Exploring a tradition of gay music in Oakland

Jonathan Blalock is the tenor on “Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.” Jonathan Blalock is the tenor on “Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.” Photo: Tom Hafner Photo: Tom Hafner Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Exploring a tradition of gay music in Oakland 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

One of the more compelling programming initiatives to have emerged from local orchestras in recent years is the “Notes From” series presented by Michael Morgan and the Oakland Symphony. Each program — “Notes From Vietnam,” “Notes From Persia,” and so forth — throws a spotlight on a particular musical culture.

Well, cultures need not be defined geographically, as this weekend’s “Pride and Prejudice: Notes From LGBTQ” argues. With Michelle Meow as emcee, Morgan will give the world premiere of “With the Right Music,” a song cycle commissioned from composers Tim Rosser and Charlie Sohne.

Other LGBTQ composers on the program include Britten — whose “Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings” will feature tenor Jonathan Blalock and hornist Meredith Brown — as well as Jennifer Higdon and Samuel Barber.

— Joshua Kosman

Oakland Symphony: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. $25-$90. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 444-0801. www.oaklandsymphony.org