Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the orchestra been going?
The Orchestra was founded in May 1996.
It was the first LGBT orchestra in the UK, and is one of only a handful of such orchestras in the world.
What sort of things has the orchestra done?
Over the years, we have taken part in a wide range of activities and events, including performances at various festivals in the UK; recording the score to the cult film Pervirella; and performing with Jimmy Somerville, Simon Callow and Rosalind Plowright.
Additionally, we have:
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participated in the Queer Zagreb festival in Croatia in April 2004
played at various Pride events including opening on the main stage in Trafalgar Square -
performed World premieres and specially-commissioned works, including Free, an 'anti-requiem' composed by members of the Orchestra
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succeeded in attracting a significant number of 'Classical virgin' concert-goers!
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through audience collections, supported and raised several thousand pounds for numerous charities, including Amnesty International; London lesbian & Gay Switchboard; Action for Southern Africa; The Food Chain; Red Ribbon International; Pride Arts Festival; Crusaid; The Albert Kennedy Trust; St. Christopher's Hospice; Kairos in Soho, and the International Community of Women living with HIV/AIDS
What is the orchestra for?
The Orchestra's objectives include:
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providing a safe and supportive space for musicians of all sexualities
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playing to a high standard but still offering a space for players of all abilities
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being adventurous and ambitious in our programming and planning
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sharing our passion for orchestral music with audiences new and old, of all musical persuasions
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making a contribution to LGBT life in London and beyond
Do you have to be 'L', 'G', 'B' or 'T' to play in the orchestra?
No. We welcome everyone. We are straight-friendly, and do have some straight members. The Orchestra, like many gay and lesbian groups, was formed to give people the opportunity to do something they enjoy in a friendly and supportive environment without the fear of encountering prejudice. For that reason, it attracts players from all backgrounds and of all sexualities.
Does the orchestra have an equal opportunities policy?
Yes. We recognise that the LGBT community is discriminated against by society at large and as an organisation aim to address this discrimination.
Equal Opportunities Policy
Is the LGSO an amateur orchestra?
Yes. LGSO comprises professional musicians and enthusiastic amateurs alike, whose musical experience varies considerably, but we are an amateur organisation.
What sort of music does the orchestra play?
We play a wide range of music, from the baroque to the contemporary.
Our 2007/8 programme includes:
Britten - Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
Finzi - Clarinet Concerto op. 31
Bax - Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor
Enescu - Rumanian Rhapsody in A major
Wonderland (world premiere) - Andrew Brinded
Copland - Appalachian Spring
Gershwin - Cuban Overture
Debussy - 3 Nocturnes
Poulenc - Flute Sonata
Ravel - Rhapsody Espagnole
Ravel - Bolero
Verdi - Requiem
Where can I see the orchestra perform?
We play 4 concerts year in London, plus some additional events, such as Pride.
Our usual concert home is St. John's Church, Waterloo in London, but from time to time we perform at other London venues. We've played at St. John's, Smith Square and at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, for example.
We've also performed concerts in Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester and Croatia. There are plans in progress for us to play in Paris in December 2008 with the Rainbow Symphony Orchestra.
Find out details of our next concert.
How can I buy tickets?
You can order tickets online to most of our concerts or buy tickets on the door. Sometimes arrangements vary so please check how to buy tickets for each concert.
How is the orchestra run?
LGSO is a registered charity and is run on behalf of its members by a voluntary management organising committee. Our costs are met by:
• members' subscription • sponsorship • concert ticket sales • donations
The Orchestra has its patrons: Clare Summerskill, Amy Lamé, Sandi Toksvig,
Rt. Hon. Lord Smith of Finsbury and Paul Gambaccini.
Who can I contact about interviews or picture requests?
Please leave a message on our Info Line 07963 853099 or contact us at press@lgso.org.uk
My publication/organisation would like to receive news of future LGSO events.
Terrific. Please leave a message on our Info Line 07963 853099. You can also email our press office.
I am interested in joining the orchestra, what should I do?
