Dr. Gerald Gurss directs the 18-member choir through many vibrant songs. All photos by Tryg Solberg

By Tryg Solberg - Boreal Community Media - October 13, 2025

The North Shore Music Association hosted the Borealis Ensemble, a group from the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, this past Saturday night at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Dr. Gerald Gurss directs the group, and they’re based out of Minneapolis. Dr. Gurss led some interactive games with the audience in between performances. His conducting and the choir’s music captivated the audience with their moving performance.

Even with only 18 members between the tenors and basses, they produced an impressively powerful sound that filled the church. They performed a wide variety of songs from an Estonian piece to Mary Poppins’ “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Slow and vibrant, fast songs alike held the attention of attendees who filled Bethlehem Lutheran’s pews. 

North Shore Music Association Executive Director Barbara Jean Meyers told Boreal Community Media that she was very pleased with the event and thankful to Bethlehem Lutheran for allowing them to use the space. The ticket sales cover a portion of the expenses to host the choir. Meyers also mentioned financial support from grants, members, and business sponsorship to make an event like this possible. 

This was their first time hosting the Borealis Ensemble, but Meyers noted that they are hoping that it is the start of more collaboration for future events in Grand Marais. Typically, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus performs at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Upcoming events include “Jingle Bells & Jazz Noels” on December 6th at Orchestra Hall and their 45th anniversary celebration concert on February 28th at The Fillmore.

Barbara Jean Meyers, the executive director of the North Shore Music Association, introduces the Borealis Ensemble.

The audience got an immersive experience when the choir surrounded the church and performed their final song, "May The Road Rise Up to Meet You."