Philadelphia Orchestra Pride Concert Goes Ahead Despite NEA Revoking Grant

A number of donations, both from philanthropists and the community, allowed the much-loved tradition to proceed

The Philadelphia Orchestra was able to proceed with its concert in celebration of Pride on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, after its community came together to donate the money lost when the Trump administration revoked the orchestra's $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The funding for the concert was brought about through the goodwill of the orchestra's staff, supporters, and concertgoers. Philanthropist James F. Dougherty decided that he would match all donations made to the cause (up to a capped amount of $100,000), up until June 30.

In addition, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin agreed to donate his fee for the night towards the running of the concert.

The orchestra invited six singers from its recent Wagner concert to stay on for the Pride event, including Freddie Ballentine, who sang Jerry Herman's "I Am What I Am."

Four community choirs also took part: the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Philadelphia Voices of Pride, and Transcendent Choir of Philadelphia. The evening was hosted by local drag queen and singer Martha Graham Cracker.

"What makes this concert — what makes this month of Pride so great is how it brings us all together to celebrate who we are and what we are," Martha Graham Cracker said on stage at the concert. "And that love trumps hate."

"Let me rephrase. Love beats hate."

"Our vision here at Ensemble Arts in Philly is to be a place that is welcoming and open to all Philadelphians," said Ryan Fleur, President and CEO of Ensemble Arts and the Philadelphia Orchestra. "We know that we lean into being an organization that is authentic and inclusive."