"One of the pioneers of the international gay choral movement, NYCGMC has always maintained a reputation for excellence in musicality, education and leadership for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered choruses around the world," said Beale, calling his new position a "dream come true."
Trained as an organist, Beale served as music director of the London Gay Men's Chorus from 2002-2007. He attended Cambridge University and the Guildhall School of Music, and has taught jazz piano at the Royal College of Music in London. As a performer, Beale has been heard on national radio broadcasts as a classical pianist and in a jazz organ concerto with the UK's National Youth Jazz Orchestra. His playing and arranging credits include singles by Whitney Houston and Adeva, and other collaborations with Bobby Wellins and the Frank Williams African Jazz Quintet.
The NYCMMC, comprising 250 members, was founded over 27 years ago and gives three concert programs annually. The group has performed at Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls, and with such notables as Marilyn Horne, Carol Channing, Harvey Fierstein, Joel Grey, Cyndi Lauper and Liza Minnelli.
Its community outreach work includes the Youth Pride Chorus, a free program for LGBT people aged 4-21, and the first initiative of its kind to be sponsored by an adult mentor chorus.
Tickets to the December 11 concert are available at 212-247-7800. For more information, call 212-344-1777.