UNO’s Professor of Flute, Christine Beard, traveled to Washington, D.C., to perform as a member of the National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir from May 30-June 1 as part of the 2025 World Pride festivities. Established in 2022 by Dr. Vincenzo Volpe, the National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir was first conceived as part of the National Flute Association’s annual convention. A proud and devoted ally, Dr. Beard has been one of the 2 piccolo players in the ensemble since 2023. World Pride marks the first time the ensemble has performed outside the NFA Convention, with 4 concerts over 3 days at the famed Cooledge Auditorium in the Library of Congress, the Strathmore grounds, the Swedish Embassy, and the National Gallery of Art.

The ensemble’s program featured compositions by LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized composers, many of which were written in response to current events, including a piece honoring the vicitms of the Club Q shooting in Colorado, a fanfare in homage to Harvey Milk, and a world premiere for which the inspiration and title is quoted from Kamala Harris’ concession speech in 2024.

Visit https://vincenzogvolpe.com/national-lgbtqia-flute-choir/ for photos and videos of the ensemble. Visit www.christiebeard.net for a calendar of Dr. Beard’s upcoming engagements.