Join the Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra on Saturday 7 December for a magical concert of festive holiday favourites.

The orchestra, led by Musical Director Neavan Lobban, will transport the audience to a Christmas wonderland with classical and contemporary pieces that are fun for the whole family.

Now in its 16th season, the BGSO is the Midlands’ LGBTQ+ orchestra, which performs three concerts a year in venues across Birmingham. All are welcome to join, regardless of background and musical ability. The orchestra began in 2008 when a handful of instrumentalists responded to a magazine ad, and professionals played alongside people who hadn’t picked up their instruments in years. By the following year, the orchestra expanded to 20 players and performed their first concert at Birmingham Conservatoire’s Recital Hall.

Neavan brings his passion for choral music to his work with the orchestra. He sings with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) Chorus, and formerly served as principal conductor for the music charity The People’s Orchestra, helmed their central Birmingham Show Choir, and directed The People’s Big Band. Lobban assisted in running rehearsals for the CBSO performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana, which the orchestra performed at the BBC Proms in 2023.

Deck The Halls takes place at The Church at Carrs Lane, Birmingham on Saturday 7 December. Tickets are available here.