The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony is a nonprofit organization that is

dedicated to promoting and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identified (LGBTQ) musicians and composers toward the goal of broad crossover appeal and excellence in the performing arts. BARS is synonymous with excellence and distinction in the performing arts and community building.

The BARS commitment to diverse and inclusive programming is unquestionable.  We’ve been delighted to support their excellent programming through Performance Grants.  The coming concert, which will take place on March 11, is a great example of the way that Dawn Harms, music director, skillfully curates each concert experience for both performer and audience.

The program includes works by Koussevitzky, Paganini, Sibelius, and Andrée.  Though the first three names are likely familiar to any concert-goer, it is rare to hear a work by the Swedish composer, organist and conductor Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929).

She was a pioneer in Sweden during her time, writing chamber music, choral works,  symphonic works, and full masses, as well as works for organ.  Her work as a conductor paved the way for future generations to take up the baton, and she gained recognition during her lifetime for her achievements as an orchestral conductor.  Though she was a prolific composer she is largely forgotten in today’s repertoire.  All of this makes the BARS performance of Andrée’s Concert Overture in D (1873) all the more special.

Tickets and more information is available here or on the BARS Facebook page.