Classical Music's Vibrant Gay Legacy Takes Centre Stage

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When you think of Pride celebrations, an orchestra concert might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But thanks to English conductor Oliver Zeffman, that perception is rapidly changing. His Classical Pride initiative is becoming a standout event of the season, highlighting the deep and often overlooked gay contributions to classical music.

While it might not be widely recognised, classical music boasts an incredibly rich gay heritage. As Zeffman points out, a quick glance at history reveals a significant number of LGBTQ+ composers among its most celebrated figures. "It’s not exactly an obscure list," Zeffman shared with Man About Town. "Tchaikovsky, Barber, Britten, Copland, Bernstein, Poulenc, Szymanowski, Saint-Saëns, John Cage, Ethel Smyth, Lully, probably Handel, Chopin, and Schubert. And that’s just some of the dead composers.”

Given this extensive list, it's surprising that Zeffman's Classical Pride, launched in 2023, was the first event of its kind by any major European orchestra or concert hall. Yet, it was. The overwhelming enthusiasm it has generated since its inception speaks volumes about the void it filled. The festival continues to grow, with a five-program series in London this past week and a highly anticipated U.S. debut on July 10th at LA's Hollywood Bowl.

"When people think of gay music, it's generally Kylie, Madonna, Cher, Charli XCX, Elton John, whoever," Zeffman explained. "But actually, there are also all these classical composers, many of whom were writing music long before any of today’s pop icons were even alive.” The 32-year-old conductor is making it his mission to ensure these sonatas and symphonies, integral to classical music’s gay legacy, reach a wider audience.

A Conductor's Journey and the Birth of Classical Pride
As part of Man About Town's "Gay Creatives Shaping Culture" series, Zeffman discussed his journey from youth orchestras to pioneering Classical Pride, the common reactions from audiences, and his personal Pride itinerary non-negotiables.

When asked about his expectations for the first Classical Pride in 2023, Zeffman admitted he wasn't entirely sure. "I, of course, thought there would be some appetite for it and a need for it too, otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it," he said. "But I definitely wouldn’t have imagined that for our third edition – just two years after that first show – we’d be performing at four major venues across London... and going to the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Phil. It’s very exciting."

Zeffman's motivation for creating Classical Pride stems from the significant, yet often unacknowledged, contributions of gay individuals to classical music, both historically and in the present day. "Many of the most important composers living and working today are gay too," he noted, citing figures like Thomas Adès, George Benjamin, and Jennifer Higdon.

"Given this enormous contribution the gay community has made and continues to make to classical music, it was surprising that no one had done something like this before," Zeffman explained. He believes this oversight isn't due to homophobia—something he's never personally encountered in the classical world—but rather the genre's tendency to lag behind broader cultural trends. "It is kind of mad that it took until 2023 for any major classical institution outside the US to do a Pride concert," he remarked. His aim is clear: to introduce new audiences to classical music and demonstrate its long-standing connection to gay culture.

From Violin to Baton: A Musical Path
Zeffman's musical journey began early, picking up the violin at age four. He quickly found himself drawn to conducting. "At some point, I thought conducting looked way more fun," he chuckled. "You get to be there in front of the orchestra and be in charge." He began by organizing concerts with friends, learning the ropes of leading an ensemble.

His academic path included studying History and Russian at Durham University, with a pivotal year abroad at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, renowned for its conducting program. After further studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Zeffman established himself as a professional conductor.

Uncovering Hidden Histories and Broadening Horizons
One of the most common reactions Zeffman hears from audience members after a Classical Pride event is a sense of revelation. "Even people in classical music say, 'Oh, I didn’t realise Tchaikovsky was gay,' or 'I didn’t know Saint-Saëns was,' or whoever," he shared. "It’s not a surprise in a bad way, it’s just not something that people really think about." He emphasises the sheer volume of canonical works composed by gay individuals, a fact that is often overlooked.

Beyond this newfound awareness, many attendees, particularly those new to classical music, express awe at the power and beauty of an orchestral performance. "When you’ve got a symphony orchestra of 100 people playing enormous climaxes... or playing the most delicate and intimate pianissimos that really draw you in as a listener, there’s nothing else like it," he said, inviting everyone to experience it firsthand.

A Broader Perspective on Friendship
When asked what he loves most about being gay, Zeffman highlighted the diverse friendships he's cultivated. "Compared with my straight friends, is that I’ve got real friends across all age groups," he reflected. "It means I get to hang out with people who have all kinds of life experiences, backgrounds and opinions, which is great."

As for his non-negotiable Pride itinerary? It’s quite straightforward: "Lots of committed learning of music, basically."

And if he could integrate a more conventional gay pop culture icon into the classical world? Zeffman teases, "Watch this space for 2026…"