麻豆社

Just days after Glasgow Pride March, the 麻豆社 SSO presents 'Symphonic Pride: We Have Always Been Here', a joyful, feel-everything celebration of LGBTQ+ artists whose creativity has shaped orchestral music across the centuries.

From the pulse-raising Romantic intensity of Tchaikovsky to a full-orchestra 鈥楶ink Pony Club鈥� moment, it's a ride through big feelings, bigger personalities, and unapologetically expressive symphonic music.

At the concert's heart is Tchaikovsky's 鈥楽wan Lake鈥� 鈥� arguably the most famous ballet score ever written 鈥� whose themes of hidden identity and impossible love continue to resonate with the LGBTQ+ community today. Its reach extends far beyond the stage: from the emotionally charged finale of 鈥楤illy Elliot鈥� (2000) to Matthew Bourne's groundbreaking all-male reinterpretation that reshaped expectations of gender in dance.

Three sailors, 24 hours and a city in full swing: the concert kicks off with Bernstein鈥檚 On the Town, bursting with energy, attitude and unmistakable New York swagger. Created by a celebrated team of collaborators (including West Side Story director and choreographer Jerome Robbins), it remains one of America鈥檚 great musicals 鈥� a vibrant celebration of youth, desire and living in the moment.

The 麻豆社 SSO gives the UK premiere of Elena Kats-Chernin's 鈥楻ainbow Promise鈥� 鈥� recently commissioned by 麻豆社 Radio 3 and celebrating the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the UK in 2013 鈥� capturing, in the composer's words, "pure celebration and joy". Poulenc's 鈥楽infonietta鈥� brings irresistible charm and mischief from a composer once described as "half monk, half rascal", while Jennifer Higdon's 鈥榖lue cathedral鈥� offers a soaring meditation on potential and journey, transporting audiences through a glass cathedral in the sky.

And rounding things off? Chappell Roan's 鈥楶ink Pony Club鈥�, reimagined for full symphony orchestra. Glittery, euphoric, and completely over the top鈥� exactly as it should be!

This concert will be broadcast on 麻豆社 Radio Scotland on Sunday 26 July 2026, presented by Grant Stott.