I Have Songs You Haven’t Heard

On May 16, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant performance of “I Have Songs You Haven’t Heard” by composer Nolan Gasser, from the choral work Tyler’s Suite. The performance took place during their spring concert titled “Tyler’s Suite / I Love the 90’s”, held at the historic Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida—a venue known for its progressive stance and inclusive spirit.

Tyler’s Suite is a multi-movement choral composition created in memory of Tyler Clementi, a young gay man and talented violinist who died by suicide in 2010 after facing cyberbullying. The suite was commissioned by the Tyler Clementi Foundation to honor his life and to raise awareness about bullying, mental health, and LGBTQ+ youth. Each movement in the suite was composed by a different well-known composer, with “I Have Songs You Haven’t Heard” by Nolan Gasser offering a particularly poignant and introspective perspective, expressing the grief of a life and voice silenced too soon.

The solo in this piece was movingly performed by Jeremiah Cummings, whose heartfelt delivery gave voice to Tyler’s unspoken hopes and unrealized dreams. Cummings’ rich, expressive tone captured both the sorrow and the resilience embedded in the lyrics, inviting the audience to reflect deeply on the emotional weight of the message.

Adding further emotional texture to the performance was KaleyAnna Raabe on violin, whose playing echoed the musical talents Tyler himself was known for. Her instrument served almost as Tyler’s own voice—yearning, lyrical, and deeply human. Kevin Wu provided sensitive and skillful accompaniment on piano, giving the piece a strong musical foundation while enhancing its expressive nuance.

Presented as part of a concert that bridged Tyler’s Suite with a celebration of LGBTQ+ life and culture in the 1990s, this performance was a moment of solemnity and reflection amid an evening that also included joy and nostalgia. It underscored the chorus’s commitment to using music not only as entertainment but as advocacy and healing—a mission closely aligned with the values of their host venue.

The combination of vocal artistry, instrumental talent, and the depth of the composition made this performance one of the emotional highlights of the evening, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.