Meditation

On May 16, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay presented a deeply moving performance of “Meditation” from Tyler’s Suite by John Corigliano as part of their spring concert, “Tyler’s Suite/I Love the 90’s”, held at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. The concert seamlessly wove together themes of remembrance, resilience, and joy, and “Meditation” stood as one of its most profound emotional moments.

Performed by the full chorus, the piece featured guest violinist KaleyAnna Raabe and pianist Kevin Wu. Raabe’s violin soared with aching lyricism, evoking a sense of longing and introspection, while Wu’s piano offered a gentle, grounding presence. Together with the chorus’s rich harmonies, the trio crafted a sonic landscape that captured the heartbreak and hope embodied in Tyler Clementi’s story.

Tyler’s Suite is a nine-movement choral work created by a team of acclaimed composers in memory of Clementi, a gay college student whose suicide in 2010 sparked a national conversation about bullying, mental health, and LGBTQ+ youth. Corigliano’s “Meditation” serves as the emotional core of the suite—a moment of stillness, reflection, and communal mourning.

Presented in a church known for its progressive values and welcoming spirit, the performance was not only musically stunning but also a powerful act of remembrance and advocacy. It honored Tyler’s legacy while fostering empathy and awareness within the audience.

The concert’s second half, filled with vibrant hits from the 1990s, created a joyful counterbalance to the solemnity of Tyler’s Suite, affirming life, love, and the enduring power of community.