About us
about the non-conformists
a different kind of orchestra
The Non-Conformists is the name of the transgender/non-binary, LGBTQ+ and minority inclusive professional orchestra. We are based in the Boston Massachusetts area.
What style of music do we play?
We play music written by LGBTQ+ composers and songwriters from all periods of history to the present... Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and Contemporary. Some of our members are composers and arrangers, so we'll be featuring their music too. We also perform music of various ethnicities and cultures. Like a pops orchestra, we also play a mix of contemporary jazz, rock, hip hop, rap, even country. We take requests!
In our first season, we start with introductory awareness events so everyone knows about us, and so businesses can jump on board as sponsoring partners. Some of these will be small ensemble concerts which we can produce on our early stage budget. As soon as we have solid backing, we'll start our first 'mini season' which will be in various different venues around New England.
A little history...
The Non-Conformists started out being the TransGender Orchestra. But then I discussed the group with other people, who helped me decide that to fill our roster with great professional musicians, we would need to reach out to more people who have been historically disenfranchised. (transgender people are a tiny percentage of the population). We also realize that we want to reach out to LGBTQ+ listeners & our allies and friends who love music, hence the decision to make the membership more inclusive.
We are different from other orchestras.
As I began my own transgender transition, I found no other transgender orchestras seemed to exist. I thought a transgender orchestra was a unique and exciting idea. After many years of performing in various professional orchestras and ensembles, I realized that although working with other virtuosic musicians and conductors was fulfilling and inspiring, I need to express my gender identity truthfully...to be real and happy with my place in the musical world as a woman. For me this is my secret sauce. When the musician feels whole, the music becomes even more exciting. The heartbeat quickens and can create a previously unattainable level of excitement, happiness and artistic beauty.
Concert Instrument Configurations...
Some of our concerts will be performed by small ensembles; trios, quartets, quintets, octets and groups of 12 to 18 players...small chamber orchestra size. Other concerts will feature the more familiar chamber orchestra of 30 to 60 players and our big concerts will bring out the big sound of the full symphonic orchestra!
For many years, I performed with international groups; the Boston Symphony and Pops, the London Symphony, the New Orleans Symphony and backed up famous pop singers and performers like Ian Anderson, the flutist of the rock band, Jethro Tull, and went on tour with famous jazz and rock artists, as well as recording string tracks in Nashville for country singers!
If you'd like to follow whats up next, to hear about recordings and streams and concerts; live and online, sign up for the Non-Conformists mailing list!
And PLEASE drop a dime at our GoFundMe campaign, or hit the sponsor button to learn about the opportunities to grow your business alongside the Non-Conformists!
Like to be involved? Send an email to our director, BunnyS to find out how you can help! AND... We are seeking professionals for our volunteer board of directors.