the LGBTubenQuintet
The Lawrence Graduate Bayreuth Tuben Quintet is a tuben horn quintet that, fluid by design and inclination, is comprised of at least six members who identify as, know, or would like to know, someone who is LGBTQ+.
the LGBTubenquintet
queering wagner
The tuben horn (often referred to as the “Wagner tuba”) is an orchestral misfit, approximately the size and shape of a euphonium but played with a French horn mouthpiece. In recent years, the instrument has been featured in scores for video games and adventure films but otherwise, tuben horns, usually found in sets of four, take up space in instrument lockers in symphony halls until dusted off for the yearly Wagnerian blow-out.
That is until 2019, when a group of new-music French horn superstars decided to take up the cause of the neglected instrument in the form of the Lawrence Graduate Bayreuth Tuben Quintet. Current members include founder Ann Ellsworth, renowned soloist and recording artist, John Gattis, known for his work with Wavefield Ensemble, Kyra Sims, New York’s premiere comedian horn player, Leander Star, horn player with the new music wind quintet The City of Tomorrow, and Lydia Van Dreel, horn professor at the University of Oregon.
In May of 2022, The Lawrence Graduate Bayreuth Tuben Quintet released their eponymous debut album. The record features world premiere recordings of Rei Coman’s “Gaelic Call,” commissioned by the ensemble as well as adapted works by Eve Beglarian, John Cage, Moondog, Arvo Pärt, and Alex Temple.
Informed by their decidedly un-Wagnerian values of inclusivity, diversity, and visibility, the LGBTuben Quintet aims to build and expand the cannon for their flexible ensemble and advance a non-hierarchical agenda that includes affecting positive social change and creating broader representation for the historically underrepresented.
Support us today with a donation! Your donation helps to fund our tours, recordings, and general operating expenses.
Our album is now on vinyl!
Our eponymous 1st album is now available as a donation gift!
If you’ve always wanted to hear the world’s first, only, and greatest Wagner Tuba Quintet spin on your LP player in hot pink vinyl, now is your chance!
upcoming events
2025 is going to be an exciting year for LGBTubens!
March 1, 2025
western illinois university
recital and master class
April 25-27
northwest horn symposium
Hosted by the University of Oregon horn studio, this weekend will feature the LGBTubenQuintet and much, much more! Come back for updates
2024 EVENTS
International Women’s Brass Conference 2024 – Mito, Japan
We were honored to perform and present at IWBC in Mito, Japan in August, 2024!
PACIFIC NORTHWEST TOUR
performance at Portland State University MARCH 9
performance and presentation at University of Washington FEBRUARY 27
performance and panel discussion at University of Oregon MARCH 8
this performance is part of the Center for the Study of Women in Society’s 50th anniversary celebration!
2023 events
midwest tour
performances and master classes at
Lawrence Conservatory, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Oberlin Conservatory
January 4-12, 2023
new recording project
We have recorded the bulk of our 2nd album — release date is TBD. Check back for more info soon!
work in progress
IHS 55
We were honored to perform at the 55th annual International Horn Symposium!
montreal, quebec
July 24 – 29, 2023
Northwestern University New Music Conference April 21-23, 2023
We performed Alex Temple’s Thick Line on April 23 at NUNC!
