The Big IDEA: Celebrate Pride!

Entry for this concert will be at the Victoria Conservatory of Music – 900 Johnson Street.Tickets are offered for free or pay what you can.

Conservatory faculty who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ community members or allies present an afternoon of music to celebrate the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ composers, arrangers, or performers. Celebrate Pride! is the culmination of our initiative, The Big IDEA: Sharing our music and telling our stories. A panel of guests will participate in a discussion about the importance of having pride in the significant contributions 2SLGBTQIA+ artists have made to our community and beyond!

Musical Performances by:
❤️ Camilo Aybar, Dr. Jack Edwards, and Patricia Kostek performing Trio No. 2 in C Minor by Camilo Aybar;
🧡 Dr. Jack Edwards and Marsha Elliott-Edwards performing Blossom: the world premiere of a new duo for flute and saxophone, written for Jack and Marsha by Spencer Leong Cowie, for the event;
💛 Alex Chen and Robert Holliston performing a trio of favourites, Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal by Roger Quilter, Sure On This Shining Night by Samuel Barber and Love’s Philosophy by Roger Quiltet
💚 and Wes Carroll Confabulation performing Put it On and Capitalocene.
Plus Conservatory Chat Special Guests:
💙 Ace Mann, originally from the K’ómoks First Nation and now living on the Coast Salish Territories, is a lifelong queer advocate who has volunteered in GSRD spaces for over 20 years and currently serves as President of the Victoria Pride Society, striving to enhance community focus, transparency, and engagement
💜 and Geri Kramer, a business leader in our community who infuses her artwork with authenticity and is a staunch advocate for inclusivity in the tattoo community. Having forged a multi-decade career in the field, Geri is a highly sought-after tattoo artist who has created a unique, safe space for people of all identities and abilities in her studio.