Guest Artist Bio
Northwest Community Gospel Choir
The Northwest Community Gospel Choir is a gifted, multicultural group of all ages, and includes singers and musicians from the Gospel Music Workshop of America, churches and various other music ministries in Portland and surrounding cities. It originally came together to perform at the Oregon Symphony's first Gospel Christmas concert on Dec. 18, 1999, and has performed at Gospel Christmas every year since.
The choir gathers each fall under the leadership of its music director, Gary Hemenway, to prepare for its December concerts with the Oregon Symphony and conductor Charles Floyd. As they share their gifts each holiday season, chorus members remain dedicated to the perpetuation of gospel music and bringing energy and joy to every song. After a dozen years, the chorus stands as a living example of how people of all races, religions and backgrounds can come together.
Gary L. Hemenway, music director - Composer, arranger, director, pianist, and vocalist Gary Hemenway began his musical journey in the churches and Grange halls of Eastern Oregon. His credits include Nike, Will Vinton Studios, The Home Shopping Network, Portland Rose Festival, and, of course, this, his 11th season with Gospel Christmas. He continues to write, arrange, and direct in a wide variety
of settings.
His three daughters, Sarah, Olivia, and Amelia, are the joy of his life.