Alongside uplifting queer composers of the past, OUT highlights new works by contemporary composers. Three 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 historic Hill Auditorium, the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, and at the Hands-On Museum, the latter being 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 Imagining 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.

OUT Ensemble is incredibly grateful to their mentor Dr. Bill King for his guidance and support. Additional mentors include Chad Burrow, Matt Albert, Gunnery Sergeant Kristin Bowers, and Jennifer Higdon.