From its beginnings as an informal social...

From its beginnings as an informal social singing group in 1979, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles has evolved into a distinguished ensemble that has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls in the United States.

But over the years, as the group became a mainstream success, the AIDS crisis took its toll; more than 50 members, including the group’s conductor, have died from the fatal disease since 1984.

As a way of dealing with the tragedy, the chorus began singing songs that spoke of their pain, performing at AIDS benefit concerts and at AIDS Masses. In July, they toured five Eastern European countries and, in addition to giving formal concerts, sang at an AIDS hospice in Vienna to draw attention to the facility.

On Saturday, the Gay Men’s Chorus will perform at Occidental College’s Herrick Chapel in a benefit concert to raise money for the All Saints AIDS Service Center in Pasadena. The center provides health information and services to San Gabriel Valley residents infected with HIV.

The program features a classical repertoire of choral pieces, a tribute to the late Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim’s “No One Is Alone” and a few songs written especially for the group.

“This is keeping ourselves in the forefront of trying to assist as artists in this AIDS crisis,” said the group’s artistic director, Jon Bailey, who is a music professor at Pomona College. “Part of our mission is to be out there in the community. We see that as an important aspect of what we’re all about.”

The program begins at 8 p.m. Tax-deductible tickets are $100, $50, or $25, depending on the amount the buyer chooses to give, and may be purchased from the AIDS Service Center at

(818) 796-5633.