When Pride flags fly this year, few may recall that the first marches were born of defiance, not celebration. The South Coast Chorale is betting that revisiting that origin story will resonate deeply with audiences today.
Angela Gricar, Principal Accompanist
The South Coast Chorale’s diverse and unique ensemble encompasses friends, families and supporters.
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Songs and stories from the birth of the Pride movement mark the debut of Interim Artistic Director Corinne Burch
At a time when so many of us are feeling powerless, I wanted to connect us back to our roots as an organized community — to a moment when we protected each other and created the world we wanted.”— Corinne Burch, Artistic Director
LONG BEACH, CA, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The South Coast Chorale (SCC), Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ chorus, launches its 37th season, “A Season of Firsts,” with “First Pride: Songs and Stories from the Birth of a Movement” on Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 pm at the Long Beach Playhouse. This matinee performance introduces Interim Artistic Director Corinne Burch and principal accompanist Angela Gricar, and also marks the first concert under new board president Julia O’Brien.
Long before Pride became synonymous with parades and corporate sponsorships, it was a form of protest. “First Pride” turns back the clock to June 1970, revisiting the inaugural Christopher Street Liberation Day March in New York City. The program blends choral arrangements, personal narratives, and interactive audience moments to celebrate those who refused to stay silent and the enduring strength of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Pride has become a standout celebration for our community, but a lot was lost along the way. It started as a protest,” said Burch. “At a time when so many of us are feeling powerless, I wanted to connect us back to our roots as an organized community — to a moment when we protected each other and created the world we wanted.”
Several selections in the concert invite the audience to chant and sing along, recreating the energy of a protest march. “Back then, audience and performer weren’t separated the way they are today,” Burch said. “We’re not just singing; we’re telling a story, and we want people to join us in it.”
Burch has been at the helm of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles since 2022, conducting at prestigious venues like the Greek Theatre and collaborating on recordings with artists such as MUNA and Wrabel. With a background as a board-certified music therapist, Burch also holds a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management from USC.
Gricar, who stepped in as interim accompanist for last season’s “Miscast Cabaret” and “Love, Poetry,” takes over from Lindsey Hundley. A Cal State Fullerton graduate, she has served as the pianist at Faith United Methodist Church in Torrance since 2023.
O’Brien, an interior designer specializing in hotels, joined SCC in 2023 and previously held roles as membership chair and production lead. She succeeds Tony Almero-Stokes, who guided the board for five seasons and now assumes the title of president emeritus.
O’Brien noted that the board’s priorities for the season include expanding community outreach throughout greater Long Beach and modernizing while still respecting the Chorale’s 37-year history. “We’re focused on growing our choir and welcoming new voices while ensuring our longtime members continue to feel connected, valued and inspired,” she said.
The Chorale is especially keen on recruiting lower voices for its bass section. Those interested can find more details at southcoastchorale.org or submit an application through the website here.
“In the Chorale’s past five seasons, we have navigated a post-pandemic environment with increased challenges on the economic front and a rise in vocalized and legislated moves against the LGBTQ+ community,” said Almero-Stokes. “Chorale programming has focused on historic victories and positive achievements of the LGBTQ+ community to not only educate our audience and members but also to affirm ourselves. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as board chair for these five seasons, and I look forward to seeing and supporting our new chair as she meets the moment with enthusiasm and dedication to our ongoing mission.”
“First Pride” will be presented at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 1 at the Long Beach Playhouse, preceded by a pre-show panel at 2:00 pm. The venue is located at 5021 E. Anaheim Street, Long Beach. Tickets are $35 (plus fees) and can be purchased at southcoastchorale.org or On the Stage. The event is open to all ages, the venue is wheelchair accessible, and free on-site and street parking is available. The box office operates on a cashless basis.
This performance is supported, in part, by the Arts Council for Long Beach, the City of Long Beach, the L.A. County Department of Arts and Culture, the Port of Long Beach and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
About South Coast Chorale (SCC)
Established in 1990, the South Coast Chorale is a community vocal ensemble made up of people who simply enjoy singing and working together. Rooted in the LGBTQ+ community, SCC prides itself on being a diverse group that includes friends, families & supporters, all committed to building bridges between communities by using music to remind us all that we are more alike than different.
Over the years, SCC has played an essential role in enriching the cultural and educational landscape of greater Long Beach through collaborations with local community organizations. In the Spring of 2023, the Chorale presented a concert focused on anti-bullying and acceptance. A musical presentation of the story “Oliver Button is a Sissy” was performed in partnership with a youth theater group and two other Long Beach arts organizations. Free educational performances reached nearly 1,600 Long Beach area elementary school students, along with public performances.
The Chorale has built a reputation for performances distinguished by their LGBTQ+ diversity and artistic excellence, earning community nominations and recognition from local city and state leaders and organizations, as well as audience praise. From the West Coast premiere of a choral tribute to the life and accomplishments of openly gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, to the Southern California premiere of “Street Requiem” honoring those who have lived and died on the streets, the many talented singers that have graced the ranks of SCC have performed for thousands of audience members all over the US and Canada, spreading musical messages that resound with echoes of harmony and belonging.
For more information on the South Coast Chorale, visit https://www.southcoastchorale.org.
Julie O’Brien, Board President
South Coast Chorale
+1 310-469-1675
Julia@SouthCoastChorale.org
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Why it matters: As legislative and social pressures mount against the LGBTQ+ community, this concert reconnects audiences with the movement’s defiant origins, offering both historical education and a sense of collective empowerment. It underscores the enduring role of community arts in preserving history and fostering resilience.
