International Pride Orchestra Celebrates New York Pride Weekend

The orchestra will kick off New York Pride Weekend with a concert featuring drag performer and violinist Thorgy Thor and host Peaches Christ

Formed in 2022, the International Pride Orchestra (IPO) unites LGBTQ+ musicians worldwide and supports LGBTQ+ causes. Each year, a city is selected to host an IPO Pride Celebration Concert, cultivating new partnerships and building a global network of queer musicians. 

This year, the dynamic ensemble will make its East Coast debut with a Pride Celebration Concert at the Manhattan School of Music on June 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM. 

The concert will showcase classical music alongside comedy and drag performance, headlined by the celebrated New York drag performer and violinist Thorgy Thor, and hosted by Peaches Christ.

Comprising 80 musicians hailing from more than 32 states across the U.S. and abroad, the IPO consists of professional and community musicians, music educators, and members of queer ensembles coming together to celebrate community and raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes.

Named the “Queen of Classical Music,” Thorgy Thor is known for standout appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars. She leads her own “Thorchestra” and has collaborated with top ensembles including the Boston Symphony. 

Peaches Christ is a San Francisco-based drag performer, filmmaker, and self-described cult leader. Peaches has performed with major orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony and at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall. Previously, she hosted the IPO’s inaugural concert in San Francisco and is returning by popular demand. 

IPO’s founder and director Michael Roest will conduct the concert alongside Robert Moody, Music Director of the Memphis Symphony and Arizona MusicFest, and the recently named Equilibrium Young Artist Elinor Rufeizen. 

“We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music,” Roest said in the press release. “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.

“For this concert, IPO is proudly partnering with SAGE, an incredible organization that provides services and advocacy for LGBTQ+ elders,” he added. “During the performance, the NYC (dis)Order of Sisters will help collect donations, with all proceeds benefiting SAGE.”

Tickets to the concert can be found here. 

The concert will feature Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 4; Jacob Gade’s Tango Jalousie; Vivaldi’s Presto from Four Seasons; Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea Interludes; Mason Bates’ Mothership; and Leonard Bernstein’s Suite from Candide. 

This event concludes a weeklong festival, during which musicians will participate in daily rehearsals, community building, and social mixers in queer spaces throughout New York City. As part of their residency in NYC, IPO musicians will also perform a private chamber concert for the SAGE community.