The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus’ (PGMC) Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of our Official Artistic Director & Conductor. After a several month process of reviewing various applicants, we unanimously approved the selection of Michael Semancik as the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus’ Official Artistic Director & Conductor.

His appointment follows the retirement of Joseph J. Buches, who led the chorus for two decades with dedication, and marks a new chapter for the PGMC, which has been entertaining audiences and fostering acceptance for over 40 years.

During his tenure as Interim artistic Director & Conductor, Michael proved himself beyond expectations. He motivated our membership during a historically difficult transition, and elevated PGMC into a voice of unified tone and purpose! His drive and energy have been infectious, not only within the chorus but the audience as well. So much so that audience members of the Naughty or Nice Holiday Concert auditioned in record numbers, and were invited to join our Chorus in January. Since Michael joined PGMC, membership retention has increased, and we are certain this is only the beginning of Michael’s impact on the legacy of The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus.

Congratulations Michael Semancik, and welcome to the PGMC Family!

A brief Bio:

Michael is a distinguished figure in the field of music education and choral conducting. His credentials include a M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in Music Education from Slippery Rock University and he most recently served as Assistant Professor and Director of Choirs and Orchestra at Goucher College in Baltimore. Prior to his stint at Goucher, he spent over 11 years as the Director of Choral Activities at Morris Knolls High School in New Jersey, where his choirs earned accolades and performed at prestigious venues such as the White House and Carnegie Hall, and abroad in Ireland, Czech Republic, Latvia, and Lithuania to name a few.

Michael was also interviewed by Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) reporter Emily Leopard-Davis. Read the full article below!