A triumphant finale to 2025’s Classical Pride, as the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Oliver Zeffman celebrate LGBTQ+ voices in classical music with a vibrant programme.

American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton (​​’Opera’s nose-studded rock star’ – New York Times) joins the LSO for a new Classical Pride commission by US composer Jake Heggie, before continuing the Pride celebrations with one of the most seductive arias in all of opera - from Saint-Saëns’ sumptuous Samson et Dalila. The first half finishes with the iconic gay anthem Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. 

Persian-Canadiancountertenor Cameron Shahbazi sings George Benjamin’s Dream of the Song, praised for its ‘shimmering seduction and ominous aggression’ by the New York Times.

The concert begins with Saint-Saëns’ rambunctious Bacchanale and Jennifer Higdon’s luminous, meditative memorial to her brother, blue cathedral. To conclude, Tchaikovsky’s heart-rending and much-loved Swan Lake Suite will be played by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Saint-Saëns Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila‍

Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral‍

Jake Heggie Or am I in a rut? (world premiere)‍

Saint-Saëns Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix from Samson et Dalila‍

Harold Arlen Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz‍

George Benjamin Dream of the Song‍

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

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London Symphony Orchestra

Oliver Zeffman conductor‍

Jamie Barton mezzo-soprano‍

Cameron Shahbazi countertenor

Tenebrae

Oliver Zeffman’s Classical Pride series honours musicians “not only for their artistic brilliance but also for their queerness,” and now the celebrated event comes from London to the Hollywood Bowl. Bookended by the exuberant excess of Bernstein’s Candide overture and Tchaikovsky’s tragic and yearning ode to Dante’s Francesca—two composers who could not fully embrace their identity in their own time—the night is highlighted by a wide range of top musical talent in the LGBTQ+ community.  

Zeffman leads the LA Phil through the otherworldly and rich orchestral textures of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral. A trio of celebrated vocalists give the US premiere of a cycle of Pride Songs with music by Jake Heggie and lyrics by Taylor Mac, and after intermission, violinist and drag performance artist Thorgy Thor of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame takes the stage for her spirited blend of comedy and music.

Leonard Bernstein Overture to Candide‍

Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral‍

Jake Heggie Good Morning, Beauty (world premiere)

Thorgy Thor Drag Moment‍

Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Francesca da Rimini

Oliver Zeffman conductor

‍Pumeza Matshikiza soprano

‍Jamie Barton mezzo-soprano

‍Anthony Roth Costanzo countertenor

‍Thorgy Thor violin