Chicago Gay Men's Chorus - About Us - CGMC Staff

Staff - Click Here to Contact Us

Arnie Cuarenta General Manager		Arnie was transferred to Chicago as a vice president for a major financial institution. Prior to joining the chorus as a singing member in 2001 he volunteered his time for the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, Connecticut and played Sister Mary Leo in their benefit production of Nunsense A-men. In 2002, Arnie was elected to CGMC’s board of directors bringing over 15 years of sales management and training experience to the leadership of the chorus. He served for two years, chairing the membership committee and assisting in drafting the job description for a part-time general manager for the chorus. When the general manager position became a full-time position, Arnie left his corporate position and the singing membership to manage the chorus’ day-to-day operations.



Patrick Sinozich Artistic Director		Patrick holds degrees in music from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music and from Northwestern University. He has also studied music, psychology and theology at Wayne State University, the University of Detroit Mercy and at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Patrick is a member of the musical staffs of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Grant Park Music Festival. He also operates a private vocal coaching studio and regularly appears in vocal and chamber music recitals throughout the US. An accomplished composer and arranger, Patrick writes and arranges much of the material used in CGMC productions. His arrangements have also been sung by choruses in New York, Washington DC, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Denver, Cleveland and Phoenix. The 2005-2006 season marks Patrick's ninth year as Artistic Director of CGMC.



Matthew Ellenwood Assistant Director		Matthew is a longtime musical director, voice teacher and performer in Chicago. Most recently he was the musical director and conductor for Dominican University's production of Big River. Matthew has served as a music director and conductor for Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, on several diverse productions including Always Patsy Cline and Rodgers and Hammerstein's State Fair. He was the vocal coach and keyboardist for the 1999 national tour of Schoolhouse Rock Live! and owns and operates a private voice studio on the north side of Chicago. Matthew received his bachelor of music degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his master’s degree in vocal performance from Northwestern University. This is his third season as assistant conductor and vocal coach for CGMC.



Margaret Nelson Lighting Designer		Margaret’s design projects and production management have taken her to every state in the U.S. She has acted as Lighting Designer for the Notre Dame Easter special broadcast on NBC and worked for three years as Production Manager on Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage. She is currently Lighting Designer/Artist in Residence at Columbia College’s Theater/Music Department. Margaret has worked closely with CGMC for four years.



Ron Wirth Audio Engineer		Ron has years of experience as an Audio Engineer, Live Recording Engineer, and Producer. Since the early 80’s, he has worked his magic in small jazz clubs, Orchestra Hall and outdoor festivals. He has served as house/Monitor Engineer for stars, such as Diane Schuur, the Benny Goodman Orchestra and Koko Taylor. Ron has assisted the chorus for four years.

Photo Gallery

Board of Directors

Become a Member!

GALA Choruses