San Francisco, CA
78 person all LGBTQ+ orchestra to hold 1st concert in San Francisco. Here’s a preview
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A first of its kind orchestral concert is happening this week in San Francisco.
It features nearly 80 musicians and each is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, from different parts of the country and world.
The blending of the orchestra sounds as though it’s been practicing regularly but Monday was one of its first rehearsals.
“We have four days to put this all together,” said Michael Roest, Founder and director of the International Pride Orchestra, “It is a rigorous, intensive schedule.”
Here’s how to watch 2023 San Francisco Pride Parade on ABC7
The International Pride Orchestra consists of musicians from the Bay Area along with many from states across the country and others coming from as far away as New Zealand and Peru.
Thursday, they have their first performance.
“This orchestra is coming together specifically to raise awareness and funds for the queer community and organizations that are doing really important work to support the LGBTQ+ community,” Roest said.
Proceeds from Thursday’s concert are set to benefit local nonprofit LYRIC Center for LGBTQQ+ youth, a cause close to the musician’s hearts.
“Being able to help those kids in some way is actually really important to me,” said Sean Kennedy who plays the Tuba, coming from Albuquerque to play in the orchestra.
He and the other musicians say it’s not just the cause they’re helping that’s been rewarding, it’s also the experience itself.
MORE: Social group takes 90’s-style sketch comedy and turns it into an inclusive LGBTQ experience
“In this profession, you would think that there’s a lot more queer people, a lot more queer representation within orchestras, but there really isn’t,” said Kennedy.
“Just sitting down and working with these people is already very different because you don’t have to worry about how you hold yourself how you say things, how you represent yourself. Everybody already accepts you without reservation and it’s a little terrifying or a little intimidating because I’m not used to it. But it’s beautiful at the same time.”
Flutist Troy Paolantonio came from Maryland to play in this orchestra.
He joined the military when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was still in effect.
Today, he plays with the U.S. Army Field Band and is taking time away from them to play in the orchestra with the military’s blessing.
“One of the best parts was that my entire chain of command unanimously signed off on my participation in this, and also to be a uniformed service member to represent for us in the International Pride Orchestra,” he said.
After the first concert, Roest says they hope to have more concerts in other cities.
MORE: SF’s Pink Triangle shines as beacon of hope this Pride Month
For now though, the focus continues on making a difference locally.
“This is a really meaningful moment for a lot of folks,” Roest said, “I know that San Francisco is the perfect place to welcome all of these folks from all over the world.”
The first ever performance of the International Pride Orchestra is at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
For more information click here.
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San Francisco has found unexpected support from fossil fuel groups in its Supreme Court challenge to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water regulations, arguing that the rules are too vague to comply with.
Pamela King and Miranda Willson report for E&E News.
In short:
- San Francisco claims EPA’s water discharge limits are too generic, leading to compliance difficulties.
- Fossil fuel industry groups back San Francisco, fearing increased liability under the current EPA requirements.
- EPA defends its approach, stating the permits are clear and necessary to prevent water pollution.
Key quote:
“The issue here is whether San Francisco and other permit holders across the nation can be found in violation of generic prohibitions against impacting water quality that don’t identify any specific requirements that we’re supposed to follow.”
— Jen Kwart, spokesperson for San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu
Why this matters:
City officials contend that the one-size-fits-all approach of the EPA does not account for the unique environmental and infrastructural circumstances faced by different municipalities. This has led to significant difficulties in meeting the prescribed standards without incurring excessive costs or resorting to temporary fixes that may not be sustainable in the long run. For San Francisco, and potentially other cities across the nation, this battle with the EPA could set a significant precedent for the future of water management policy.
Related EHN coverage:
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco takes down controversial 'Appeal to Heaven' flag from in front of city hall
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Takes Down Flag Found at Justice Alito’s House and Called a ‘Jan. 6 Symbol’ by the NYT — After Flying It for the Last 60 Years
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The city of San Francisco has taken down an “Appeal to Heaven” flag that’s flown in its Civic Central Plaza for 60 years after the The New York Times described it as a “January 6 symbol” in a piece noting that it flew at a beach home owned by Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito and his wife.
The white flag, which depicts a pine tree in the center of it with the words “An Appeal to Heaven” emblazoned above it, was taken down by the city on Saturday, around three and a half years after the January 6 Capitol riot took place and just a few days after the Times piece castigating Alito for flying it came out.
It was first raised by the city in 1964 as part of a project to highlight various flags of historical significance to the country. The Appeal to Heaven flag was designed by George Washington’s private secretary and flown by the commanding general of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Pine trees were a symbol of resistance in revolutionary-era New England and the quote comes from John Locke’s Second Treatise on Government.
Nevertheless, the Times insinuated — and Alito’s left-wing critics insisted — that it constituted proof of the Justice’s allegiance to 2020 election conspiracy theories. “Justice Alito’s Beach House Displayed ‘Appeal to Heaven’ Flag, a Jan. 6 Symbol,” read one of the headlines affixed to the article.
In a letter rejecting calls for his recusal from January 6-related cases on Wednesday, Alito wrote that he “had no involvement in the decision to fly that flag” and noted that his “wife is fond of flying flags.”
He continued:
I was not familiar with the “Appeal to Heaven” flag when my wife flew it. She may have mentioned that it dates back to the American Revolution, and I assumed she was flying it to express a religious and patriotic message. I was not aware of any connection between this historic flag and the “Stop the Steal Movement,” and neither was my wife. She did not fly it to associate herself with that or any other group, and the use of an old historic flag by a new group does not necessarily drain that flag of all other meanings.
“A reasonable person who is not motivated by political or ideological considerations or a desire to affect the outcome of Supreme Court cases would conclude that this event does not meet the applicable standard for recusal,” added Alito. “I am therefore duty-bound to reject your recusal request.”
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