Stephen Milne “Gives Everything” About ECMC’s 30th Anniversary Show

Stephen Milne, co-founder of the Empire City Men’s Chorus, shares about the upcoming 30th anniversary concert, GIVE EVERYTHING, premiering on May 31 and June 2.

The Empire City Men’s Chorus (ECMC), previously named the Gay Gotham Chorus, was founded in 1993 in New York City by Stephen Milne, Bill Finnegan, and Carl Ray with the mission of providing financial support for their community amidst the AIDS epidemic.

All three men were previously members of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYC GMC), which was founded in 1980. They brought their voices and founded the ECMC in hopes of alleviating the health uncertainty, financial insecurity, and emotional strain that the AIDS epidemic put on the LGBT+ community throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Queer folks have formed choruses throughout the country to advocate for LGBT+ rights for decades. The Mile High City boasts its own Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, as well as the Denver Women Chorus, who was founded by Carol White.

GIVE EVERYTHING invites guests to an epic program “examining humanity’s need for generosity without expectation. A concert study of what it means to give everything – even your very life in the service of others, the program talks about lessons learned by men and queer folk through recent decades and how we can contribute to a better world in the next chapter.”

GIVE EVERYTHING will be held at 8 p.m. on May 31 and 5 p.m. on June 2; there will be live and virtual viewings.

Tickets for the viewing, both in person and virtual, can be found here, or you can purchase tickets for $40 General Admission ($20 Student/Senior/Artist) at the door.

In talking with Milne, OFM has the opportunity to explore his connection to music, the formation of ECMC, and the importance of community support for LGBT+ folks.

How has music played a role in your life?

“Music has become a more fundamental part of my life. When I was a little kid, I remember listening to recordings on the turntable, and the stereo of musicals and classical composers. It was always a joyful experience.”

Milne had been involved in music and chorus groups throughout his childhood and adolescent, and carried his passion for music into adulthood–later joining the NYC GMC.

“I did have many, many years of singing with others. And it was not only the enjoyment of creating the music together and hearing the result, but also the camaraderie that always developed between us, which was super important.”

Given the longevity of the Empire City Men’s Chorus and this upcoming 30th anniversary, how does it feel to see this chorus thriving today?

“Oh it feels great…and so I was thrilled when they reached out to me and asked me to come back, along with the two other co-founders and also some early members.”

“Our first commercial album was released last year toward the end of the year and got a very good review in Gramophone Magazine, which is wonderful…so you know, it’s nice to increase our visibility….It’s important. And we’re very grateful to increase our visibility”

“And also, coming out with a successful commercial album that’s been so well received. I mean, I don’t think we foresaw that in the first year. You know, we were so focused on getting this going and making it a success—having a great sound, remaining a small chorus, and supporting our community through enrichment. And the greater community ultimately, as well.”

“Change doesn’t happen by itself. So I’m pleased that I could, in this way, help affect needed change.”

Gay choruses have historically been a safe-haven and a source of advocacy for the LGBT+ community. Can you describe the connection between advocacy and choruses?

“Music is a really great way to reach people at the heart level, and get them to reevaluate positions they may have held or currently hold regarding who queer community is. We’re your siblings, your parents, your neighbors, your doctor…we’re everywhere.”

“That’s what I’ve said about my experience with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus–it was super important. You know, we were visible, we represented a spectrum of demographics; there was not one identical. I mean, a gay man wasn’t specifically this, there’s the rainbow of who we are and so to the broader queer community.”

Can you share what it was like being a co-founder of the Empire City Men’s Chorus, then known as the Gay Gotham Chorus?

“I was a proud member of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, as were the other two that became co-founders of what would be the Gay Gotham Chorus. The 1980s (and) 90s were very different from today. And I think it’s difficult for any younger member of the queer community to fully understand…more and more people were coming down with this mystery virus, which seemed to be a death, or well it was a death sentence, in the 80s.”

“And people, gay and lesbian friends, no one knew how it was transmitted. So you would go to care for someone who was really suffering from horrible symptoms. And you wouldn’t be sure if–it sounds silly–but you wouldn’t be sure if hugging them or kissing them or using their bathroom would cause you to die as well.”

“Initially, there was no information, there was no government involvement–that was very long and coming as far as stepping in and saying, ‘This is really serious; this is how it’s transmitted; this is how you can protect yourself.’”

“By 93, and I’d been in New York City, Gay Men’s Chorus many years at that point, I was completely frustrated that we weren’t raising funds for AIDS related health care. And I also wanted a different experience because I had been with them for years and they’re a tremendously important group and that they were out and proud and visible as they continue to be today. And they were advocating through music, but not through fundraising. And I give Gary Miller tremendous credit for all that he accomplished during those years.”

“So in May of 93’, another friend had died…(and) I reached out to a fellow member of the chorus during a rehearsal break, Bill Finnegan. He thought it was a great idea, and said, ‘We can do this.’”

“He (Finnegan) asked Carl Ray, and the three of us were the nucleus that co-founded what was then called the Gay Gotham Chorus…that was in May, as soon as we finished our Pride concert with NYC GMC, we began actively meeting as a new group. Other members from the big chorus joined us and word-of-mouth was really how we got our singing members. And so we were all involved. The three of us were kind of the decision makers, but we were certainly supported by founding members.”

“And as part of our founding mission, as indicated, we did seek to raise funds for AIDS related health care to provide support for our community. “

What words can you offer to a younger generation of LGBT+ folks?

“I would say, don’t take our rights for granted. First and foremost, what we have was hard won. They were never given to us. And it’s very important to keep what we have and expound upon those.”

Featured images courtesy of Stephen Milne.