Classical Pride
with ViiV Healthcare and GAY TIMES
Curated by conductor Oliver Zeffman, Classical Pride returns to the Barbican in an expanded 5-day festival showcasing the breadth and diversity of LGBTQ+ artists across classical music.
The 2023 edition of Classical Pride was the first time any major orchestra or concert hall in Europe had celebrated Pride. Building on last year’s success, Nick Grimshaw returns to host the finale concert with the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Oliver Zeffman.
The five-date series opens with Classical Drag live at Outernet, an exciting new concept where stars of the London drag scene including Snow White Trash, Vinegar Strokes and Barbs compete in front of a panel featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Monét X Change and Thorgy Thor, plus queer operatic tenor megastar Nicky Spence.
The Fourth Choir presents a world premiere performance of a new commission by Isobel Waller-Bridge; while the most exciting LGBTQ+ talent from the London music colleges is showcased in a series of deeply personal programmes.
Classical Pride is non-profit, and net proceeds are donated to three important LGBTQ+ charities, Rainbow Railroad, Terrence Higgins Trust and GAY TIMES' Amplifund.
Classical Pride is promoted by Ozero Arts, an arts production charity (registered charity no. 1155338) that undertakes ambitious artistic projects - conceiving, producing and raising money for bold ideas across live and recorded music.
Events
Classical Pride: My Beloved Man
My Beloved Man – a celebration by the Fourth Choir, London’s LGBTQ+ classical choir, of the love affair between Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears.
Classical Pride: Julius Eastman’s Gay Guerilla
Classical Pride presents Julius Eastman’s Gay Guerilla, a free performance in the Level G foyer with an ensemble put together by violist Stephen Upshaw.
Classical Pride: LSO with Oliver Zeffman & Nick Grimshaw
The culmination of 2024’s Classical Pride, the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Oliver Zeffman celebrate LGBTQ+ classical music in this diverse programme presented by Nick Grimshaw.
Classical Pride with ViiV Healthcare and GAY TIMES is also generously supported by R. Martin Chavez, Lincoln Benet, David Kaskel & Chris Teano and Lord Donoughue.
