The Glamaphones - member interviews

This summary encapsulates the discussions and experiences shared during "The Glamaphones - member interviews" podcast recorded at St Andrew's on the Terrace in Wellington. The recording captures the vibrancy and excitement surrounding the Glamaphones, Wellington's own rainbow choir, as they prepared for two significant concerts during the city's 2019 Pride Festival. Through various interviews, conducted by Gareth Watkins, members of the choir including the music director Rachel Hyde, Gerard Wood, Jan Suckling, Sophia Dempsey, Steven Sue, and their interregnum musical director Thomas Nikora, express their personal connections to the choir and the broader community.

Rachel Hyde describes the anticipation for the upcoming events, one at St Andrew's and another at the Michael Fowler Centre, where the choir will open for the Topp Twins. The choir aims to deliver a selection of their best numbers, celebrating queer anthems and commissioned works such as "During These Days" by Gareth Farr. Not only do these concerts represent a platform for musical excellence, but they also serve as a beacon of pride and community spirit.

Members share their individual journeys into the choir, highlighting the inclusivity and support that the group offers. For many, the Glamaphones is more than a choir; it's a family and a safe space that embraces diversity in identity and talent. The emotional power of singing in unison and the sense of unity it fosters is a recurring theme throughout the interviews. There is an emphasis on the choir's ability to adapt and perform a wide range of material, from pop anthems to classical pieces, showcasing their versatility.

Steven Sue, the chair of the Glamaphones Committee, reflects on the choir's diversity and the importance of community, signifying the choir as a unifying presence amidst fracturing elements within queer communities. Gerard Wood, involved in ticket sales, celebrates the choir's open nature, which welcomes all regardless of musical skill level.

Thomas Nikora, who will be stepping in as conductor, speaks about their intent to diversify the choir's repertoire while maintaining its essence. They emphasize the importance of delivering impactful performances and the joyful, collaborative nature of choral singing.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Gerard Wood Jan Suckling Rachel Hyde Sophia Dempsey Steven Sue The Glamaphones Thomas Nikora

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