NOI+F Conversation: From Obergefell v. Hodges to Now: A Conversation on LGBTQ+ Rights & Resilience
NOI+F Conversation: From Obergefell v. Hodges to Now: A Conversation on LGBTQ+ Rights & Resilience
About the Event
Nearly 10 years ago on June 26, 2015, the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision secured the right to same-sex marriage–a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ people in America. Trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community unite in this panel discussion to explore the journey leading to that decision, the personal stories that shaped the movement and the evolving challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community.
Immediately following the panel, join us for the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic’s concert that includes the world premiere of composer Viet Cuong's orchestral version of John and Jim. Originally composed for band, this playfully melodic composition centers on the relationship of John Arthur and Jim Obergefell, the titular plaintiff of the Obergefell v. Hodges 2015 Supreme Court decision. This new transcript of John and Jim for full orchestra, commissioned exclusively by NOI+F, will debut nearly ten years to the day after the passing of that highly influential case.
Panelists
Jim Obergefell • Activist
Monica Stevens Yorkman • Activist
Lee Blinder • Executive Director, Trans Maryland
The Hon. Heather Mizeur • Founder, WeAreOne Alliance
Dr. Kristopher Oliveria • Director, UMD LGBTQ+ Equity Center
Funding
The National Orchestral Institute + Festival is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation and the Nicolae Bretan Music Foundation.
About NOI+F
This event is part of Clarice Presents' National Orchestral Institute + Festival (NOI+F). NOI+F brings together aspiring orchestral musicians from across the country for a month of dynamic music-making and professional exploration. Chosen through a rigorous, cross-country audition process, these young artists present passionate and thrilling performances of adventurous repertoire at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (The Clarice).
Internationally recognized conducting luminary Marin Alsop was appointed first-ever music director of the National Orchestral Institute + Festival in 2020. As music director, Alsop leads the NOI+F Conducting Academy and conducts multiple concerts at The Clarice each June.
NOI+F entered into a partnership with Naxos Records that has already produced six albums, including a GRAMMY nomination in the category of “Best Orchestral Performance” in 2018.