If you are interested in playing in the Orchestra, please drop us a line, briefly outlining your experience.
If you are interested in volunteering, sponsoring/advertising, joining our Friends programme or making a donation, please Contact us.
Do I have to audition?
The Orchestra does not operate an audition policy: the standard is self-regulating, which has worked well for us. If you would like to talk to a section leader before coming along to a rehearsal, please send us an email or leave a message on our Info Line: 07963 0853099.
So will I automatically be able to join?
As we run to a tight performance schedule, you may be asked to wait until the end of a particular rehearsal/concert period to play for the first time. It is also important to note that in some sections, there may be a waiting list. We try to accommodate all those interested in making a genuine commitment, and encourage section leaders to keep in contact and communicate with those who are waiting to play.
Wind players might also like to consider joining our sister organisation The London Gay Symphonic Wind. Playing everything from the cheesy classics to marching band romps, the group has played a number of community gigs including Lewisham People's Day (2006), London Zoo's Gay Sunday event (2006 and 2007), London Pride Rally, Trafalgar Square (2005 and 2006) and the House of Homosexual Culture Christmas Fayre (2006 and 2007).
Email for more details about joining the LGSW
Is there an age limit for joining the orchestra?
No, although most of our players are over 18.
How often does the orchestra rehearse?
Rehearsals start around 6 weeks before a concert. We rehearse on Sundays in central London. Many of the rehearsals are held 6-9pm, plus there is usually one additional sectional rehearsal of two to three hours during that six week period.
How much does it cost? Is there a subscription payable?
The Orchestra is partly funded through player subscriptions.
Members pay a subscription of £30 per concert.
There are concessionary rates for the unwaged and people on low incomes.
New members are not expected to pay for their first concert.
Can I hire the orchestra?
Yes. The Orchestra and smaller ensembles made up of our members may be hired for events, parties and Civil Partnerships etc. Please contact us to talk through your event, and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Does the orhcestra perform works by emerging composers?
Yes. We have played a small number of works, including World premieres, by young or emerging composers. We have a regular competition for young composers. For more details, please contact us via the website.
Does the orchestra perform with soloists or other groups?
Yes. We have performed with Jimmy Somerville, Simon Callow and Rosalind Plowright. We have also joined forces on occasion with The Pink Singers. We plan to perform with the Rainbow Symphony Orchestra in Paris in December 2008
Can the orchestra provide music tuition?
We do not offer tuition, but some of our members are music teachers, and might have vacancies. If you would like to be put in touch with a teacher of your instrument, please drop us a line via the Contact Us page of the websie. Please note that any arrangement you make with a member of the Orchestra is strictly between you and them.
How can I get in touch with the orchestra?
See the Contact Us page of our website; email us directly; or leave a message on our Info Line 07963 853099.
How can I support the orchestra?
That's great, thank you! We'd love to hear from you.
You can support the Orchestra in many ways, including:
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Coming along to our concerts
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Volunteering to help out behind the scenes (e.g. stage management, administration, concert stewarding, PR, fundraising etc)
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Advertising in our concert programmes or on our website
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Sponsoring a concert, a player, a section or a piece of music
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Joining our Friends programme
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Making a cash donation
In their own words: thoughts from Orchestra members
"I love playing good music in non-stressful surroundings, and getting to
indulge my love of orchestral music in a queer environment."
"When I joined the Orchestra, I was relatively new to London and didn't
know many people or feel like I had a real social network. LGSO gave me
a sense of community and was a wonderful place to meet new people."
"I love the way it runs: involving so many people within the Orchestra.
Other orchestras I've played with have often been run by just one or two
people and it doesn't really feel like your Orchestra - more like theirs. I
think that's one reason people like playing with the group, because they
know that they have some ownership."
"Our concerts are something my parents and family can come to."
"For many young gay people like myself, your social life is not something
that your family can easily be a part of. But the Orchestra is one way of
doing just that. My family come along to concerts, and I think they're glad
to see that there's more to gay life in London than clubs and bars."