3547 Olive Street
Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 287-5669
[email protected]
www.gmcstl.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tori Gale, Executive Director
[email protected], (314) 287-5669
Robert Stumpf Named Next Gateway Mens Chorus Artistic Director
Minneapolis-Based Conductor Will Assume New Role in St. Louis August 1, 2015
St. Louis (May 27, 2015) St. Louiss Gateway Mens Chorus announces today that Robert Stumpf
will succeed Al Fischer as the organizations next Artistic Director, effective
August 1, 2015. Stumpf currently serves as the Assistant Conductor for the
Minneapolis-based Twin Cities Gay Mens Chorus. Outgoing Artistic Director
Al Fischer leaves GMC after nine years of service to GMC as he prepares for a
move to Yakima, Washington, where he has taken a full time teaching job,
and will be joining his husband Charlie Robin, who was recently named CEO
of the Capitol Theatre.
Incoming Artistic Director Robert Stumpf has gained extensive experience
throughout his career, earning his masters degree in conducting from
Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. Prior to the Twin Cities Gay
Mens Chorus, he taught at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois,
where he was Director of Bands, conducted the Singing Saints, and taught courses in music theory,
music education, and applied music. He has created and led ensembles across the Midwest, and has
been recognized for his success in building both the size of his ensembles and the size of his
audience with a combination of quality instruction and inventive selection of repertoire.
Professor Stumpf was selected through a national search which began in January, 2015. We are
extremely excited that a conductor with Roberts depth of experience, enthusiasm, and skills at the
podium will be leading the artistic vision of the Gateway Mens Chorus as we move into the final
two years of our current strategic plan, commented board president Joe Gfaller. This transition
enables the chorus to build on the strengths that Al Fischer helped to develop during his tenure,
while also positioning us for exciting new growth in the years to come.
Stumpf added, Im excited to bring a new perspective as well as learn from the wonderful guys
already here. Im looking forward to building on the foundation laid here in St. Louis and being a
part of this great organization.
Several informal cocktail events will be planned at the homes of GMC donors to welcome Stumpf to
the St. Louis community during the month of August. For more information on joining GMC for one
of these small parties, please contact Executive Director, Tori Gale, at 314-287-5669 or
[email protected]. Stumpfs first concert with GMC will be Make the Yuletide Gay, on December
11 and 12, 2015. Tickets will be available for purchase in the fall.
About the Gateway Mens Chorus
Since April 1988, the Gateway Mens Chorus has been performing to the delight of thousands
throughout the St. Louis region with the mission of affirming and promoting gay culture. In 2012,
Gateway Mens Chorus was awarded the Focus St. Louis Whats Right With The Region award for
improving racial equality and social justice. Since its inception, the Chorus has grown to
approximately 100 members and has become one of the most successful male choral arts
organizations in St. Louis both in musical repertoire and longevity.
The mission of Gateway Mens Chorus is to affirm and promote gay culture and acceptance through
excellence in musical performance and education. The organization furthers this mission by
producing beautiful male choral music and presenting a positive image of gay men. The Gateway
Mens Chorus annually produces a three-concert season, highlighting a diverse blend of musical
styles and entertaining performances. The organization also participates in a large number and
wide range of special events and community outreach activities throughout the year. The group is
open to singers of all backgrounds who sing within male vocal registers.
###
