Brisbane choir still singing strong for 15 years
The Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir (BLGPC) will celebrate an impressive 15-year run this September.
The group will once again take to the main stage at this year鈥檚 Brisbane Pride Festival Fair Day 鈥� the same stage that saw the location of their very first public performance back in 1998 鈥� and choir member David Hardy couldn鈥檛 be prouder to return home.
鈥淣ew Farm is a wonderful location for Pride Fair Day and we are excited to be invited to sing on the main stage the day after our concert, at the fair day for family and friends.鈥� Hardy told the Star Observer.
The 15th anniversary year has been an exciting one thus far for the choir, one that has seen them perform extensively around Brisbane along with a trip to Hobart in July for the Out and Loud Festival, which included a performance led by LGBTI choir royalty, New York Gay Men鈥檚 Chorus artistic director聽Charlie Beale.
The BLGPC will also be holding a separate birthday concert that will for the first time see three LGBTI choirs from across Queensland perform together.
鈥淲e’re very pleased to see new choirs emerging in Queensland. Hotmale, a men’s group from Brisbane has a number of former members of the Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir in its ranks,鈥� Hardy said.
鈥淭he Sunshine Coast Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir has just formed and our choir hopes to assist them over the coming months as they develop.鈥�
The concert will also see a performance by the group of emerging younger voices within the community – Young Pride 鈥� a new initiative of the BLGPC that was started this year to continue its legacy.
鈥淥ur youth chorus has only just begun鈥hey hope that their first performance will encourage other young LGBTI people to join. The emergence of Young Pride is testimony to the longevity of the choir and the way it continues to change and grow to tell our stories, in song.鈥�
The 15th anniversary concert, held on September 20, will feature a range of crowd favourites along with songs that the BLGPC feel reflect accurately upon the LGBTI community over its lifespan.
鈥淭he song selection reflects our sense of fun with Dolly Parton’s ‘Baby I’m Burning’; our sense of pride and our journey as LGBTI people in songs like ‘Another Train’ and ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’; and the broader issues of social justice which the choir has championed.鈥� Hardy said.
The Queensland Pride Concert will be held at the Brisbane Arts Theatre, Petrie Terrace on September 20 and the BLGPC will take to the main stage during this year鈥檚 Fair Day on September 21 at New Farm Park.
Further information and tickets available at www.blgpc.org.au
