Chase Maggiano to leave Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington
After three years as the executive director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Chase Maggiano announced that he will be leaving to take the same position with the Washington Chorus.
“There are certainly mixed emotions that come with this, but I’m really looking forward to getting back to my classical roots,” says Maggiano, a classically-trained violinist. As one of the nation’s premier symphonic choruses, the Washington Chorus regularly performs with the National Symphony and other professional music organizations. The Gay Men’s Chorus, though run by paid staff, is composed of singers who volunteer their time.
“I also feel good with this decision [because of] where the Gay Men’s Chorus is at the moment,” Maggiano told Metro Weekly. “The organization that I came to three years ago was very different than it is today, and I’m really proud of the membership and the board of directors and the staff for all working together to create such a healthy Gay Men’s Chorus.”
Thea Kano, the organization’s artistic director, calls the departure “bittersweet.”
“We’ve grown to a greater, more professional level under his leadership,” she says, “and we’re certainly going to miss him tremendously. [But] we’re so very happy for him, and know that he’ll continue to do great things, both for the Washington Chorus and for the arts community in Washington.”
It’s likely, moreover, that there will be future crossover between the two choruses. Says Maggiano: “Thea and I and [TWC’s artistic director] Julian Wachner have already talked about possible collaboration in the future.”
Maggiano will continue with GMCW through this season’s 35th anniversary concert at the Kennedy Center in May. He also intends to help the search for his successor. He will officially start with the Washington Chorus on July 1, replacing the outgoing Diane Peterson, who, as a longtime friend and mentor, sought Maggiano out as her successor.
The search for his replacement at GMCW will start soon. “It’s a fantastic organization,” Maggiano says, “and a fantastic position to have, and one that I will miss.”
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