Metro Weekly

Gay Men’s Chorus announces new executive director

Justin Fyala will take the reigns on August 15

Justin Fyala (corner bottom right). Photo via Facebook.
Justin Fyala (corner bottom right). Photo via Facebook.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW) has announced that Justin Fyala will serve asΒ its new executive director. Set to assume his new position on Aug. 15, 2016, Fyala will be the eighth executive director since GMCW’s founding in 1981. He replacesΒ outgoing executive director Chase Maggiano, who leftΒ to head TheΒ Washington Chorus.

Fyala previously led Chicago’sΒ Windy City Gay Chorus and Treble Quire, The Youth Choral Theater of Chicago, and Bella Voce. AΒ classically trained vocalist and opera enthusiast, he holds a Masters in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelors in Choral Music Education from The Pennsylvania State University.

“We are delighted to have found someone with such a full complement of talents,” Robert Hall, the chairman of GMCW’s board of directors, said in a statement. “Justin’s current work in Chicago with a great LGBTQ chorus, an impressive youth group and other choirs impressed the selection committee and board leaders. Justin’s passion for choral music is evident from the moment you meet him. We are excited to have him join our team as an important leader for GMCW for years to come.”

“Choral singingΒ has been a part of my life every day since I was ten years old,” Fyala said in a statement. “My voice changed early and my teacher didn’t know what to do with me, so she made me the narrator. Instead of being ruffled by the experience, I began to devour recordings and books to learn all I could about this magical art form.

“I am deeply honored to bring my experiences to the GMCW family and to work with some of the most inspiring choral artists in the nation,” he continued. “The people of GMCW understand that the strongest organizations stand tall on the shoulders of those who came before while looking to the future and continuing the fight for inclusivity of all communities. That thrills me.”

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