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Deep Dive: Disruptor Conductor (2019)

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Disruptor Conductor
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the first openly gay Black conductor in Canada, shares his transformative experience with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in this documentary. The film follows his efforts to bring classical music to marginalized communities, emphasizing the unifying power of music across various identities. It features his concerts in a women’s prison and his collaboration with Thorgy Thor, a classically trained violinist and drag performer, to create Canada’s first orchestral drag show. Bartholomew-Poyser's personal journey with his sexuality informs his mission to uplift others through music. The film captures his passion for connecting with people who identify as “different,” showcasing how he uses classical music as a medium for inclusion and empowerment. His work with diverse audiences demonstrates the potential of music to transcend barriers of race, class, and gender.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, a trailblazing conductor.
  • •See the first orchestral drag show in Canada.
  • •Follow Bartholomew-Poyser's concerts in a women’s prison.

Did You Know

•Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is the first openly gay Black conductor in Canada.
•He conducted concerts in a women’s prison as part of his outreach.
•The documentary features the first orchestral drag show in Canada.

Perfect For

Classical music loversLGBTQ+ representationCultural inclusivity