The International Pride Orchestra, which brings together LGBTQ+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes, will present its first-ever performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on June 22. The orchestra will consist of a diverse mix of professional and community musicians, music educators, and members of queer music groups throughout the U.S. and abroad. IPO founder and director Michael Roest said, “What is unique about this orchestra is its philanthropic mission to raise funds and awareness for vital programs serving the LGBTQ+ community. This year, we are pleased to raise funds to support LYRIC,” an LGBTQ+ youth center in the U.S. The June 22 performance will include drag artist Peaches Christ and soprano and SFCM alum Breanna Sinclairé, and will feature the world premiere of Jimmy López Bellido’s “Loud,” which was commissioned by the IPO, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and Seattle Youth Symphony. In addition to Roest, the concert will be led by Robert Moody and Christine Brandes. Also on the program are works by Leonard Bernstein, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Mary D. Watkins.
