Projects

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Collaboration

As their first community venture, OUT Ensemble presented La cheminée du roi René by Darius Milhaud at a children’s event hosted by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. An instrument petting zoo followed the performance, which was a partnership with the Berlin Philharmonic Brass Quartet.

Threads Woven Concert

Composer Rj Dion organized the Threads Woven concert as a resource fair for the University of Michigan community to learn more about LGBTQ+ mental health resources. OUT Ensemble premiered his work my moment passed in collaboration with the Lauren Blair Smith Dance Company.

WorldPride Concert Series

From June 1st through 5th, 2025, OUT Ensemble travels to Washington, D.C. to perform a series of concerts during the World Pride celebrations in the city. There, OUT Ensemble will perform with the Gay Men’s Chorus at St. Thomas Parish for the D.C. premiere of Dominick DiOrio’s Our Wildest Imaginings on June 1st, perform at a reception for the Human Rights Conference on June 4th, and participate as members of the International Pride Orchestra on their June 5th performance at the Strathmore. See the events page for more details.

Queer and Now Concert Series

This October, OUT Ensemble premieres their first commission, Dreaming In Color, composed by fellow University of Michigan student Mary Denney. This multi-movement work for wind quintet and fixed media focuses on the intersection of music and queer identity. Performed at partner organizations throughout the Ann Arbor community, the concert series highlights the work of contemporary queer composers in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month.