THORGY AND THE THORCHESTRA WILL MAKE U.S. PREMIERE WITH THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN JUNE
March 28, 2019
PITTSBURGH, PA—Bringing together classical music lovers and drag lovers into one room, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announces that Thorgy and the Thorchestra will make its U.S. premiere with the symphony on June 27, 2019 at Heinz Hall at 7:30PM.
The fabulous Thorgy Thor, famed worldwide from the hit shows “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Drag Me Down the Aisle,” joins the symphony for what is sure to be a thrilling, thoughtful and hilariously theatrical show. Known as the reigning, “Queen of Classical Music, Thorgy (THOR-jee) Thor wields her "outrageous fashion sense, razor-sharp wit and virtuoso classical chops" for a not-to-be-missed performance. The show is expected to combine live violin and cello from Thorgy, the symphony, "kooky ideas," and an eclectic set list derived from compositions spanning hundreds of years.
"I can't wait to bring my Thorchestra to Pittsburgh," said Thor in a special video message she shared with audiences on the symphony’s Facebook page. “We’re going to do a sing-along. I think I’ll do a walk-off with a live orchestra playing. Sounds like a lot of fun – I can’t wait to see you there!”
“Thorgy and the Thorchestra” made its debut with Symphony Nova Scotia in 2018 with two sold out shows and rave reviews. The concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra coincides with national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride month, celebrated each year in the month of June with Pride parades, workshops and concerts.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 29th at 10:00AM and range from $35-$150 (VIP)
This performance will include some mature themes; audience discretion is advised.
About the Artists
THORGY THOR is a New York City based drag performance artist, professional musician, and event host. Since appearing on Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars Season 3, Brooklyn’s fashion clown has been traveling the world, bringing to audiences her trademark wit, sense of humor, and musical charm. Over the last few years, Thorgy Thor has had the pleasure of playing violin with many recording artists including NYC legend Joey Arias, as well as performing with over six major orchestras, gracing the stages of Town Hall NYC, Le Poisson Rouge, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
Thor uses unconventional recording materials and music to create unique performances for theater, video, cabaret, and for nightlife entertainment. An explosive performer who loves to lip-sync just as much as creating collaborative performance art that mashes together drag, music and comedy.
After spending his early years studying violin, viola and cello, Thor earned a dual degree in Violin and Viola Performance. While studying at Hartt School of Music and Purchase Conservatory, Thorgy also earned an honorary degree in Drag Ridiculousness, performing his original works of art entitled Maitri and Pocket to Pocket. Thor also starred in theater productions of Bad Splices and Psycho Beach Party. Moving to Brooklyn in 2006, Thor exploded in nightclubs, theater projects, street performances and photo series throughout Brooklyn and NYC. He has since been nominated for numerous awards presented by the Glam Awards, Get Out Awards, Odyssey Magazine Awards, and the Brooklyn Nightlife Awards, winning the LEGEND award and taking home Best Group Show of the Year award at the Brooklyn Nightlife Awards and the Glam Awards, respectively. Thorgy has appeared on Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle, where he showcased his violin skills in drag. As a part of multiple “Haters Roast” and other comedy tours, Thor secured himself as a comedic powerhouse in the world of drag. Thor’s comedic prowess also secured her a role, alongside Sally Struthers and Bonnie Milligan, in the new musical, “Oh My God, Broadway,” which debuted in late 2018.
The 2018 GRAMMY Award-winning PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, known for its artistic excellence for more than 120 years, is credited with a rich history of the world's finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. Past music directors have included Fritz Reiner (1938-1948), William Steinberg (1952-1976), Andre Previn (1976-1984), Lorin Maazel (1984-1996) and Mariss Jansons (1995-2004). This tradition of outstanding international music directors was furthered in fall 2008, when Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony. The orchestra has been at the forefront of championing new American works and gave the first performance of Leonard Bernstein's Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" in 1944 and John Adams' Short Ride in a Fast Machine in 1986. The Pittsburgh Symphony has a long and illustrious history in the areas of recordings and radio concerts. Its "Pittsburgh Live!" series with Reference Recordings has resulted in back-to-back Grammy Nominations in 2015 and 2016. As early as 1936, the Pittsburgh Symphony broadcast on the airwaves coast-to-coast and in the late 1970s it made the ground-breaking PBS series "Previn and the Pittsburgh." The orchestra has received increased national attention since 1982 through network radio broadcasts on Public Radio International, produced by Classical WQED-FM 89.3, made possible by the musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. With a long and distinguished history of touring both domestically and overseas since 1900 — including international tours to Europe, the Far East and South America—the Pittsburgh Symphony continues to be critically acclaimed as one of the world's greatest orchestras.
HEINZ HALL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is owned and operated by Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc., a non-profit organization, and is the year-round home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The cornerstone of Pittsburgh's Cultural District, Heinz Hall hosts many events that do not feature its world-renowned Orchestra including Broadway shows, popular touring artists, comedians, speakers and much more. For a full calendar of upcoming non-symphony events at the hall, visit heinzhall.org.
Media Contacts
Julie Goetz | Director of Communications
jgoetz@pittsburghsymphony.org | 412.392.4866