San Francisco — The first orchestral concert of its kind will take place this week in San Francisco.
It features nearly 80 musicians and each is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, from different parts of the country and the world.
Orchestral mixing looks like it’s practiced regularly but Monday was one of the first rehearsals.
“We have four days to put all this together, it’s a rigorous and intense schedule,” said Michael Roest, founder and director of the International Pride Orchestra.
Related: Here’s how to watch the 2023 San Francisco Pride Parade on ABC7
The International Pride Orchestra consists of musicians from the Bay Area along with many across the country and others who come from as far away as New Zealand and Peru.
Thursday, they have their first performance.
“This orchestra is coming together specifically to raise awareness and funds for the queer community and organizations doing really important work in support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Roest.
Proceeds from Thursday’s concert are set to benefit local LGBTQQ+ youth nonprofit LYRIC Center, a cause close to the musicians’ hearts.
“Being able to help these kids in some way is really important to me,” said Sean Kennedy, who plays the tuba band coming from Albuquerque to play in the orchestra.
He and the other musicians say it’s not just the reason they help that has been rewarding, but also the experience itself.
more: Social Group takes a ’90s-style comedy and turns it into an inclusive LGBTQ experience
“In this profession, you might think there are a lot more queer people, a lot more queer representation within orchestras, but there really isn’t,” Kennedy said.
“Just sitting down and working with these people is really very different because you don’t have to worry about how you hold yourself to the way you say things, how you represent yourself. Everyone really accepts you without reservation and it’s a little scary or a little scary because I’m not used to it. But it’s beautiful in same time.”
Flutist Troy Paolantonio came from Maryland to play in this orchestra.
He joined the Army when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was still in effect.
Today, he plays with the US Army Field Band and takes time away from them to play in the orchestra with the Army’s blessing.
“One of the best parts is that my entire chain of command unanimously signed off on me participating in this, and also a member of the uniformed service to represent us in the International Pride Orchestra,” he said.
After the first concert, Roest says they hope to hold more concerts in other cities.
more: SF’s Pink Triangle shines as a beacon of hope this Pride Month
But for now, the focus continues to be on making a difference locally.
“This is a really meaningful moment for a lot of people,” said Roest, “I know San Francisco is the perfect place to welcome all these people from all over the world.”
The first-ever Pride Orchestra International performance takes place at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
For more information click here.
If you are using the ABC7 News app, Click here to watch the live broadcast
[ad_2]
https://abc13.com/lgbtq-san-francisco-concert-international-pride-orchestra-lyric-center-for-lgbtqq-youth/13403900/
