April 10, 2022
A friend and I went to Symphony Space last night to attend CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS. HENCO ESPAG is the musical director of The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band. Also, he’s a dear friend and Judson Memorial Church’s musical director. The man is a ball of energy usually in glimmering color. I lost count last night but the Symphonic Band has more than 200 musicians. Providing a friendly and supportive environment is part of their mission. It was evident throughout the performance whether in costume (chickens, lions, an elephant or two) or in customary clothes. After each performance Conductor Espag and Assistant Conductor Ringer were quick to acknowledge specific musicians and the entire band. In addition to selections from Saint-Saëns’s “Carnival Of The Animals”, we were treated to “The Chronicles of Narnia” and the premiere performance of Salvador Alan Jacobo’s “The Hourglass”.
Members of the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band