabrera as their assistant conductor in 2021, the organization found a dedicated individual who shares the exact same values.
Formerly the Artistic Director of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, Cabrera brings over 25 years of experience in choral directing across public education, churches, and community choruses.
During his tenure in Miami, he directed a diverse array of concerts, including those featuring LGBTQ+ themes on a grand scale. Furthermore, Cabrera has maintained a strong presence on the national and international level through his involvement with GALA Choruses, the North American Association of LGBTQ+ Choral Groups, and he currently serves on the New Harmony Taskforce, a group dedicated to creating resources and conferences to guide choruses in addressing internal issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Beyond his role as GMCSF’s assistant conductor, Cabrera also leads Tropical Wave, the group’s 20-member ensemble composed of singers who invest extensive amounts of time to develop and deliver specialized performances.
Cabrera took some time to answer some questions for OutClique.
Denny Patterson: After an intensive nationwide search process, you were chosen to be the GMCSF’s assistant conductor in September 2021. What have you enjoyed the most about this position so far?
Anthony Cabrera: I find great satisfaction in working with GMCSF because it provides the ability to make great music with an amazing group of people. From the leadership of the organization to the volunteers who work the nuts and bolts of this team to make sure we provide the highest caliber of music possible. My greatest joy, perhaps, is the ability to work with the chorus’ chamber ensemble, Tropical Wave. This is a group of very dedicated and talented individuals with whom I am developing a great bond with. These musicians work hard. Case in point, this past November 12 and 19, we wrapped up two performances of Gabriel Faure’s Requiem with the New Directions Chamber Winds. By December 2, we turned around and performed a full holiday concert. This group is so responsive, and while we take making music seriously, not everything in the process is serious. Collaborating with the chorus is just plain fun, and the interaction is fantastic!
Denny Patterson: What about working with GMCSF Artistic Director Gabe Salazar?
Anthony Cabrera: Gabe is a wonderful, gifted, talented, and humble leader who truly makes me feel like a collaborator and not just a pair of hands to wave when he cannot be at a rehearsal. Over the past few years, we have been nurturing a really nice friendship. One based on trust, respect, and the love of music. I feel like we make a great team.
Denny Patterson: What did you ultimately want to bring to this role?
Anthony Cabrera: I wanted to bring my years of experience and track record of working with LGBTQ+ choruses, locally and at the national level, and help the organization to continue growing into a nationally recognized and highly regarded choral institution. One that not only speaks to the LGBTQ+ community, but one that welcomes and is welcomed by our community at large as a musical and social force.
Denny Patterson: Yeah, you have an extensive background in working with LGBTQ+ choruses and overseeing concerts encompassing large scale LGBTQ+ themed works. Has this always been a passion of yours?
Anthony Cabrera: It became a passion when I attended my first GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) conference in 2008. I realized that LGBTQ+ choruses were not just about putting on, as they said on Will & Grace Season 4, Episode 16, “campy” concerts (laughs). These are spaces for people to develop community, family, and a literal voice. A place to find support and solace. A place to nurture our artistic sides, as well as our social and personal ones as LGBTQ+ identifying persons. So, it is not just about singing, but about personal wellbeing and growth for everyone involved.
Denny Patterson: What are some goals you would like to see the GMCSF achieve in 2024?
Anthony Cabrera: I look forward to seeing us make a splash at the GALA conference this summer in Minneapolis. Both GMCSF and Tropical Wave will be presenting concert sets.
I’d also like to see us continue growing into our name – the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida by presenting concerts, large and small, from Palm Beach to Monroe County.
Denny Patterson: What are some upcoming concerts we should be on the lookout for?
Anthony Cabrera: Certainly, check out our website for the concerts scheduled for the rest of the season. Hooray for Hollywood will be March 22, 2024, and our Pride concert, Pride: Then, Now, and Forever, will be June 29, 2024. Tropical Wave will also be presenting a concert in May entitled Postcards, featuring an incredible collection of pieces from around the world.
Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to mention or plug?
Anthony Cabrera: The next few years are going to be ones of significant growth for GMCSF, and I look forward to being a part of it!
