AGMC Artistic Director Kevin Robison to retire

Aug. 25, 2017  Page 2 of 2

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus to seek new artistic director
following upcoming retirement of long-time leader Kevin Robison

10-year AGMC artistic director resigns to spend more time composing/arranging;
popular December holiday concert to be his last here

ATLANTA, Aug. 25, 2017 — The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, one of the world’s longest-running gay male choruses, will be seeking a new artistic director upon the recent resignation of Kevin Robison, AGMC musical leader for the past decade. Robison, the chorus’ first full-time AD, also has had the longest tenure as AGMC artistic director in the chorus’ 36-plus-year history. He will continue to lead the chorus through this year’s popular annual holiday concert Dec. 8-9.

“When I came to the AGMC in 2007, it began the most joyful and meaningful time of my life,” Robison stated. “That hasn’t changed, and I am extremely proud of each chorus member through the years; they have worked tirelessly to present exceptional performances with often-powerful messages that entertain as well as represent the best of the LGBTQ community. We have truly lived our mission to change hearts and minds through music. But with the full support of my husband, it’s time to make some changes in our lives and pursue some options I’ve had on the back burner.

“I am sad to be leaving the AGMC/Voices of Note family, but look forward to giving my all to the holiday concert, a joyous celebration of hope and joy that’s a perfect conclusion of my time here.”

John Stegall, board chair of Voices of Note, the administrative umbrella organization of both the AGMC and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus, said, “We’re deeply saddened to lose Kevin, but understand that after a decade of stellar accomplishments and hard work, he’s chosen to focus on other opportunities. In both his leadership and the many compositions he’s brought to the AGMC, we’ve benefitted from a decade of his artistic vision and execution. We respect his decision, and appreciate that he’s already worked with other members of the AGMC creative team to craft the AGMC’s 37th season. We wish our friend and colleague the best, and promise to make the 2017 holiday concert, Bells, Babs & Beyond, a fitting tribute to his time here.”

As the chorus itself now prepares to have new and returning members begin work on that concert, the board is planning details to launch the search for a new artistic director. For details, watch the Voices of Note website or an announcement, or email your interest and resume to .

Auditions will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27, and Tuesday, Aug. 29. For an appointment or more information, see and email .

Big shoes to fill

After receiving a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance and a Master of Arts in choral conducting, Robison served as resident director of music for the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and a faculty member of Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal-Poly Pomona and Cal-State Fullerton. For three years, he was assistant conductor of Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and artistic director of the South Coast Chorale in Long Beach before coming to the AGMC.

Robison has been actively involved with GALA Choruses, the international association of gay and lesbian choruses, for well over a decade and has become one of its most sought-after composers and arrangers. Published by Hal Leonard and Oxford University Press, he has composed commissioned works performed by many of the nation’s leading choruses and well-known performers. He received an OutMusic Award in 2005 for his tribute to Kander and Ebb, and in 2011 was named one of Fenuxe Magazine’s Fenuxe 50, recognizing his contributions to Atlanta’s arts and LGBTQ communities.

“This is the type of professional and experienced artistic leader we will be recruiting to succeed Kevin,” Stegall noted. “But he’s laid the foundation for continued growth of this important organization, and we will find a successor worthy of his legacy.”

About the AGMC, AWC and Voices of Note

Now in its 37th season, the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus is part of Voices of Note, Inc., a not-for-profit organization governing the AGMC and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus. Voices of Note is a catalyst for social change, changing hearts and minds through music. Both the AGMC and the AWC are members of GALA.

Voices of Note programs are supported in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major support is provided by Turner Broadcasting, Atlanta Magazine, Macy’s and PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP). Additional support is provided by Bridge Catering, Brandon D Hunt Design, Dan Lax Media, Peachtree Battle Chiropractic, Saint Mark United Methodist Church, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

A complete listing of financial supporters — and how you can support the mission of the two choruses — can be found at For more information, see the website or call (404) 320-1030.

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