Queering the Air—A Quintessentially Queer Concert Series presented by SUM gallery

Feb 11 – Mar 11, 2022

SUM gallery is proud to present our first Queering the Air concert series: music that presents the many sides of queerness, from darkest introspection to the most radiant joy. We launch this series with renowned Two-Spirit baritone Jonathon Adams in a special concert at the Bill Reid Gallery; The McGregor-Verdejo Duo takes us back to SUM gallery with music inspired by isolation, love, and loss; Sarah Jo Kirsch introduces us to the Romantic non-binary muse, Mignon; and concluding our series, Sex Lives of Vegetables: Music of Leslie Uyeda, an evening of dazzling vocal music by the composer who gave us the world’s first lesbian opera. 

Concert schedule:

Feb 11, 7:30pm | In Darkness: Lute Songs of John Dowland Celebrated baritone Jonathon Adams and lutenist Lucas Harris give a special performance at the Bill Reid Gallery, co-presented with Müzewest Concerts. Hosted by Bill Reid Gallery, 639 Hornby St., Vancouver SOLD OUT

Feb 18, 7:30pm | McGregor-Verdejo Duo The Vancouver flute & guitar duo present a program of queer longing and isolation with music by Matthew-John Knights, Rodney Sharman, Hiroki Tsurumoto, and Gabriella Yorke. Hosted by SUM gallery, #425 – 268 Keefer St., Vancouver

Feb 25, 7:30pm | Mignon Mignon, a non-binary icon of German Romanticism, is brought to life through the music of Zelter, Schubert, Schumann, and Wolf, performed by soprano Sarah Jo Kirsch and pianist Tina Chang. Hosted by SUM gallery, #425 – 268 Keefer St., Vancouver

Mar 11, 7:30pm | Sex Lives of Vegetables: Music of Leslie Uyeda The scandalous, gorgeous, and profound vocal music of Leslie Uyeda, featuring soprano Heather Pawsey, clarinetist AK Coope, and pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa.Hosted by SUM gallery, #425 – 268 Keefer St., Vancouver


These concerts are being presented in adherence to current provincial guidelines regarding health and safety. In-person attendance will be limited and socially distanced. Mask wearing and presentation of vaccine passports will be mandatory.

Read the press release for Queering the Air.

Promotional artwork: When Trees Are Alone by Holly Steele