Saying Good-bye to 2020! Looking Back on a tumultuous year.
A message from the Executive Director of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
We have crossed into 2021 and have finally said goodbye to 2020. If you are like me – this is definitely a year I am ever so ready to put into the rearview mirror! It’s funny, We go through life saying things like “this was the most horrible experience ever!”, “I had the most wonderful time in my whole life today.”, “This was the best vacation ever!” it isn’t uncommon for us to throw hyperbole around almost on a daily basis – it’s what we do. However, I don’t think it is hyperbole to say “2020 will go down as one of the worst years ever!” It’s is instead a very sad but factual truth.
2020 began on an amazing note with the arrival of our new Artistic Director, John Atornio, from the Big Apple itself, New York City. The energy and excitement for our new season was building with each rehearsal as we prepared for John’s inaugural concert. Unfortunately, COVID-19 stepped forward and in a matter of weeks upended the remainder of our 40th Anniversary Season and left our 41st Season in doubt. We watched helplessly as the Governor imposed significant restrictions on public gatherings, closed down businesses (large and small alike) and public venues such as the Schnitzer, Newmark, Kaul Auditorium to name just a few until further notice, and asked people to work from home if at all possible. As we were grappling with that, Minneapolis exploded when a tape showing the horrific final moments of George Floyd were broadcast around the world. Soon mass protests, most peaceful, emerged in response. As with these emerging movements, a few used this opportunity to wreak havoc in cities across the U. S. through the destruction of businesses, cars, statues, and civic buildings in a burst of rage and frustration over the slow trajectory towards racial equality. Portland was especially hard hit as protests and counter-protests continued for more than 100 nights. Its impact is still being felt.
When you add to that record unemployment, a political divide that threatens to undercut the integrity of our longstanding democracy, a pandemic that has polarized the nation in ways never before seen resulting in an out of control spread and a growing death toll that is larger than in any other country in the world – well – it just isn’t a year I want to remember. So this missive is all about saying goodbye to 2020 – with all its challenges – and yet – with moments of kindness and charity that exemplify the amazing resiliency that personifies the American spirit.
So just a few things I am extremely thankful for as we leave behind 2020:
- To the generosity of our donors who willingly turned their tickets into donations – thus ensuring that the chorus would survive the pandemic to sing another day.
- PGMC was honored to be selected for the Governors Arts Award in 2020. This singular honor recognizes the 40 year legacy of the chorus. Thank you to the Governor and the Oregon Arts Commission for this amazing recognition.
- To our funders that included foundations, corporate and business partners, and our governmental agencies who stepped up with much-needed support to ensure that we could maintain basic infrastructure and staffing levels during the shutdown.
- To U.S. Bank whose generosity allowed us to bring our very first live stream performance to a concert starved audience at Halloween.
- To an amazing Board of Directors and Chorus Leadership who stepped up to ensure that the chorus would continue to not only function but expand and grow through outreach and marketing efforts.
- To our staff who worked through furloughs, pay cuts, reduced hours, and the uncertainly of what we could and couldn’t do – yet found the resolve to put together amazing performances that capture the heart and soul of PGMC! I am indeed fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing partners.
- To our chorus singers and volunteers – they rose to the challenge of this uncertain time and worked diligently to create pandemic art that is a testimony to their love for music and the chorus. From “Under Pressure” to “New Year’s Carol”, these heartfelt performances have captured the essence of this time that will serve as a strong reminder to this once in a lifetime moment in time.
- We are blest with an amazing audience. You have stepped up in a big way to support the chorus in its hour of need. Your support has ensured that PGCM will be around for another 40 years! You make a difference and we can’t say thank you enough.
In closing, I am glad that 2020 is behind us. As we begin afresh I am encouraged by the potential for 2021. First, we know that the vaccine is now a reality and will soon be available widely. In a matter of months, we should start to see a return to a sense of normalcy in our everyday life. As we leave behind the pandemic we look forward to the time when PGMC can once again take the stage “live” with the kind of performances that you have come to love and appreciate. On behalf of PGMC, I just want to say thank you for all you have done to keep PGMC alive and well. We are here because of you! Here’s to an amazing 2021! May health, prosperity, and love be a part of your new year.
Rick Jung. Executive Director
