Forte - Toronto Gay Men's Chorus: In Our Nature

There is something undeniably magical about the Winter Garden Theatre. Tucked seven stories above the bustling Yonge and Queen intersection, its ceiling—adorned with real dried beech leaves and hand-painted murals—feels like a secret garden suspended in the heart of Toronto. When you pair that atmosphere with the resonant, soaring harmonies of Forte—Toronto Gay Men's Chorus, you get more than a concert; you get a transformative experience. Their upcoming Pride showcase, *In Our Nature*, promises to be the crown jewel of the city's musical calendar this June.

The Sound of Pride Forte has spent years cementing its reputation as one of Canada’s premier lower-voice ensembles, but they aren’t your grandfather’s choir. While their technical proficiency is undeniable, their true power lies in their ability to bridge the gap between high-art choral arrangements and the pop anthems that define the queer experience. Under the direction of their artistic leadership, the chorus brings a raw, lived-in vulnerability to the stage. Whether they are tackling a complex contemporary piece or a reimagined pop classic, the performance is always anchored by the collective identity of their members—a diverse group of singers drawn from Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community who treat every note as an act of advocacy.

A Night of High-Low Culture Adding a layer of undeniable sparkle to the evening is the host, Miss Moço. A fixture in the Canadian drag scene and a fan favourite from *Canada’s Drag Race*, Miss Moço brings a sharp wit and a commanding stage presence that perfectly complements the chorus’s musicality. Expect the evening to balance moments of profound, goosebump-inducing choral beauty with the kind of campy, irreverent humour that makes a Toronto Pride event feel like home. It is this juxtaposition—the refined acoustics of the Winter Garden and the unapologetic, vibrant energy of a drag icon—that makes *In Our Nature* a must-see.

The Venue: A Toronto Treasure If you haven’t spent an evening at the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, you are missing out on a piece of Toronto’s architectural soul. Built in 1913, the Winter Garden is the last operating double-decker theatre in the world. The atmosphere is intimate, lush, and slightly surreal, making it the perfect setting for a program themed around 'nature' and 'identity.' The acoustics are warm and enveloping, allowing the chorus to fill the room without the need for over-amplification, ensuring that every lyric lands with intention.

Getting There & Making a Night of It The theatre is located at 189 Yonge Street, just a short walk from Dundas Station. Since the show kicks off at 11:30 PM, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the late-night energy of the downtown core beforehand.

If you’re looking for a pre-show bite or a stiff drink, steer clear of the tourist traps right at Yonge-Dundas Square. Instead, head a few blocks west to the vibrant bars and restaurants near Queen and Bay or the hidden gems tucked into the nearby Financial District. For a sophisticated cocktail, check out the nearby bars on Temperance Street, or grab a late-night snack in the bustling restaurants that line Queen Street West. Given the late start time, public transit is your best bet—the TTC runs frequently, and the theatre is steps away from the subway line, ensuring you can get home safely after the final note fades.