The Turtle Creek Chorale, one of the best-known (and the most classical music-oriented) gay men's choruses in the United States, has settled on three finalists in its search for a new artistic director.

The candidates are:

• James K. Bass, Director of Choral Activities at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and a member of the Miami-based professional vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire.
• Jonathan Palant, a DMA candidate in Choral Conducting at Michigan State University in East Lansing and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Choral Music at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.
• Randi Von Ellefson, Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma City University, Artistic Director of Canterbury Choral Society in Oklahoma, and Associate Conductor-in-Residence for MidAmerica Productions in New York City.

Each of the three finalists will have final interviews with the TCC board and conduct a rehearsal of the full 200-member Chorale this month. The organization expects to announce a final choice by April 1.

Timothy Seelig, the Chorale's current artistic director, retires on July 31 of this year.