The London Symphony Orchestra returns to Classical Pride under the baton of festival founder Oliver Zeffman in a kaleidoscopic programme of 20th-century music by LGBTQ+ composers.

Now in its fourth year, Classical Pride is a celebration of the huge contribution of LGBTQ+ composers and performers to classical music.The concert opens with the jubilant Agnegram by Michael Tilson Thomas – the LSO’s former Principal Conductor, followed by the UK premiere of the melodic Cello Concerto No. 2 by Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans – a pioneering voice who survived the Nazis while composing in secret – with celebrated soloist Laura van der Heijden.

Barber’s Adagio for Strings, heard in iconic cinematic moments such as Platoon and adopted as a global anthem of mourning opens the second half, followed by his nostalgic Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the powerhouse tenor Freddie Ballentine. Boléro by Ravel concludes, in which an infectious melody is repeated against the beat of a snare drum, finally reaching an orgiastic climax.

Pre-concert performance:Any ticket purchase to this event will grant free entry to the pre-concert performance in the Concert Hall, 5.30pm-6.15pm:

Classical Pride: City Music Foundation Artists in Recital

Classical Pride runs from 10 June – 14 June in multiple venues across London. Discover the full programme www.classicalpride.uk

Classical Pride is not-for-profit. Net proceeds from concerts at the Barbican will be donated to Rainbow Railroad.

Programme

Michael Tilson Thomas Agnegram
Henriëtte Bosmans Cello Concerto No 2
Barber Adagio for Strings
Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915
Ravel Boléro

Performers

London Symphony Orchestra
Oliver Zeffman conductor
Freddie Ballentine tenor
Laura van der Heijden cello