After 27 years of leading Broadway Inspirational Voices(BIV), the Tony Award-winning non-profit choir, Founder and Artistic Director Michael McElroy will step down from his role effective June 30, 2021.Composer/lyricist, producer Allen René Louis, currently the Associate Artistic Director and a talented member of the BIV music team and choir, will takeover the role.
“For twenty-seven years, Broadway Inspirational Voices has been my heart,” said McElroy. “I do not look at this moment as an ending but a time for new beginnings. I am excited for what the future holds, and I am so thrilled to be leaving BIV in the exceptional hands of my friend Allen. When he joined BIV three years ago, I immediately recognized his talent and drive and have been preparing him to take the artistic reins.”
McElroy established BIV in 1994 in response to the AIDS epidemic as Broadway grappled with the loss of an entire generation of artists. The Tony and Grammy Award-nominated actor and composer envisioned an organization where a diverse array of professional performers would come together and volunteer their talents to provide comfort, joy, and the promise of a better day. As a result, the Broadway Gospel Choir was born. The magical synergy of authentic Gospel, Soul and Broadway bravura was re-imagined as the Broadway Inspirational Voices in 1999, and the choir, a diverse ensemble made up of actors and musicians from Broadway and Off Broadway shows, has been the theatre community’s center of support and celebration ever since.
It was also announced today that, as a major component of the transition plan, BIV has launched The Founder’s Circle Fundraising Campaign to celebrate McElroy’s legacy. With a fundraising goal of $300,000 by the end of June, The Founder’s Circle is an opportunity for diversity, inclusivity and community service-minded individuals, philanthropists, and members of the public and private sectors to support BIV’s mission and invest in its future and expansion. For more information about Broadway Inspirational Voices and to donate to The Founder's Circle, visit http://www.broadwayinspirationalvoices.org/.
Photo: Getty