On Nov. 17, The Lakeside Pride Music Ensemble presented "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," a symphonic concert celebrating LGBTQ soldiers and veterans who served during the time that policy, also known as DADT, was in place ( 1993-2011 ).
The eventwhich took place at DePaul University's Holtschneider Performance Centerwas the second in a series of concerts by the ensemble to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, slated to be held in June 2019. The first concert, "Love and Marriage," was held Oct. 13 and celebrated wedded bliss for people of all genders. The DADT event also featured a raffle and a silent auction.
After a presentation of colors by representatives from the Chicago chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, there was a presentation of a military-themed repertoire with select compositions by gay and lesbian composers. Among the out composers on the program were Aaron Copland ( Hoedown from "Rodeo" ), Julie Giroux ( "Hands of Mercy" ) and Samuel Barber ( "Sure on This Shining Night" ), along with Ottorino Respighi ( "Pines of Rome" ), Gustav Holst ( "Second Suite in F" ), John Williams ( "Hymn to the Fallen" ), John Philip Sousa ( "Black Horse Troop" ), Robert Lowden ( Armed Forces Salute" ) and Claude T. Smith ( "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" ). Much of the evening was conducted by music director Kyle Rhoades, with some segments led by assistant conductor Nick White and guest conductor "Moe" McPherson.
Just before intermission, Rhoades received The Founders Award from the Lakeside Pride Music Ensemble Board Chair Bradly Fritz and Vice Chairwoman Melissa Terrell.
Upcoming Lakeside Pride Ensemble performances regarding the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots include "Pay it No Mind" ( The Lakeside Pride Chamber Ensemble featuring ResonaTe, Chicago's transgender choir honoring Marsha P. Johnson ) on Jan. 6; "New York New York" ( The Lakeside Symphonic Band in celebration of the culture and heritage of New York City ) on April 6; "Fiesta de Baile" ( The Lakeside Ensemble Latin Band acknowledging the Latinx population as a major part of the LGBTQ-rights movement ) on May 5" and "Stonewall: Love and Liberation" ( The Lakeside Ensemble Jazz Orchestra ) on June 1.