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The SFGMC Holiday Spectacular is a remedy for the winter blues, designed to infuse the season with 'dazzle, shine, and glitter.' By blending holiday classics with pop anthems from icons like Elton John and Lady Gaga, Stensberg aims to create a transformative experience for the 20,000 attendees. His hope is that audiences leave not just entertained, but inspired to treat others with kindness and find moments of joy and self-care in their daily lives.

https://www.kron4.com/video/san-francisco-gay-mens-chorus-holiday-concert/11327841/

Jake Stensberg appeared on CBS News to share how the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is “turning up the heat this winter” with 300 singers. He describes bringing “more light, more brilliance, more shine” through music from Lady Gaga, Elton John, Cher, and “White Christmas” with their own flair. Audiences can expect kick lines, boas, costumes, dancers, and lights that highlight Bay Area creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. Jake says performing feels like “singing around the piano with your family,” where every person plays a critical role, and he hopes audiences leave the concert “transformed.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/the-san-francisco-gay-mens-chorus-is-back-with-its-2025-holiday-spectacular/

Under Jacob Stensberg’s direction, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is bringing its Pride Concert to Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center for the first time, building on years of sold out holiday performances. The program celebrates and uplifts trans and nonbinary communities with pop songs about resilience, identity, and belonging, including music by Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter. Jacob also reflects on the chorus’s roots in Holly Near’s “Singing for Our Lives” and its ongoing commitment to equality.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/06/04/san-francisco-gay-mens-chorus-brings-its-pride-concert-to-green-music-center-for-the-first-time/

The Chorus lost its long-time NEA grant. In the interview, Jacob Stensberg said the decision brings “rage, anger, like someone is trying to minimize you, tell you your stories don't matter.” He continues to guide the Chorus as it prepares for its Pride concert and works to support its education programs.

https://www.ktvu.com/news/sf-gay-mens-chorus-sfjazz-reeling-after-sudden-trump-administration-grant-cuts

Since becoming artistic director in 2022, he has led the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus with a focus on artistic growth, community connection, and meaningful performance. The Chorus is known for its holiday concerts, collaborations with the San Francisco Symphony, and national anthem appearances at major sporting events. His recognition by the San Francisco Business Times highlights his commitment to musical excellence and to strengthening and celebrating the LGBTQ arts community in the Bay Area.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2024/06/06/business-of-pride-jake-stensberg.html

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus selected Jacob Stensberg as its new artistic director after a national search. He brings experience leading choirs at Purdue University and a commitment to new music and emerging composers. His appointment reflects the Chorus’s ongoing work to expand access and welcome all singers who perform in the tenor and bass range.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/s-f-gay-men-s-chorus-names-new-artistic-director-21186387.php