The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (BARS), a newly-formed LGBT orchestra, began rehearsals on Wednesday, March 5 in
San Francisco. These rehearsals will be in preparation for a concert on June 8 as part of the Old First Church Concerts series. The BARS has been formed by current and former members of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band.
The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony is an orchestra that provides a safe and supportive environment for musicians of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The orchestra makes cultural, social, and educational contributions to the San Francisco Bay Area by performing ambitious repertoire to a high standard. The orchestra is one of only four LGBT orchestras in the country, joining the ranks of fellow orchestras in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
Repertoire for the June 8 concert will include the Andante from the Concerto for Flute and Harp (K.299) by W.A. Mozart, featuring renowned soloist Karen Thielen on harp and Victor Villareal on flute. Also on the program are the Severnside March by David Barton; the Italian Overture by Franz Schubert; Fanfare by Jean-Joseph Mouret; the Rondo from Abdelazar Suite by Henry Purcell; Pizzicati by Leo Delibes; and the March and Cortege, also by Delibes. Rounding out this varied program will be a premiere performance of the Rainbow Fantasy composed by Jay Pierson.
At the podium
for this concert is guest conductor Jay Pierson. Pierson (MM, DMA Eastman School of Music) has enjoyed a career as a teacher, singer, conductor, composer, pianist, and harpist for nearly three decades. Pierson is an active and published composer, having over one hundred pieces to his credit. Presently, he is Director of Music at Old First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, teaches privately, and is a faculty member at Santa Clara University.
The orchestra is delighted that this concert is part of the Old First Concerts series. One of the Bay Area's most active independent concert series, Old First Concerts has been presenting performances of chamber and recital repertoire on a year-round basis since 1970. Artists are attracted by the excellent acoustics, the superb Steinway concert grand piano, and the series’ willingness to take programming risks by presenting little-known artists or composers.
For more information about the Bay Area Rainbow Symphony, visit http://bars-sf.org/Home.html or call (415) 57-VIOLA.
Photo Credit: Megan Gorhan
By Ian Harwood, San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band
The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony is an orchestra that provides a safe and supportive environment for musicians of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The orchestra makes cultural, social, and educational contributions to the San Francisco Bay Area by performing ambitious repertoire to a high standard. The orchestra is one of only four LGBT orchestras in the country, joining the ranks of fellow orchestras in 
for this concert is guest conductor Jay Pierson. Pierson (MM, DMA Eastman School of Music) has enjoyed a career as a teacher, singer, conductor, composer, pianist, and harpist for nearly three decades. Pierson is an active and published composer, having over one hundred pieces to his credit. Presently, he is Director of Music at Old First Presbyterian Church in 
1 comment:
I can beat Zach!
Post a Comment