CHICAGO ( August 15, 2019 ) — Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles presents an international collaboration with London's only LGBTQ symphonic wind band, the London Gay Symphonic Winds ( LGSW ), for Aug. 24 7-9 p.m. here in Chicago at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are available now for $15 through OvationTix.
This concert, titled "Bands Across the Water," will feature musicians from both groups. Accessibility information and more details can be found on the Lakeside Pride event page: www.lakesidepride.org/london .
Bands Across the Water launches Lakeside Pride's 23rd season. Following up a wildly successful 22nd season which included a sold-out symphonic concert and a collaboration with WBEZ, Lakeside Pride will be exploring the theme "Rainbow Connection" through a diverse slate of shows in 2019-2020. Since its initial creation by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the rainbow has become the most well-known symbol of LGBTQ pride across the entire world. Its colors celebrate the diverse spectrum of identities and experiences that make up the LGBTQ community.
"The repertoire we've chosen for the concert is a mix of music from American and British composers, with a few other international delights thrown in. It's a bit serious and a bit camp — just the way we like it, and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we've enjoyed putting it together," says LGSW chair Erik Tomlin. "I grew up in the Chicago area and moved to London in 2008. Since I became chair of the LGSW, I'd always hoped we'd be able to tour to America, so it's such a treat that we're able to make it all the way to Chicago. Finally my parents can come see this amazing band I've been gushing about for years!"
About LGSW Musical Directors Anna Tabor and Dan Allen
Anna Tabor has worked with several youth and community orchestras and has been the artistic founder and director of Southern Winds ( UK ) a wind ensemble and orchestra who have promoted new music and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Anna will be the conductor for Bands Across the Water. Dan Allen leads the Trubaci Pimlicani, a school-based ensemble specializing in music of the Rom and ex Yugoslav countries. Dan has also performed with and made arrangements for the London Gypsy
Orchestra and performed and worked with Linsey Pollack, Rob Bester and Ann Hildegard of Xenos. He is currently Deputy Head of Music at Pimlico Academy and KS3 Music Coordinator.
About Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles
Founded in 1997, Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles is Chicago's premier family of performance groups for members and friends of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ ) community. Home to three major ensembles — Jazz Orchestra, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band — plus over a dozen chamber ensembles, the organization offers a diverse musical experience for both its audience and over 200 members.
About London Gay Symphonic Winds
The London Gay Symphonic Winds are London's only symphonic wind band from and for the LGBT communities in London. Their musical aim is to be both fun and challenging. They want to encourage improving musicianship in an enjoyable and supporting environment. They play a wide variety of music to suit their diversity, including band classics, orchestral arrangements, show tunes, and, of course, the odd bit of Abba and Madonna.
