ABOUT THE BLACK TULIP CHORALE
Black Tulip Chorale was established in 2018 as St. Louis’ first LGBTQ+ all-expression, all-gender, all-identity, all-orientation mixed voice (SATB) choral organization. BTC’s mission advocates for social consciousness through excellence in the performance of choral music while providing an affirming environment for all regardless of expression, gender, identity, or orientation. Within the first anniversary of its founding, it presented both Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem” and Randall Thompson's “Frostiana”, rarely performed in its entirety. In 2023, BTC presented two major works (Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music" and Johann Sebastian Bach's "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland") and premiered commissioned pieces from Ryan Main and Greg Gilpin. In 2024, the Chorale presented Michael John Trotta's "For a Breath of Ecstasy" as well as selections by Randall Thompson and Anton Bruckner in recognition of the 125th and 200th anniversaries, respectively, of their births.
In 2025, BTC will present several mele by Hawaiʻi’s Queen Liliʻuokalani as part of a performance of music by women composers from around the world drawn from three centuries, five continents, and six languages. The Chorale will repeat the concert in Honolulu in June, 2025.
The Black Tulip Chorale’s moniker is inspired by an 1850 novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas, père (1802–1870), best known for The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Set in the Dutch city of Haarlem, a prize of ƒ100,000 (approximately $7,500,000 in 2023 value) is to be awarded to the first person who cultivates a black tulip. The novel’s hero is falsely imprisoned for high treason in the wake of political turmoil yet is able to secure his freedom from the gallows at the last possible second by achieving what no one had accomplished – the cultivation of a black tulip. In that light, BTC strives to create community and find justice in spite of overwhelming adversity in a time of great upheaval.
The Chorale has collaborated with many partners and organizations, including Grammy Award winner Christine Brewer, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, members of the St. Louis Chamber Soloists, members of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, members of the St. Louis Wind Symphony, and the choirs of St. Louis Community College-Meramec. BTC is thrilled to have the support of many donors, sponsors, and supporters including the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council.
BTC welcomes all to participate. Please contact blacktulipchorale@gmail.com to schedule a vocal placement hearing or for more information.
Dale Wm. Kipper Memorial Commission Series
An advocate for new choral music, BTC regularly commissions and premieres new works through its Dale Wm. Kipper Memorial Commission Series. If you are a composer or arranger interested in our series, please contact us at blacktulipchorale@gmail.com.
2020 - In Looking Up at the Planets and Stars, words by Dale Wm. Kipper, music by Gregory Dennis (premiered May 7, 2022)
2021 - Great Arbiter of Human Fate, words by Penina Moïse, music by Keith Walker and Charles Peery (premiered December 4, 2021)
2022 - Organ prelude on the Ukrainian national anthem, Victor C. Johnson (premiered May 7, 2022)
2023 - Better Be a Seed - words by Rye Lanae Boothe, music by Ryan Main (premiered May 21, 2023)
2023 - We Sing! We Rise! We Soar! words by Arthur O'Shaunessy, music by Greg Gilpin (premiered December 8, 2023)
2024 - Willow, Willow, words and music by Percy Grainger, arranged by Robert Stumpf (premiered December 13, 2024)
2025 - Light in the Hall, words and music by Royal Robbins, arranged by Eric Craddock (premiering May 18, 2025)
2025 - Ke Aloha O Ka Haku, words and music by Queen Lili'uokalani, arranged by Robert Stumpf (premiering May 18, 2025)
2025 - Now is the hour words and music by Maewa Kaihau, arranged by Robert Stumpf (premiering May 18, 2025)
TBD - Sunset: St. Louis, words by Sara Teasdale, music by Charles Peery
Larry Willman Memorial Service Award:
BTC recognizes some of its many supporters and volunteers through its Larry Willman Memorial Service Award. Founded in the fall of 2021, it was named for our first volunteer member of the Chorale - the late Larry Willman. He was much loved and is dearly missed.
2021 - Barbara Biedenstein, Tom Choinski, Lorin Cope, Dr. Ken Haller, Caetlyn Van Buren
2022 - Carol Porter
2023 - Anna Blair, Chase Mueller
2024 - Curtis Farrell
2025 - Hananiah Jones, Dan Kelly
Kenneth A. Haller Jr. Award for Artistic Excellence:
2024 - Julie Brown, Ken Haller, Dan Kelly, Lindsey Short, Paul Worrell
2025 - Beverly Brennan
Howard and Carol Porter Production Award:
2024 - Barb Biedenstein, Greyson Coggins, Lorin Cope, Carol Porter
2025 - Erica Rodriguez
BTC IDEA Statement
In the fall of 2023, BTC's board of directors approved the following statement:
"The mission of the Black Tulip Chorale is to advocate for social consciousness through excellence in the performance of choral music, while providing an affirming environment for all, regardless of expression, gender, identity, or orientation.
The Black Tulip Chorale executes its mission through music, collaboration, and community. We welcome adult singers, audience members, and friends of all ages, genders, and expressions. Our Chorale is a safe space not only for LGBTQ+ communities in the St. Louis metropolitan region, but also for all who wish to find purpose and joy in music.
