The Denver Gay Men’s Choir and Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus are coming together to perform the concert, “Songs of Our Families”.

Will Adams, the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Arts Association, said even though the Denver Gay Men’s Choir has been around for 27 years and Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus for only three years, this is the first time they have performed together. 

The Colorado premier of “This House Shall Stand: Songs of My Family” is the centerpiece work which is the unique choral work of which explores the themes in the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender families.  

The Rocky Mountain Arts Association said it would be a 45-minute long concert accompanied by the chamber orchestra. They said the performance is a collection of true stories about the families from around the country set to music by Portland-based composer Robert Seeley and lyricist Robert Espindola.

Because of the issue of gay marriage rights, the performance of this important musical work is more relevant than ever, the arts association said.

“There won’t be any direct discussion in the music. Some members will be speaking, so there might be some discussion [about Proposition 8],” Adams said.

The concert will also mark the first major performance of the Denver Gay Men’s chorus in Colorado Springs, said the arts association.  

Composer Robert Seeley said the inspiration came from stories all over the country, in a press release.

“Teenage kids to elderly folks, it ran the gamut of family in the new millennium, how it can be defined and we ran with it,” he said.

“Particularly moving was a girl whose father was gay, but who had kind of lost himself living in the closet for so long,” Seeley said.

“But he found a partner… and became the father she hoped he would become, through that happiness. He became a completely loving partner and individual.” Seeley said.

Adams said he thought this performance was a move in the right direction for the gay community.

“It’s a celebration of family for GLBT,” he said. “They get a better understanding of what family means at this time.”

Adam said he also wants heterosexual families to benefit from this show.

“The performance is all about families, about the use of the word family. Hopefully this will change the negative impression about GLBT families not having traditional family values,” he said.

This performance has a deeper meaning than just family.

Because both choirs also have straight  members, Adams said he hopes this show will bring both communities closer and help the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual community understand that their mission is to build communities through music, gain a new understanding if the community through music and open the hearts of the members, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight.

Adams said there are already shows scheduled across the country through the end of 2010.

 This weekend, the performances are at the First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colo. on June 20 at 7:30 p.m. and in Denver at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St, June 21 at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $18 for seniors and $16 for students 13-21. Children 13 and under are free. Tickets are available online at www.rmarts.org.