HOUSTON — The Houston Pride Orchestra is preparing for its debut concert after weeks of intensive rehearsals and a growing response from local musicians, marking what organizers describe as a new space for inclusion in the city’s classical music scene.
The ensemble, made up of about 60 musicians, will perform its first concert, “Unfinished, Unbound: A Celebration of Queer Joy,” at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church.
Founded by Ruby Ortiz, who serves as executive director, the Houston Pride Orchestra was created as the city’s first orchestra led by LGBTQ+ musicians, with the goal of providing a welcoming environment for performers of all backgrounds.
“The general goal of HPO was to create a space where all of us can go,” Ortiz said. “We can all go and gather, and nobody’s looking at you funny, nobody’s being weird or homophobic. It’s a welcoming community where we can all feel comfortable.”
Artistic director and conductor Kenneth Cox said the ensemble includes both professional musicians and players returning to their instruments after time away.
“We have people who are professionals in the classical music team, but we also have members who are just picking up their instruments again,” Cox said.
He described his leadership approach as “leading from the light,” emphasizing positivity and support within the group.
Violinist Lucy Zhang said the orchestra represents more than a musical opportunity, calling it a form of advocacy within a field she said can lack diversity and inclusion.
“Change will happen,” Zhang said. “It’s going to happen, and every little bit counts.”
The program for the debut concert includes Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony,” Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” and Florence Price’s “Adoration,” with selections chosen to reflect themes of resilience and community.
Music librarian and timpanist Bensen Kwan said Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” written during the Napoleonic era, carries themes of resistance that resonate with the ensemble.
“It’s kind of a great parallel to draw,” Kwan said, referencing its historical associations with defiance against tyranny.
Ortiz said Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” originally composed as a protest against Russian rule, was selected for its message of perseverance and national identity.
“We were trying to be very particular about the pieces that we programmed,” Ortiz said. “So that we could represent what’s happening in our community, what’s happening in our country right now.”
Organizers say the concert is intended to highlight both musical performance and community building, with performers hoping to make classical music more accessible.
“I want to make sure that it’s not just a pride orchestra,” said violinist and personnel manager Emilio Arredondo. “It’s us being prideful that we have a community that we can play with together.”
