Our story
Founded in 1994, Mélo'Men is an amateur men's chorus bringing together around fifty gay and gay-friendly singers in Paris. United by a shared passion for music and a strong sense of community, we blend artistic excellence with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Rooted in an ethos of social engagement, the choir regularly lends its voice to charity events and commemorative ceremonies.
A Repertoire Without Borders
Our musical universe sits between two worlds:
From Paris to the Global Stage
Over the seasons, our dedication to exceptional choral music has earned the recognition of audiences at home and abroad, taking us to legendary venues:
As a proud part of the European LGBT+ choral community, Mélo'Men has been a regular performer at the international Various Voices festival since 1997—traveling to Bologna, Munich, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Brussels. In 2005, we had the incredible privilege of hosting the entire festival right here in Paris.
A Repertoire Without Borders
Our musical universe sits between two worlds:
- Classical Masterpieces: Sacred and secular works, with a special focus on 19th and 20th-century composers.
- Contemporary & Pop: A vibrant selection of French and international pop, holiday classics, and gospel.
From Paris to the Global Stage
Over the seasons, our dedication to exceptional choral music has earned the recognition of audiences at home and abroad, taking us to legendary venues:
- In Paris: From iconic stages like l'Olympia, the City Hall, Bercy, and the Lido to intimate neighborhood settings.
- Around the World: Carnegie Hall (New York), Queen Elizabeth Hall (London), and the Tonhalle (Zürich).
As a proud part of the European LGBT+ choral community, Mélo'Men has been a regular performer at the international Various Voices festival since 1997—traveling to Bologna, Munich, Dublin, London, Berlin, and Brussels. In 2005, we had the incredible privilege of hosting the entire festival right here in Paris.
Our Musical Director: John Dawkins
After completing his studies at the University of Reading in the UK, John settled in Paris and has since dedicated a significant part of his career to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through his work with the men's choir Mélo'Men, the mixed choir Equivox, and, since its inception 22 years ago, the Rainbow Symphony Orchestra. John has worked with many renowned musicians over the years, including Laurence Equilbey, Jean-Claude Casadesus, Michel Legrand, and Annie Cordy, as well as the stage director Jérôme Savary. He has also performed in the presence of Princess Diana and Quincy Jones. John's career has led him to conduct in numerous prestigious concert halls around the world, including the Carnegie Hall (New York), the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Royal Academy of Music (London), the Tonhalle (Zurich), Grace Cathedral (San Francisco), the Opéra Comique, Salle Gaveau and the Lido (Paris), and the opera houses of Nîmes and Narbonne.
In addition, John currently works with the Jeune Chœur de Paris, the British School of Paris, and was recently appointed conductor of the orchestra at the Lycée Henri IV (Paris 5e).
In addition, John currently works with the Jeune Chœur de Paris, the British School of Paris, and was recently appointed conductor of the orchestra at the Lycée Henri IV (Paris 5e).
Support Mélo'Men: Our Mission & Funding
Mélo'Men is a registered non-profit organization (under the French Law of 1901) dedicated to the artistic and cultural development of its members. Through choral singing, our ensemble of amateur, gay, and gay-friendly male choristers actively promotes a diverse repertoire while fostering visibility for the LGBT+ community through lyric and musical culture.
To achieve our goals, our members dedicate themselves to weekly rehearsals and intensive monthly weekend workshops, maintaining an environment that is strictly non-political and respectful of everyone's personal beliefs.
How We Are Funded
While our singers, Board of Directors, and officers are 100% volunteers, bringing high-quality performances to life requires professional resources. Your support helps cover:
Make a Donation: Help Us Keep the Music Alive!
We believe that choral music plays an essential role for LGBTQ+ communities and music lovers alike.
We kindly invite you to support our journey. Every contribution matters: because we are a registered non-profit, your donations are tax-deductible within legal limits under French tax law.
You can safely and securely make a donation of any size directly via the HelloAsso platform:
👉 Make a secure donation on HelloAsso
Please feel free to share this appeal with your network. Thank you so much for your generosity and warm support!
To achieve our goals, our members dedicate themselves to weekly rehearsals and intensive monthly weekend workshops, maintaining an environment that is strictly non-political and respectful of everyone's personal beliefs.
How We Are Funded
While our singers, Board of Directors, and officers are 100% volunteers, bringing high-quality performances to life requires professional resources. Your support helps cover:
- Compensation for professional artists (our musical director, accompanists, and arrangers).
- Rental costs for rehearsal spaces in Paris and concert venues (including staging, equipment, and travel).
- General operating costs, social charges, and event promotion.
Make a Donation: Help Us Keep the Music Alive!
We believe that choral music plays an essential role for LGBTQ+ communities and music lovers alike.
We kindly invite you to support our journey. Every contribution matters: because we are a registered non-profit, your donations are tax-deductible within legal limits under French tax law.
You can safely and securely make a donation of any size directly via the HelloAsso platform:
👉 Make a secure donation on HelloAsso
Please feel free to share this appeal with your network. Thank you so much for your generosity and warm support!
