For the past 16 years, The Calgary Men’s Chorus Society has been entertaining their audiences with their melodic talent. Their mission since inception in 1994 has “sought to broaden its audience and establish its place in the Calgary Arts Community while at the same time remaining an important and visible component of Calgary’s GLBT community.” They have definitely kept their promise.

Throughout the years, the CMC has not only performed for an ever-expanding audience, they are also responsible for raising money for the Southern Alberta HIV clinic, the Sharp Foundation, The Music Therapy Program at Carewest, and the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank.
Most recently the CMC partnered with the Sauridi Singers to present _Sing for the Cure_, a concert to benefit breast cancer victims, survivors, their families and their friends. According to Ron Griffith of the CMC, “through a combination of sponsorship, donation, ticket sales, and a silent auction, we raised just over $45,000 for the Calgary Breast Health Program. We plan to use the money to purchase a specific piece of surgical equipment (rather that doing a general cash donation) for the Calgary Breast Health Program.“

Looking forward, the CMC will be taking a trip to Winnipeg to participate in the Canadian Choral Festival: Unison 2010 from May 21-24. They will also be participating in their annual partnership with Knox United Church for the CBC Radio Calgary Carol Festival in support of the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank.

As the CMC evolves, so too does their audience. Griffith states, “our regular season concerts (December and June) have been selling out the last couple of years. Our December 2009 concert sold out over two weeks in advance and we decided to add a second concert: highlights from the sold out December 20 performance of _Glory_. The concert was followed by a reception with family, friends, and fans.”

With this in mind, the CMC is always looking for new blood. “Yes we are looking for new singers.  …There is no audition, and previous singing experience is not required. What is required is perseverance and commitment. We accept new members every September and January. Potential members may observe or participate in a rehearsal or two before you make your decision about joining.”