June 9, 2026 - RISE! by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Matthew Connors, and Firebird Part 2

About this episode

The episode features discussions on Pride Month celebrations, protest photography, and a new ballet premiere.

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus marks Pride Month with RISE! , a concert celebrating protest, pride and the power of being seen. Music director Reuben Reynolds joins us to talk about a program that moves from Broadway anthem to protest song, from the dance floor to the front lines of history, coming to Groton Hill Music Center on June 14. Photographer Matthew Connors has spent more than a decade documenting protests, uprisings and places under authoritarian rule around the world. He joins us to discuss his new book, “ The Axe Will Survive the Master, ” which traces the recurring images of unrest — crowds, barricades, riot gear — and how protest and repression echo across borders. Abilities Dance Boston presents the world premiere of FIREBIRD, PART 2 , a new ballet about a magical bird who finally gets to save herself. Founder, executive and artistic director Ellice Patterson and composer Andrew Choe join us to talk about this sequel to the company’s 2021 Firebird , with performances June 19 through 21 at Boston University’s Joan and Edgar Booth Theatre.

People in this episode

Guests: Reuben Reynolds, Matthew Connors, Ellice Patterson, Andrew Choe

Topics covered

• Pride Month
• protest
• music
• ballet
• photography
• history
• art

Keywords

• Boston Gay Men's Chorus
• Pride Month
• protest songs
• Matthew Connors
• FIREBIRD
• Ellice Patterson
• Andrew Choe
• concert
• ballet
• history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Abilities Dance Boston

Books & works: The Axe Will Survive the Master, FIREBIRD, PART 2

Places: Groton Hill Music Center, Boston University

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