Viiv Healthcare and Gay Times announces its 2024 edition, now a five-day festival
Following the huge success of its inaugural year, Classical Pride has grown in size and is thrilled to announce this five-day festival of major events taking place from 3-7 July. Kicking off with a world-first, Classical Drag on Wednesday 3 July that will take over Outernet in the heart of Soho and showcase some of the biggest names in drag and classical music. This curated “drag battle” will star UK talents such as Barbs, Snow White Trash, Vinegar Strokes, Freddie Love and Beau Jangles with celebrity judges and special performances from Ru Paul’s Drag Race alumni Monét X Change and Thorgy Thor. Expect lip-sync battles featuring big opera numbers from operas including La bohème and Tosca, a Philip Glass tribute, as well as an exciting interval act featuring rising stars of the capital’s raucous queer performance scene.
Classical Pride’s season also includes a choral concert featuring the world premiere of a new work by Isobel Waller-Bridge, a showcase of the top LGBTQ+ musicians from the London music colleges, a performance of Julian Eastman’s Gay Guerilla.
Finally on Sunday 7 July the London Symphony Orchestra with Oliver Zeffman, Nick Grimshaw and a lineup of star soloists including; Pavel Kolesnikov, Pumeza Matshikiza and Russell Thomas, alongside an LGBTQ+ Community Choir will present a diverse programme of LGBTQ+ composers at the Barbican including a world premiere of brand new work by Jake Heggie featuring soprano Pumeza Matshikiza, with a text by Taylor Mac.
Oliver Zeffman said: “At the inaugural Classical Pride concert last year, I was incredibly moved by the warm reception from the industry and audience alike. Now we‘re back with an expanded edition, celebrating the significant contribution the LGBTQ+ community makes – and has always made – to classical music. This year we’re showcasing both world-famous and emerging LGBTQ+ musicians, commissioning a diverse group of composers and broadening the range of styles and ensembles on offer. I’m particularly excited to be conducting the LSO, as well as making my first appearance in a drag show!”
Festival events
- Classical Drag Wednesday 3 July, 19:00 TBC - Outernet
- My Beloved Man Friday 5 July | 19:30 - Barbican Centre
- A Proud Future Saturday 6 July - St Giles, Cripplegate
- Julius Eastman’s Gay Guerilla Sunday 7 July - 17:30 - Barbican Centre
- London Symphony Orchestra with Oliver Zeffman & Nick Grimshaw Sunday 7 July - 19:00 Barbican Hall
TICKETS ON SALE 15 MARCH
Further Information see website: Classical Pride 2024