MenAlive is proud to announce that acclaimed conductor, vocalist, and music educator Gavin Thrasher will become the organization’s new Music Director, beginning in January 2026. Thrasher succeeds outstanding Interim Music Director Mike Kiddoo, as the chorus prepares for one of the most significant milestones in its history.
The 2026 season marks MenAlive’s 25th Anniversary, a year-long celebration honoring the extraordinary positive change, growth, and visibility that both MenAlive and the broader LGBTQ+ community have achieved since the turn of the century. As the chorus reflects on its legacy of artistry, activism, and community-building, it also looks forward to an exciting new chapter—one shaped by expanding outreach, inclusivity, innovative programming, and renewed commitment to serving the diverse communities of Orange County.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gavin to the MenAlive family,” said Mike Auchter, Board Chairman. “His artistic vision, deep experience with LGBTQ choral organizations, and passion for community engagement make him the ideal leader for this moment in our history. As we celebrate 25 years of making music that matters, Gavin will help guide us into a future that is bold, inclusive, and artistically vibrant.”
Thrasher is widely recognized for his work with LGBTQ+ ensembles, choral education, and creative musical storytelling. His leadership is expected to bring fresh energy to MenAlive’s repertoire and performances while honoring the chorus’s foundational mission: using the power of music to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful connections.
“I’m honored to join MenAlive as Music Director at such a pivotal time,” said Gavin Thrasher. “This chorus has a powerful history and an even more exciting future. I look forward to collaborating with its talented singers, dedicated leadership, and the wider Orange County community to create performances that celebrate who we are and who we are becoming.”
As MenAlive begins its next 25 years, the organization is embracing new opportunities to expand its artistic reach and deepen its service to the community through education, storytelling, and partnerships with local nonprofits and cultural groups.
Image: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Photography by Gregory Zabilski