Anthony Roth Costanzo

Oliver Zeffman’s Classical Pride series honors musicians “not only for their artistic brilliance but also for their queerness,” and now the celebrated event comes from London to the Hollywood Bowl. Bookended by the exuberant excess of Bernstein’s Candide overture and Tchaikovsky’s tragic and yearning ode to Dante’s Francesca—two composers who could not fully embrace their identity in their own time—the night is highlighted by a wide range of top musical talent in the LGBTQ+ community. Zeffman leads the LA Phil through the otherworldly and rich orchestral textures of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral. A trio of celebrated vocalists give the US premiere of a cycle of Pride Songs with music by Jake Heggie and lyrics by Taylor Mac, and after intermission, violinist and drag performance artist Thorgy Thor of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame takes the stage for her spirited blend of comedy and music. This performance is generously supported by R. Martin Chavez.