After a distinguished 21 years with MenAlive - Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus, Artistic Director Bob Gunn, has announced his retirement.
Bob is a professional musician with over 40 years of experience. Through this 21 years with MenAlive, in addition to Artistic Director, he has acted as accompanist, singer, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, and musical director.
“Bob was there from the beginning of MenAlive,” said Rich Cook, MenAlive’s founder and first Artistic Director. “When I told him about this new adventure, he immediately said he wanted to be a part and help me build it. We already had a pianist, so he offered to sing baritone. I finally asked him to play on one number in that first concert, which led to him being our first full-time accompanist. It wasn’t long before I asked if he would be our Assistant Music Director and we proceeded together successfully for many years.”
Current CEO & Chairman of the Board, Mike Auchter added, “Bob’s immense talent for teaching and directing the chorus have ensured every performance was of the highest standard. He has taken MenAlive through some very challenging times; always managing to bring out our best!”
“It’s been a thrill and special joy to be a part of OCGMC since that very first Christmas concert back in 2001,” said Bob Gunn. “So many wonderful memories over these last 21 years that I will treasure forever. Kent and I have loved being a part of this unique, special community and we both look forward to watching the exciting path that MenAlive will surely follow in the years ahead. My heart is so full, much love to our beautiful OCGMC family!”
Our family is incredibly thankful for the music, the memories, and the friendship that Bob has shared with us over the past 21 years. Bob will close out the current season with his last show being I Am America that will be performed on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Tickets for I Am America will go on sale in the coming weeks.
While it will be difficult to fill Bob’s shoes, we are currently pulling together a team to begin the search for our next Artistic Director.
Stay tuned to this space as we celebrate Bob leading up to us closing out the season with I Am America!