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Classical Pride: Voices of Joy & Sorrow

in partnership with Gilead Sciences

,Hall
Classical Pride orchestra on stage

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. 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. 

 

Tagged with: Classical music Young Barbican Classical Pride 2025: Voices of Pride

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

Classical Pride is not-for-profit. Net proceeds from concerts at the Barbican will be 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.

Programme

  • Camille Saint-Saëns   Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila
  • Jennifer Higdon   blue cathedral
  • Jake Heggie   New Work (world premiere)
  • Camille 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

Performers

  • London Symphony Orchestra  
  • Oliver Zeffman   conductor
  • Jamie Barton   mezzo-soprano
  • Cameron Shahbazi   countertenor
  • Tenebrae  
  • Jonny Woo   host

Digital programme

The words Classical Pride in black text, with a purple full stop and a multicoloured swirl encasing the left side of the words.
Logo for London Symphony Orchestra
The letters GT in white, against a black background.
Gilead Sciences logo
BMW logo
artotel logo

Classical Pride is generously supported by R. Martin Chavez

Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.