Now celebrating 30 years, Empire City Men’s Chorus (ECMC) has resounded with the heartbeat of humanity, transcending the realm of a traditional choral ensemble to become a transformative movement. From its founding in 1993 as The Gay Gotham Chorus, ECMC has remained dedicated to giving back to the LGBTQ community, initially supporting AIDS-related healthcare services and evolving to fearlessly confront the pressing challenges of New York City’s at-risk individuals, making a resounding impact in the greater community.

As pioneers at the forefront of men’s choral music, ECMC captivates audiences with a diverse array of musical styles, embracing the full spectrum from pre-Renaissance to modern compositions, including adventurous commissions by both established and rising composers. In doing so, ECMC pushes boundaries and redefines masculinity, reflecting the diverse experiences of a true modern gentleman. Its membership represents the vibrant tapestry of New Yorkers, encompassing multiple racial and ethnic heritages, as well as a spectrum of gay, bisexual, straight, and transgender identities, creating a close-knit brotherhood that values musical excellence, fraternity, and social justice. United by the love of music and a shared commitment to positive change, ECMC champions a creative sanctuary where every voice is heard while celebrating the luminous power of song to make a lasting impact on New York City and beyond.

Albums

All Is Mere Breath

Release Date: December 8, 2023
Catalog Number: NV6587
21st Century
Vocal Music
Choir
Orchestra
"Havel havalim hakol hevel," — “Merest breath, all is mere breath.” In the throes of lockdown, Nicholas Weininger found himself reflecting on this Hebrew verse; what is the nature of our collective life sustained on if not breath and breath alone? It was a breath robbed and convoluted during the COVID-19 pandemic: the ravaged breath of the afflicted, the fear of coming too close to the breath of another. Our world seemed to pause and take a breath, busy city streets gone barren amid our collective anxieties. Debuted and recorded by the Empire City Men’s Chorus, ALL IS MERE BREATH asks us to question the nature of our changed society in the thought of mere breath alone, and offers us refuge in the breath of song, perhaps, now and then, the purest form of it.