About The Orchestra

Who are BGSO?

Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra is the Midlands' leading LGBTQ+ orchestra, bringing musicians together in a welcoming, non-scene space centred on shared music-making. Open to players of all identities and experience levels, we celebrate and showcase the diversity of our community through ambitious orchestral performance.

The Orchestra was first formed in 2008 when two violins, a flute, an oboe, a clarinet, a trumpet, and a French horn responded to an advert. People who hadn't played their instrument in years sat next to professional players. By the end of 2009 we had grown to over 20 regular players and were preparing for our first concert at Birmingham Conservatoire's Recital Hall.

We now present three concerts a year in venues around the city and are Orchestra in Residence at St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter. In 2025, we were named one of the world’s top LGBTQ+ orchestras by Classic FM. We have forged strong links with other organisations within the LGBT community, and can often be seen playing as smaller ensembles at key events in the LGBT calendar, including performances at SHOUT Festival and LFEST.