Sister organisations, the London Gay Symphony Orchestra (LGSO) and the London Gay Symphonic Winds (LGSW), are celebrating 30 and 20 years, respectively, of LGBT+ music-making with two anniversary concerts on the 18th and 24th October 2026.
LGSO’s anniversary concert will feature pieces by Tchaikovsky and Liszt, which the orchestra performed during its 1996 season. The concert will also include the world premiere of “Restless Host” by Mark Bowden and Rachmaninov’s No. 3. The performance will take place at Cadogan Hall, conducted by the newly appointed Musical Director, Sonia Ben-Santamaria.
LGSW will feature a blend of classical arrangements and popular wind band repertoire, alongside selections from musical theatre, film music, and favourite camp pop songs. The concert will conclude with an encore showcasing returning former members of the band. Musical Director John Brown will lead the event at St John’s, with Reece Connolly from The Gallifrey Cabaret serving as host.
LGSO co-chairs Gary Clarke and Josh Sturges, and LGSW chair Ricky Holtz told QX, “We are beyond excited and honoured to be celebrating our groups’ shared history of queer and inclusive music-making through these two concerts. These concerts celebrate our ensembles’ diverse yet shared history, with the LGSW being founded by members of the LGSO twenty years ago, as well as the generations of LGBT+ musicians, conductors, audiences, and supporters who have made them possible. We warmly look forward to welcoming audiences, both old and new, to join us in our anniversary celebrations.”
The October anniversary concerts will be followed by a separate performance from the London Gay Big Band (LGBB) in December, who are also celebrating their own 15th anniversary.
The entire concert program marks a collective 65 years of LGBT+ music-making in London in 2026. Further details of this can be found at https://www.londongaybigband.com/
The concerts highlight the diverse range of LGBT+ music in London, featuring everything from symphonic works and contemporary compositions to musical theatre, film scores, big band, and pop music. Audiences can attend one or both concerts and join these well-established ensembles in celebrating their anniversary year.
LGSO 30th Anniversary Concert
Sunday 18 October 2026, 6:30pm
Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ, United Kingdom.
Tickets from £24.50: https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/london-gay-symphony-orchestra-30th-anniversary-concert/
LGSW 20th Anniversary Concert
John’sty 24 October 2026, 7:30pm
St John’s Church, Waterloo, London SE1 8TY, United Kingdom.
Tickets from £14: https://www.outsavvy.com/event/37220/london-gay-symphonic-winds-20th-anniversary-concert-
About the Organisations
Robin Gordon-Powell founded the London Gay Symphony Orchestra (LGSO) in 1996 and served as its conductor. They aimed to create a friendly, supportive environment for queer individuals to come together and make music without fear of prejudice. Today, the orchestra performs five concerts each year, featuring an exciting and ambitious repertoire that aims to push the boundaries for amateur orchestras across the country.
The London Gay Symphonic Winds (LGSW) was founded in 2006 as an extension of the orchestra, offering a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves freely through music. Today, the ensemble performs three major concerts each year, along with smaller gigs and bandstand appearances throughout London. They are also a regular highlight of the London Pride parade.
