The show will feature a number of audience favorites, including "The Awakening," "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" and "The Magic of Music." Helping the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus celebrate the occasion will be the group's sibling choirs, the Rainbow Women's Chorus and Voices for Diversity, which will join the chorus to perform the popular "Rainbow Bridge" by Ruth Huber. The piece was commissioned by the Rainbow Women's Chorus and the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus.

Although this auspicious anniversary concert is certainly a high note for the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus, it also marks the swan song for longtime artistic director Buddy Symes, who is leaving his post after nearly a decade to pursue other interests. Symes has been the group's artistic director since 1994, and in that time the chorus has tripled its size and built up a substantial and diverse repertoire. The concert will also pay tribute to Symes' leadership.

Audiences can catch some of Symes' handiwork in the diverse offerings featured on the chorus' latest CD, svgmc.org, which was recorded live. The album includes a variety of works, from old favorites (some of which will be featured in the "Freedom" concert) to original works and arrangements by the chorus' own composer in residence, Galt Johnson.

The Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus will perform "Freedom" July 18 and 19, 8 p.m. both nights, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 650.903.6000.