Making Music: London Gay Symphonic Winds

LGSW at Pride

Formed in 2005 as a sister group to London Gay Symphony Orchestra, London Gay Symphonic Winds (LGSW) comprises 40+ mostly LGBT brass, woodwind and percussion players from a mix of backgrounds and playing abilities, from professional musicians, to people rediscovering an instrument they played at school. And of course, everything in between. 

Their musical aim is to be both fun and challenging. They want to encourage improving musicianship in an enjoyable and supportive environment. LGSW play a wide variety of music to suit our diversity, including concert band classics, orchestral arrangements, show tunes and of course, the odd bit of cheese in the guise of Abba and Madonna. 

The band performs two main concerts of its own each year, and plays at a range of other public and private events, including Pride London, and performances for charity, notably The Food Chain and Opening Doors London (Age UK’s LGBT project in London), two charities with which it has enjoyed a close relationship for many years. 

The band has a tradition of dressing up in the second half of concerts, and themes have included Halloween, national dress and The Proms and Jubilee. This next concert has music from TV and film as its theme, so in the second half, LGSW will be dressing up as our favourite film and TV characters.

Known for their Second Act Costume changes

The band is not just about the music though: more like a big extended family. After every rehearsal we go for a few drinks, and we regularly have other social events such as our summer picnic and our annual Fun Days. "Most of our members join the band to meet new people and we’d like to think we’re the friendliest band in London."

The next gig will include programme highlights include Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Selections from Aladdin, Highlights from Mary Poppins and Harry Potter's Wondrous World. It takes place on 26 October at St Sepulchre-Without-Newgate, 7.30pm. Tickets in advance from £8.

Rehearsals are held in central London every Thursday, and the band welcomes enquiries from new players*.

*welcome via the band’s website: www.lgsw.org.uk

By LGSW