Press Release from orchestra+, the South West’s first LGBT+ Symphony Orchestra

Tim Pithers
orchestra+ conductor

orchestra+, the South West’s first LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, plus) Symphony Orchestra, will be holding its launch weekend on 7th-9th October in Exeter. The weekend will feature a series of rehearsals and a free performance in Exeter Community Centre (17 St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG) on Sunday 9th October at 3pm with a programme including music from the big screen, from the West End and traditional classics.

Co-Founder and Musical Director Tim Pithers said, “It’s really exciting to be launching this new musical venture which aims to reach out to the LGBT+ community across the South West. We want to bring together those who have a passion for music-making whilst providing a supportive and safe place for members of the LGBT+ community and our friends. We hope to positively impact on both LGBT+ life and the world of amateur music-making in the South West”.

There are currently two other gay symphony orchestras in existence in the UK - the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, of BBC’s All Together Now fame, and the Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra. orchestra+ is the pioneering ensemble in the South West drawing members from across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and further afield.

“Our intention is to grow into a full-scale symphony orchestra in due course,” explains co-founder Anna Davis, “but we are absolutely overwhelmed by the initial interest that musicians have shown. It demonstrates a real need for all-inclusive community ventures and a desire for outlets for high-quality amateur musicians to make music together”.

The orchestra plans to rehearse during a series of weekends over the coming year staging performances on Sunday afternoons across the region. The orchestra would be delighted to hear from more players who would like to join for the first rehearsal weekend. There are no auditions and, as a guide, we suggest grade 6 standard upwards.

For all enquiries, please contact

Tim Pithers, Anna Davis or Ellen Stratton

email: swlgbtso@gmail.com