QUO is the premier LGBTQ orchestra in New York City. As a membership-based community orchestra, QUO gathers a diversity of musicians living in New York City. Its open-door policy allows professional and amateur musicians, LGBTQ and their allies to come together each week and explore demanding symphonic and chamber music repertoire in an environment that promotes unity, solidarity, and community building.

The music presented often reflects QUO’s intention to promote and celebrate diversity and understanding as a way to raise our society. With its 2019 season (“Queer We Are!”), QUO celebrates its 10th anniversary presenting five symphonic programs, and one chamber music recital that features composers and performers from the queer community, including New York-based composers Gerald Busby, Seyed Safavynia, Bjorn Berkhout and the winner of QUO’s composer competition. QUO also intends to expand the visibility of the queer composers’ cannon, by including music of lesser known composers such as Julius Eastman (1940-1990), and other well-known queer composers like Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein.

QUO at the Queens Museum
QUO made its Queens Museum debut in 2017. This upcoming concert, led by QUO’s artistic director Julie Desbordes features music by Ryan Key (winner of QUO’s annual composition contest), a marimba concerto by QUO’s own Bjorn Berkhout and performed by New York-based percussionist Matthew Coley, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5.

Image Credit: QUA Performance in front of Queens Museum Large Wall series commission Anna K.E., Profound Approach and Easy Outcome, 2017. 140ft x 27 ft.