Classical Pride: Voices of Joy & Sorrow

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.

Classical Pride, now in its third year, exists to spotlight queer composers of the past, present and future, giving a voice and a platform to this community that has been instrumental in the development of the genre.

American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton (’Opera’s nose-studded rock star’ – New York Times) joins the LSO and Zeffman for a new Classical Pride commission by US composer Jake Heggie, as well as the iconic gay anthem Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. The fast-rising countertenor Cameron Shahbazi sings George Benjamin’s Dream of the Song, praised for its ‘shimmering seduction and ominous aggression’ by the New York Times. Jennifer Higdon’s luminous, meditative memorial to her brother, blue cathedral, is preceded by Saint-Saëns’ rambunctious Bacchanale, and the evening finishes with Tchaikovsky’s heart-rending and much-loved Swan Lake Suite.

Classical Pride: Voices of Pride runs from 27 June – 10 July in multiple venues across London and LA. Discover the full programme.  

Classical Pride is generously supported by R. Martin Chavez.