The “Heartstrings” Show Also Features the Los Angeles Debut of “Tyler’s Suite” About the Life of the Late Tyler Clementi
February XX, 2015 (LOS ANGELES) – The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) whose mission is to change hearts and minds through the power of music, today announced a new Los Angeles concert, Heartstrings, and the debut of its new chamber ensemble on February 28. Featuring the all-male string quartet Well-Strung, the concert also marks the Los Angeles premiere of “Tyler’s Suite,” which pays homage to the life of the late Tyler Clementi, and features a VIP pre-reception with Clementi’s mother, Jane, and brother, James.
Through “Tyler’s Suite,” GMCLA presents a message of hope and dignity for LGBT youth and their families. Tyler was a smart and creative young man who, after graduating high school, was excited to attend Rutgers University where he thought he would have the freedom to grow and learn as a gay man. Tyler’s story was cut short when, after being cyber-bullied, he ended his own life. Tyler’s story reminds everyone about the continued importance of reaching out to LGBT youth and educating the public.
Lyricist Pamela Stewart visited with Tyler’s family, and several movements throughout the piece come from the family’s perspective. The movement Just a Boy adapts a poem written by Tyler’s father, Joseph, shortly after Tyler’s death. The movement I Love You More recalls a childhood game between Tyler and his mother, where the response to “I love you,” was always “I love you more.”
“We are honored to present the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Tyler’s Suite’ and welcome his mother and brother, Jane and James Clementi,’” said GMCLA Executive Director Chris Verdugo. “We hope that this special concert will honor the memory of Tyler Clementi and emphasize the continued need for a dialogue about the damage bullying causes across the country.”
For Heartstrings and “Tyler’s Suite,” GMCLA is pleased to partner with Well-Strung. The all-male string quartet features classical musicians who sing and put their own spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Rihanna, Adela, Lady Gaga, and more. Members include first violinist Edmund Bagnell, second violinist Christopher Marchant, cellist Daniel Shevlin and violist Trevor Wedleigh.
The New York Times calls Well-Strung, “A talented group of men who sing and play string instruments… and brilliantly fuses pop and classical music from Madonna to Beethoven,” while the Huffington Post writes, “A night with Well-Strung is anything but typical.”
The one-night only show will be held at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles beginning at 8 p.m. on February 28. For tickets to the concert and for the VIP reception with the Clementis, please visit https://gmcla.org/concerts/heartstrings/.
For media inquiries, please contact Mark Umbach at MWW at mumbach@mww.com or 310-986-6312.
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ABOUT GMCLA:
GMCLA has garnered international acclaim for artistic excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance and acceptance through music. Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay civil rights movement, critics have proclaimed the chorus “inspired,” “expressive, innovative, and utterly moving,” and hailed it for presenting “meaningful entertainment.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Umbach
MWW
(310) 986-6312