NYC Gay Men's Chorus takes over Whitney Museum: 'We are here, we are present'

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Is there a better way to start Pride Month than with a pop-up surprise nighttime concert on the steps of The Whitney Museum of American Art, courtesy of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.

The day started a series of pop-up performances scattered throughout the Whitney Museum of American Art to celebrate Pride Month in the galleries, even with Gertrude Whitney looking on.

Pop-ups were also held on the terrace and in the Hess theater. This kickoff event for Whitney Pride was called Our Joy is a Protest.

“We don’t want people to know where we are,” John Atorino, artistic director of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, told PIX11 News. “We want to interrupt their day, reminding them we are here, we are present, and we are singing,” he added.

“This is such a new experience for us, combining art and performance art,” Dyeemah Simmons, Whitney Dir. of learning and social impact, told PiX11 News. 

“It is a surprising moment for visitors to see,” she added.

For the singers themselves, it was a chance to spread a message of joy.

“It’s about a pure expression of self-love and sharing acceptance of those around you,” David Levitz, a singer with the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, told PIX11 News.

Another singer, John Fiscian, added, “This is my first time, and it’s been really fun.”

Museum-goers welcomed this disruption on a free Friday night when the Whitney was quite crowded.

“I had no idea,” Elizabeth Goetz, a museum-goer, told PIX11 News. “I have been following them all around the museum, and I am delighted they are here,” she added.