The Queer Chorus of San Francisco (QCSF), the nation’s first openly LGBTQ+ choral ensemble, invites transgender composers to apply for a new commission opportunity for our 2026–2027 season. This initiative reflects QCSF’s ongoing commitment to amplifying trans voices and expanding the choral repertoire with works that reflect the richness and diversity of our community. The selected composer(s) will receive a commission to create a new choral work, 5 minutes maximum duration, to be premiered in San Francisco during QCSF’s Pride Concert, June 2027. We welcome submissions from emerging and established composers of all styles and backgrounds.
Eligibility
Open to composers who identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-expansive
No age or geographic restrictions
Submission Requirements:
A brief statement of interest (300 words max) describing your artistic vision, your approach to scoring for trans voices, and how your work engages with queer and trans identity, history, or expression.
1–2 representative scores and recordings (MIDI realizations accepted)
CV or résumé (optional)
Timeline
Submission deadline: September 15, 2026, Composer announced: October 15, 2026, Premiere: June 2027 (specific date available soon).
CompensationThe commissioned composer will receive an honorarium of $1300 as well as travel support if applicable. Awardees shall compose a piece written for flexible SATB voicing, a cappella or with piano accompaniment, 5 minutes or less in length, using a secular text for which the composer has written or has secured copyright clearance.
Judging Guidelines
The selection committee consists of Artistic Director Michael Kerschner and QCSF's Artistic Advisory Committee. Whenever possible, submissions will be evaluated through a blind review process to ensure a fair and equitable selection.
In evaluating proposals, the committee will prioritize works that center and celebrate transgender artistic voices, demonstrate originality and creative risk-taking, and offer compelling musical experiences for both singers and audiences. Particular consideration will be given to compositions that thoughtfully explore choral voicing, enrich the contemporary choral repertoire, and have the potential for a meaningful performance life beyond their world premiere.
Evaluation Criteria:
Artistic Vision & Originality: 25%, Choral Writing & Vocal Craft: 50%, Feasibility & Performance Potential: 25%
Queer Chorus of San Francisco
Reflecting the diversity of our community, the Queer Chorus of San Francisco entertains and inspires through music.
Reflecting the diversity of our community, the Queer Chorus of San Francisco entertains and inspires through music.
Coming Up
Noe Valley Ministry
1021 Sanchez Street
San Francisco, CA
June 12 @ 7:30 PM
Liberation is at the heart of queer music-making — the freedom to sing our truths, to live without apology, and to rise together in harmony. From protest chants to queer anthems, in this concert, our chorus sings songs of queer resilience and trans liberation. Join us for this joyful call for a world where every body is free.
Sparkle Season
Our 2025-2026 season is all about sparkle—that unmistakable shimmer queer communities bring to the world, even in the face of challenge. Our concerts celebrate the ways we’ve always sparkled: on disco floors that pulsed with freedom, in cabaret clubs where defiance glittered under the lights, with anthems that fueled marches of protests, and in the brilliant new works of queer composers writing today.
We sing to honor our past, to shine through adversity, and to celebrate the radiance of our community. Thank you for being here to sparkle with us—together, we make the music shine brighter.
Freedom in the Dark
October 24th & 25, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Community Music Center
An act of joy, protest and belonging, dance is at the heart of queer life —from ballroom to the club floor, movement has been our sanctuary and our revolution. In this concert, our chorus celebrates the dance floors that have held us together in song and in motion.
Love Bites: Emo Prom
February 6th & 7th, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
518 Valencia
A goth-tinged, emo-inspired cabaret, filled with longing, defiance, and love. Dress dark, shine bright, and celebrate the power of music to validate every emotion. Be ready to feel, swoon, and sing along.
QUEERTOPIA
June 12, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
Noe Valley Ministry
Liberation is at the heart of queer music-making — the freedom to sing our truths, to live without apology, and to rise together in harmony. From protest chants to queer anthems, in this concert, our chorus sings songs of queer resilience and trans liberation. Join us for this joyful call for a world where every body is free.
Sing with us!
The Queer Chorus of San Francisco is always looking for talented, dedicated performers to become part of our wonderfully quirky family. If you are looking for a diverse community with whom you can share your creativity and vocal ability, QCSF has a home for you.
We’ve Changed!
QCSF was formerly known as the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco.
By a vote of the membership, we renamed our chorus to the Queer Chorus of San Francisco. The new name was selected in 2022 for being inclusive, being "out," and for celebrating our city.