About Us

The London Gay Symphony Orchestra was founded in May 1996 by a group of friends led by Robin Gordon-Powell, who was the Orchestra's first conductor. The Orchestra rapidly grew in size and in October 1996 gave its first performances as a full symphony orchestra at London's Drill Hall.

Like many gay and lesbian groups, the Orchestra was formed to give people the opportunity to do something they enjoyed in a friendly and supportive environment without the fear of encountering prejudice. The Orchestra has always been as much a social group as a musical one, and is one of only a handful of such orchestras in the world.

During the past ten years, the LGSO has taken part in a wide range of activities and events, including performances at various festivals in the UK; recordinging the score to the cult film Pervirella; and performing with Jimmy Somerville, Simon Callow and Rosalind Plowright.

We've also taken part in Queer Zagreb in 2004, played at various other Pride events in London, performed world premiers and specially-commissioned works, including Free, an anti-requiem composed by members of the Orchestra, and supported and raised several thousand pounds for numerous charieis, including Amnesty International, Action for Southern Africa, The Food Chain, Red Ribbon International, Pride Arts Festival, Crusaid, The Albert Kennedy Trust, Kairos in Soho and the International Community of Women living with HIV/AIDS.

The Orchestra's objectives include:

• providing a safe and supportive space for musicians of all sexualities
• playing to a high standard but still offering space for players of all abilities
• being adventurous and ambitious in our programming
• sharing our passion for orchestral music with audiences new and old, of all musical persuassions
• making a contribution to LGBT life in London and beyond.