Religious Music

I've been an opera singer for many years, but this year is really upsetting. I have found that many of the organizations in my area (Chicago) have loaded their programs with religious music. I being an Atheist object to singing this material. First of all, these organizations are world class and they should be open to everybody. However, I was told that the organizations do a lot of religious music because it is in the repertior of symphonies and choruses around the world. Well I disagree with that position. These are arts organizations and should expose the general population to many points of view.

In my case I won't be singing for these organizations because of the religious music. Why should I be excluded from working for these organizations based on religious beliefs? This is Chicago. It's a pretty progressive city. These organizations (Grant Park Symphony Chorus, and Chicago Symphony Chorus) shouldn't be allowed to represent the city when they are advocating religious beliefs. In question are the masses and the requiems that many famous composers have written. Well that brings me to my next problem...

Many of the masses and requiems come directly from the Catholic tradition. I am a homosexual male and I refuse to support anything of a Catholic nature. You would think that there are many homosexuals in these choruses. Why aren't they speaking up? Are they afraid that they will lose their jobs? Chicago is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country, the city would have their back. Or are they afraid of the Catholic church with their pedophiles?

I truly imagine the problem actually lies with the guest conductors. They are invited to conduct these organizations and then the organizations ask the conductors what they would like to do rather than say...here are your options. The conductors want to pad their resumes and say they've conducted these wonderful pieces without giving any thought to their performers. They just want to put their stink on the piece. Repulsive!