The International Pride Orchestra (IPO), an organisation that brings together LGBTQ+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes, has announced its highly anticipated Pride Celebration Concert will take place on Thursday, June 5 at the
The International Pride Orchestra (IPO), an organisation that brings together LGBTQ+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes, has announced its highly anticipated Pride Celebration Concert will take place on Thursday, June 5 at the renowned Strathmore Music Centre in Maryland after being dropped from the programme of Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre.
This decision comes after recent actions by President Trump, who, after taking control of the Kennedy Centre, vowed to reshape programming in line with his administration’s agenda.
This was the latest queer-related event that the administration led by Ric Grenell, a gay man himself, has cancelled. The administration recently cancelled the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and children’s musical Finn.
“We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Centre,” said Michael Roest, Founding Artistic Director of IPO. “The Kennedy Centre has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression.
“However, we are profoundly grateful to the Strathmore Music Centre for opening their doors to us. Their willingness to host our Pride Celebration Concert ensures that our message of love, Pride, and resilience will be heard on the doorstep of the nation’s capital.”
“We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music,” said Roest, sharing the vision for IPO. “We want to show the world who we are, celebrate our queer identities, and amplify the work of organisations that support the LGBTQ+ community.”
Since his inauguration in January, Trump has taken aim at LGBTQ+ communities, vowing to ban Pride flags from flying over US embassies and federal buildings. He has also signed executive orders against the trans community and has vowed to get rid of ‘Drag’ shows at the Kennedy Centre.
Famed opera singer Renée Fleming resigned from the position of Artistic Advisor at Large, noting: “I’ve treasured the bi-partisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best. I hope the Kennedy Centre continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country. Renée.”
