OUT Ensemble at the Strathmore Music Center (photo courtesy of Da Ping Luo)
OUT Ensemble
Alan Cook, flute
Abigail Bracken, oboe
Sophia Bracken, clarinet
Jenna Stokes, French horn
David Michael, bassoon
OUT Ensemble presents a concert featuring the works of queer composers past and present, ranging from America's Billy Strayhorn and to the Netherlands' Henriette Bosmans. The quintet will also offer the international premiere of original commissions by Nora Farley and Mattie Levy.
Based in Ann Arbor, MI, OUT Ensemble is a dynamic new wind quintet committed to increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ composers and performers in classical music. Described as playing with “tasteful, elegant, beautiful blends… wonderful colors and mood” by Dr. William King, OUT Ensemble celebrates queer composers, represents diverse communities, and inspires listeners to embrace their authentic identities.
Alongside uplifting queer composers of the past, OUT highlights new works by contemporary composers. Four new commissions will be featured in their 2025-26 season alongside previous premieres, including Avi Randall’s arrangement of Lush Life and my moment passed by Rj Dion. Dion’s work partnered the group with the Lauren Blair Smith Dance Company, an example of the interdisciplinary collaboration OUT Ensemble seeks to increase between musicians and other artistic disciplines. As part of their work to bring classical music into communities, OUT has performed in Ann Arbor’s Uplift Bar; the Ypsilanti Freighthouse; and at the Hands-On Museum in an educational concert with the Berlin Philharmonic Brass Quartet.
In June of 2025, the quintet presented their First Annual Pride Concert Series in Washington, DC during the WorldPride celebrations. Performances included the DC premiere of Dominick DiOrio’s Our Wildest Imaginings with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. and a concert as members of the International Pride Orchestra at the Strathmore Music Center. Their debut album, Seasons of Change, will be released in May 2026. OUT will present works from the album alongside popular tunes for their Second Annual Pride Concert Series in Michigan. Looking ahead, the group will kick off their 2026-27 season with concerts at the 2026 WorldPride festival in Amsterdam.
FREE entry