What is the QSYO?

The Queer Songbook Youth Orchestra (QSYO) is a brand new Toronto based pop orchestra initiative for young musicians in the GTA who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and their allies. Modelled after the Queer Songbook Orchestra (QSO) in concept and intent, the QSYO aims to provide an avenue for queer, trans, questioning and allied youth to further their musical training while actively engaging in 2SLGBTQ+ representation and community building.

QSYO debut performance, featuring Elizabeth and Beverly Glenn Copeland, June 2022, Yonge & Dundas Square. Photo credit - Cassandra Popescu.

The Queer Songbook Youth Orchestra is:

  • a roughly 50 member orchestra, comprised of 2SLGBTQ+, questioning and allied youth from across the GTA, paired with professional mentors

  • open to youth aged 14 - 21 (individuals on either side of this age bracket may also be considered)

  • providing mentorship opportunities to youth through the extensive network of professional musicians and artists connected to the QSO 

  • presenting collaborative performances that are reflective of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, both as an independent ensemble, and as a hybrid orchestra with the QSO and special guests

  • performing repertoire consisting of pop songs from the last century with a 2SLGBTQ+ connection, uniquely arranged and reimagined for the QSYO (for example, material could include songs by Tracy Chapman, Troye Sivan, Billy Strayhorn, Anohni, Frank Ocean, etc...)

  • determining the material performed through consultation between youth members, artistic leads of the QSO, and collaborators from within the community  

  • an opportunity for engagement with the broader community and a chance to form intergenerational connections, while providing an avenue into 2SLGBTQ+ history

The QSO & QSYO are founded on the belief that sharing stories and songs can deepen understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ experience. We extend this vital practise of listening to our Black, Indigenous, Asian and other racialized communities and are committed to the principles of anti-racism, and working towards a just, equitable and accessible society for everyone.

**This survey is an expression of interest in the QSYO and does not represent a commitment or a guarantee of involvement in the orchestra. By collecting these forms, we will continue to gauge interest in the project and keep in touch with you to provide further info as opportunities arise.

If you would like further info or wish to discuss a potential community partnership, please contact info@queersongbook.com

Luminato with The Queer Songbook Youth Orchestra, Dundas Square, Toronto, ON. June 10, 2022

Photos by Bisma Iqbal:

To learn more about the work the QSO has been doing since forming in 2014, please visit the following links to learn about the orchestra, and explore the music and videos we have released.