Podcast Summary: All Of It — Introducing the Queer Urban Orchestra
Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Date: December 12, 2025
Guests:
- David Bloom, Artistic Director & Conductor
- Dave Lohman, Principal Bassoonist & Former President
- Brian Shaw, Principal Oboist & Orchestral Manager
Overview
This episode spotlights the Queer Urban Orchestra (QUO), New York City’s first orchestra founded specifically to serve the LGBTQ community. The discussion centers on the orchestra’s origins, evolution, community building, and their upcoming concert “Refuge,” which celebrates “the joy, beauty and necessity of a queer space.” The guests share insights into the orchestra’s mission, its welcoming culture, and the season’s theme, “A Place for Us.”
Key Discussion Points
1. The Origins of QUO
[01:22]
- QUO was founded in 2009 by members of the Big Apple Corps, a symphonic and marching band.
- The first rehearsals were held in the cafeteria of Gay Men's Health Crisis in Chelsea, beginning as "a ragtag group… four oboes, two violins, two cellos, a tuba, and a couple brass."
- Over 15+ years, it transformed into a robust organization.
"We pulled it together, and over the last 15, 16 years, we've really just exploded."
— Brian Shaw [01:59]
2. Expanding Mission and Inclusive Membership
[02:16]
- Originally a space for LGBTQ musicians, QUO now welcomes "all adult musicians, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity."
- Programming now highlights contemporary LGBTQ composers, outreach programs, and competitions for new works and conductors.
"We've enlarged our activities to include outreach, training, new conductors, giving new composers a place to hear their music through competition and things like that."
— Dave Lohman [02:16]
3. Attraction and Dedication to the Mission
[02:47]
- David Bloom was attracted to QUO for its uniquely devoted musicians and focus on uplifting queer artistry.
"GUO is the only LGBTQ orchestra in the Northeast, and so it's a big job, and the musicians are all really devoted to it."
— David Bloom [02:47]
4. Recruitment and Community
[03:12]
-
The group grows by word of mouth and personal connections at concerts and online presence.
"We haven't really needed in the last few years to really go out and try hard to get people who want to play with us."
— Dave Lohman [03:12] -
Community is foundational:
"It's so important as queer people to have a space where you feel safe to come together. …We also have a social committee… We like to go out for drinks after rehearsals, after our concerts, just sort of fostering that sense of togetherness."
— Brian Shaw [03:42]
5. Season Theme: "A Place for Us"
[04:19]
-
Each season is designed around a queer cultural theme; this year centers on finding refuge, belonging, and safety.
"Refuge is one perspective on that of home, of belonging, of safety. And each of the pieces that we will play tomorrow… have something to do with a sense of home, a sense of safety in space."
— David Bloom [04:19] -
Personal resonance:
"Growing up gay, when I felt like I couldn't be myself was an experience that many people of my generation have had. …It gives us a sense of family and community and a place to be."
— Dave Lohman [05:21]
Notable Performances & Program Highlights
1. Francis Poulenc Sextet
[05:50 – 14:01]
- QUO performed a segment from Poulenc’s Sextet for Piano and Winds.
"As with many of the composers that Quo performs, Poulenc was queer, and it's wonderful to give him his queer day in the sun today."
— David Bloom [05:50]
2. Preview of "Refuge" Concert Program
[14:37]
- Features:
- Work by LeiLihuela Lanzilotti, Hawaiian composer focused on land stewardship.
- Debussy's piece performed by clarinetist Johan Paulo, QUO's Concerto Competition winner.
- World premiere by cellist/composer Michael Filhoen.
- Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, inspired by Ukrainian folk traditions.
3. Balancing Tradition and Innovation
[15:22]
- Mixing classic repertoire with new music deepens appreciation and challenges the musicians.
"The programming that David has done has really been inspiring, and it's made me appreciate music in a whole new way."
— Dave Lohman [15:22]
4. Personal Connection to the Oboe
[15:55]
"Oh, gosh. The oboe is such a unique instrument. …I played it since I was 16 years old. That’s actually the same oboe I played since I was a kid."
— Brian Shaw [15:55]
5. Michael Filoen’s "Kumbula"
[16:26]
- The group performed "Kumbula" by Michael Filoen; the title is a Zulu word meaning "remembering" or "homesickness."
"The title is a Zulu word that means remembering and conveys a sense of homesickness."
— David Bloom [16:26]
Memorable Quotes
- "To live in New York City now in this time, and it's not perfect, but things are improving. It gives us a sense of family and community and a place to be." — Dave Lohman [05:21]
- "Refuge is one perspective on that of home, of belonging, of safety." — David Bloom [04:19]
- "It's so important as queer people to have a space where you feel safe to come together." — Brian Shaw [03:42]
- "GUO is the only LGBTQ orchestra in the Northeast, and so it's a big job, and the musicians are all really devoted to it." — David Bloom [02:47]
Important Timestamps
- 00:09–01:24: Introduction of guests, formation story
- 01:24–02:16: Founding principles and early days
- 02:16–03:12: Expansion of mission, inclusive membership
- 03:12–03:42: Recruitment, word-of-mouth growth
- 03:42–05:21: Fostering community, personal impact
- 05:50–14:01: In-studio performance: Poulenc Sextet
- 14:37–15:18: Upcoming concert program details
- 15:22–16:16: Repertoire philosophies, instrumental connection
- 16:26–21:38: Performance: Michael Filoen's "Kumbula"
Conclusion
The episode captures the heart of QUO's journey as a dynamic hub for LGBTQ musicians striving for excellence, inclusivity, and community. The conversation and live performances showcase both the artistic ambition and the vital safe space the orchestra provides—making "Refuge" not just a concert, but an invitation to belonging. Attendees of the upcoming concert can expect a thoughtfully curated program that honors tradition while championing new voices and queer artistry.