The London Gay Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1996 by a group of friends led by Robin Gordon-Powell, the Orchestra’s first conductor. The Orchestra rapidly grew in size and in October 1996 gave its first performances as a full symphony orchestra at London’s Drill Hall. Almost three decades later, we’re still a group of friends and now perform five concerts a year with exciting repertoire and push the boundaries for amateur orchestras across the country.
We strive to be one of the best amateur orchestras in the UK that nurture an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and actively participates in London’s wider circle. With an active membership of more than 100 people, the orchestra is as much a social group as a musical one; like many LGBTQ+ groups, the Orchestra was formed to give people the opportunity to do something they enjoy in a friendly and supportive environment without the fear of encountering prejudice.
The Orchestra’s objectives include:
Providing a safe and supportive space for musicians of all sexualities
Playing to a high standard, but still offering space for players of all abilities
Being adventurous and ambitious in our programming
Sharing our passion for orchestral music with audiences new and old
Making a contribution to LGBTQ+ life in London and beyond
Our Committee
Gary Clarke – Co-Chair and Orchestra Manager
Josh Sturges – Co-Chair
Derek Benton – Treasurer
Govind Kharbanda – Secretary
Helen Cook – Friends & Volunteer Manager
Louis Lister – Marketing & PR
Josh Mock – Social Secretary
Chris Dempsey-Doyle – Ordinary Member
The LGSO is a registered charity (Charity number: 1063981)
The LGSO is a very keen supporter of other charities; through playing at external events and in our concerts, where we offer one charity a platform to speak and take a retiring collection. In these ways we have supported numerous causes over the years, including Opening Doors London, The Food Chain, Red Ribbon International, Pride Arts Festival, Crusaid, The Albert Kennedy Trust, Kairos, East London Out Project, Galop, Meningitis Trust, Diversity Role Models and the Apollo Music Project to name but a few.
If you would like to support the LGSO as your chosen charity, please get in touch (this email will go to our wonderful co-chairs, Gary and Josh).