The International Pride Orchestra (IPO), founded in 2022, will kick off New York Pride Weekend, which will bring together LGBTQ+ musicians worldwide and promote LGBTQ+ causes.
The Pride Celebration Concert will be held at the Manhattan School of Music on Thursday, June 27, at 7:30 pm.
"Dressed to express" in everything from full military uniforms to couture drag, this unique orchestra of 80 musicians comes from more than 32 states in the United States and several foreign countries. Together, these community and professional musicians, music educators, and LGBTQ+ ensemble members will celebrate the community while raising funds for LGBTQ+ causes.
IPO founder and director Michael Roest said: "We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music. We want to show the world who we are, celebrate our queer identities, and amplify the work of organizations doing important work for the LGBTQ+ community."
Roest continued that for the concert, IPO proudly partners with SAGE, an incredible organization providing services and advocacy for LGBTQ+ elders. The NYC (dis)Order of Sisters will help collect donations, with all revenues supporting SAGE during the event.
Drag artist Thorgy Thor will join the orchestra in supporting SAGE.
Thor, known as the "Queen of Classical Music," is popular for her memorable performances on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 and All Stars Season 3.
She led her own "Thorchestra" and worked with prestigious orchestras like the Boston Symphony. Her violin soloist appearance with the IPO promises to be an exciting blend of camp and classical music.
The concert will be hosted by a drag performer, filmmaker, and self-described cult leader, Peaches Christ. Known for being the drag mother of Bob the Drag Queen and Jinkx Monsoon, Christ has performed at famous locations like London's Royal Albert Hall and with major orchestras like the San Francisco Symphony. Due to popular demand, she is hosting the IPO again after hosting the inaugural concert in San Francisco.
Tickets to this historic movement will be available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ipo-pride-celebration-concert-tickets-908538000617.
