Richard Garrin
Richard Garrin, also known as Richard Garrin Pekala (March 18, 1951 – August 7, 2024) was an American choral conductor who was the founding director of Windy City Gay Chorus.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Garrin was born on Chicago's South Side and graduated from St. Laurence High School.[2] He earned a bachelor's degree in music from DePaul University before completing a master's degree in orchestral and choral conducting at the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music.[2]
Career
[edit]In 1974, Margaret Hillis invited Garrin to join the Chicago Symphony Chorus; she later appointed him assistant conductor (1982–1987) and associate conductor (1987–1992).[2] During this period, he prepared the chorus for conductors including Daniel Barenboim, James Conlon, Zubin Mehta, Georg Solti, in repertoire ranging from Beethoven's Missa solemnis to Britten's War Requiem.[2]
In 1979, Garrin founded the Windy City Gay Chorus (WCGC) in Chicago and served as its artistic director until 1995.[3][4] During his tenure, the ensemble was incorporated as the not-for-profit Windy City Performing Arts, an umbrella organization that later included the Windy City Slickers and UNISON: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers.[3] Under Garrin's direction, the chorus performed at Orchestra Hall, the Chicago Theatre, and civic functions such as the 1989 inauguration of Mayor Richard M. Daley.[3] It sang at American Choral Directors Association conventions, received first-place honors at the Great American Choral Festival, produced several commercial recordings, and participated in benefit concerts for groups involved with HIV/AIDS services and other community initiatives.[3][4]
Garrin was a member of the Illinois Arts Council, served on the board of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, and volunteered with Horizons Community Services and the Oak Park Gay and Lesbian Association.[3]
Recognition
[edit]- Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame (1993)[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Richard Garrin". Windy City Performing Arts. 2024-11-17. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
- ^ a b c d "Remembering Richard Garrin Pekala | Chicago Symphony Orchestra". Experience the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
- ^ a b c d e f "RICHARD GARRIN – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame". Retrieved 2025-06-09.
- ^ a b noted, Matt Simonette, Windy City Times, except where otherwise (2015-09-23). "1985 MUSIC". Windy City Times. Retrieved 2025-06-09.
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