The Chorale strives to educate its members in music and performance so our voices will inspire those around us. We pride ourselves in a membership that includes supportive allies as well as outspoken advocates. We denounce bullying, discrimination, and all actions and rhetoric that detract from building an inclusive environment. The Black Tulip Chorale will always strive to devote its best efforts and performances towards equality."
In 2025, BTC will present several mele by Hawaiʻi’s Queen Liliʻuokalani as part of a performance of music by women composers from around the world drawn from three centuries, five continents, and six languages. The Chorale will repeat the concert in Honolulu in June, 2025.
The Black Tulip Chorale’s moniker is inspired by an 1850 novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas, père (1802–1870), best known for The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Set in the Dutch city of Haarlem, a prize of ƒ100,000 (approximately $7,500,000 in 2023 value) is to be awarded to the first person who cultivates a black tulip. The novel’s hero is falsely imprisoned for high treason in the wake of political turmoil yet is able to secure his freedom from the gallows at the last possible second by achieving what no one had accomplished – the cultivation of a black tulip. In that light, BTC strives to create community and find justice in spite of overwhelming adversity in a time of great upheaval.
The Chorale has collaborated with many partners and organizations, including Grammy Award winner Christine Brewer, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, members of the St. Louis Chamber Soloists, members of the St. Louis Civic Orchestra, members of the St. Louis Wind Symphony, and the choirs of St. Louis Community College-Meramec. BTC is thrilled to have the support of many donors, sponsors, and supporters including the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council.
BTC welcomes all to participate. Please contact blacktulipchorale@gmail.com to schedule a vocal placement hearing or for more information.
Dale Wm. Kipper Memorial Commission Series
An advocate for new choral music, BTC regularly commissions and premieres new works through its Dale Wm. Kipper Memorial Commission Series. If you are a composer or arranger interested in our series, please contact us at blacktulipchorale@gmail.com.
2020 - In Looking Up at the Planets and Stars, words by Dale Wm. Kipper, music by Gregory Dennis (premiered May 7, 2022)
2021 - Great Arbiter of Human Fate, words by Penina Moïse, music by Keith Walker and Charles Peery (premiered December 4, 2021)
2022 - Organ prelude on the Ukrainian national anthem, Victor C. Johnson (premiered May 7, 2022)
2023 - Better Be a Seed - words by Rye Lanae Boothe, music by Ryan Main (premiered May 21, 2023)
2023 - We Sing! We Rise! We Soar! words by Arthur O'Shaunessy, music by Greg Gilpin (premiered December 8, 2023)
2024 - Willow, Willow, words and music by Percy Grainger, arranged by Robert Stumpf (premiered December 13, 2024)
2025 - Light in the Hall, words and music by Royal Robbins, arranged by Eric Craddock (premiering May 18, 2025)
2025 - Ke Aloha O Ka Haku, words and music by Queen Lili'uokalani, arranged by Robert Stumpf (premiering May 18, 2025)
2025 - Now is the hour words and music by Maewa Kaihau, arranged by Robert Stumpf (premiering May 18, 2025)
TBD - Sunset: St. Louis, words by Sara Teasdale, music by Charles Peery
Larry Willman Memorial Service Award:
BTC recognizes some of its many supporters and volunteers through its Larry Willman Memorial Service Award. Founded in the fall of 2021, it was named for our first volunteer member of the Chorale - the late Larry Willman. He was much loved and is dearly missed.
2021 - Barbara Biedenstein, Tom Choinski, Lorin Cope, Dr. Ken Haller, Caetlyn Van Buren
2022 - Carol Porter
2023 - Anna Blair, Chase Mueller
2024 - Curtis Farrell
2025 - Hananiah Jones, Dan Kelly
Kenneth A. Haller Jr. Award for Artistic Excellence:
2024 - Julie Brown, Ken Haller, Dan Kelly, Lindsey Short, Paul Worrell
2025 - Beverly Brennan
Howard and Carol Porter Production Award:
2024 - Barb Biedenstein, Greyson Coggins, Lorin Cope, Carol Porter
2025 - Erica Rodriguez
BTC IDEA Statement
In the fall of 2023, BTC's board of directors approved the following statement:
"The mission of the Black Tulip Chorale is to advocate for social consciousness through excellence in the performance of choral music, while providing an affirming environment for all, regardless of expression, gender, identity, or orientation.
The Black Tulip Chorale executes its mission through music, collaboration, and community. We welcome adult singers, audience members, and friends of all ages, genders, and expressions. Our Chorale is a safe space not only for LGBTQ+ communities in the St. Louis metropolitan region, but also for all who wish to find purpose and joy in music.
The Chorale strives to educate its members in music and performance so our voices will inspire those around us. We pride ourselves in a membership that includes supportive allies as well as outspoken advocates. We denounce bullying, discrimination, and all actions and rhetoric that detract from building an inclusive environment. The Black Tulip Chorale will always strive to devote its best efforts and performances towards equality."
