This December, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir (often fondly called Utah’s “OTHER Choir”) will present its annual holiday concert with a bittersweet twist: it’s the last Christmas show under the direction of Dennis McCracken, who is stepping down after 20 years at the helm. For many in Salt Lake City’s LGBTQ+ and arts communities, McCracken has been more than a conductor — he’s been a mentor, a unifying force, and a steady musical presence. I spoke with him about his final holiday season leading the choir, his legacy, and what comes next.
When asked about this year’s concert theme, McCracken smiles and leans back in his chair.
“I was looking for music, and I stumbled upon Patti LuPone doing a number in her show, ‘Songs from a Hat’ at a dinner club called 54 Below in New York City, called ‘Santa Lost a Ho,” he said. “And so we found the music, and we made it our title song and called the concert ‘Merry Ho?”
““I try and find a piece of music to use as a title. Then I start listening to music and looking through our library. I try to pick equal amounts of sacred Christmas music and secular music so no one gets offended,” he said. “The concert is a blend of sacred, secular music, some familiar and something new. Hopefully, there is music that will delight everyone.”
That balance, he says, is always central to his programming philosophy. He describes his process for choosing songs as both deliberate and deeply musical.
Among his favorites for this concert are Dan Forrest’s arrangement of O Little Town of Bethlehem and John Rutter’s I Wish You Christmas. For him, these pieces capture the concert’s emotional arc — reverent, joyful, and gently surprising.
Two decades of building a choral family
McCracken’s departure marks the end of an era for the Salt Lake Men’s Choir, and he reflects on what first drew him to the group 20 years ago.
“I was looking for a place to use my talents. I really loved what the choir stood for as far as a mission statement,” he remembers.
Among the many memorable performances during his tenure, two stand out for him: singing at Ben McAdams’s Salt Lake County Mayoral inauguration, and what he affectionately calls “The ABBA Concert.” These moments, he says, truly “captured the spirit” of the choir — bringing civic engagement, joy, and the unexpected to the stage.
Since he first stood on the podium, McCracken has observed real growth.
“We have slowly increased the musical ability of the choir to tackle more difficult music. Each year we build on the last year,” he said.
But it’s not just about technical progress. He’s also witnessed a cultural shift.
“I also think we are more accepted now than when I started directing. We have lots of allies who are fans of the choir and come to each concert,” he said.
That said, he admits there were still moments that surprised him — some, painful ones.
“I am still surprised when we get negative reactions to us being a ‘gay’ choir. I remember being asked to sing with a local symphony one summer. The powers-that-be did not realize who we were until we showed up to rehearsal just before the concert. Some of them were not pleased. We sang very well, but I knew we would never be asked back.”
McCracken pauses when asked what the choir uniquely contributes to Utah’s arts scene and to LGBTQ+ visibility.
“I feel we fill a spot in the arts scene that is unique to us. We are made up of gay men, allies, and we have had some trans folks singing with us. We have never hidden who we are and stand proud of our organization,” he said.
He smiles, remembering the chaos of weekly rehearsals.
“It is like herding cats all the time! I deal with 90 different, unique personalities every week. I always try to bring some form of laughter to each rehearsal. I have singers who are shy and some who are outgoing. Trying to keep the balance is sometimes a big task,” he laughs.
One of his guiding philosophies, he says, is simple but profound.
“I always talk about the fact that we are a family first. This is a place where everyone is safe and we take care of each other,” he said. “That is so important, especially in today’s world.”
It’s a lesson he hopes the next director carries forward.
Stepping Down — but Not Away
When I ask what he’ll miss most, McCracken’s voice quiets.
“I am going to miss teaching music. But, I am not going away.”
He smiles, reassurance in his tone.
“I will still be there on Thursday nights to help wherever I am needed, and I hope to do some community building. This choir is my chosen family, and I still want to be a part of it.”
As for his hopes for how he’ll be remembered?
“First, that I loved them and loved my time being the artistic director,” he started.”Second, I did the best I could to make them successful and wonderful. I am excited to see what a new director brings to the choir and what direction he takes them.”
This year’s Christmas concert — full of sacred carols, secular tunes, whimsy, and warmth — will be more than a seasonal performance. It will be a celebration of community, resilience, and the lasting family that McCracken helped build. As the choir sings the last Christmas concert under his baton one last time, audience and singers alike will share in the joy of tradition — and the hope for whatever harmony lies ahead.
