BARS continues to redefine the orchestra experience for audiences and members alike though music’s potential for education and personal enrichment.

Milestones

• October 21, 2007 5 Bay Area musicians meet to form a new type of LGBTQ ensemble: “We are happy with ‘Bay Area Rainbow Symphony’ as an organization name.”
• March 5, 2008 First rehearsal at Old First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. 27 musicians attend.
• June 8, 2008 Premier concert, part of the Old First Concerts series. Despite having only 8 violins, 3 violas, 5 cellos, and 2 double bases in an ensemble of 39, over 200 audience members attend.
• June 16, 2008 Rehearsals begin for second concert. Over 60 musicians attend.
• September 6, 2008 First LGBTQ orchestra elected into the Lesbian and Gay Band Association.
• September 13, 2008 First performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Concert sells out.
• January 2009 Received 501(c)3 non-profit status. BARS musicians march in the first LGBTQ contingent of the presidential inauguration parade with the Lesbian and Gay Band Association.
• June 2009 Daniel Canosa takes the baton as first Artistic Director.
• November 2009 Drum Drive fundraising campaign launched for acquisition of timpani and other percussion equipment.
• March 2010 BARS first collaboration with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
• March 2011 In just 1.5 years, BARS raises funds and purchases timpani. Jessica Bejarano is named BARS first assistant condcutor.
• April 2011 Founder and Executive Director Ian Harwood is named a League of American Orchestras Management Fellow. Tyler Wanshura is selected as BARS next Executive Director.
• May 2011 BARS introduces Lauren Brown as it’s first Front of House Manager.
• June 2012 BARS announces a Guest Conductor season where four finalist candidates audition to be BARS next Artistic Director.
• December 2012 BARS makes it debut at Davies Symphony Hall in collaboration with the SF Gay Men’s Chorus.

Link to History of Pieces Performed by BARS