Dr. Rizwan Jagani is an American violist of Indian and Pakistani heritage based in the Washington DC Area. He is an accomplished multi-genre solo artist, orchestral musician, and chamber musician.
Dr. Jagani has performed with Grammy Award-winning artists Dwight Yoakam, Burna Boy, and Indigo Girls. He recently performed alongside musicians of the Kuwait National Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, as a member of the International Pride Orchestra in collaboration with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and will be returning for his seventh year to the classical music festival in Eisenstat Austria. this will be third year serving as principal Viola of the Orchestra. He is also a member of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.
He recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Catholic University of America. When he is not playing Viola, he loves watching Broadway shows, fitness, traveling, and all things gluten-free.
Rizwan first came out publicly in a very brave post at the onset of Ramadan in 2023. We talked about what life has been like since coming out and how he’s navigated his queer life while staying true to his Muslim faith and culture. Rizwan gives us updates on how he’s grown into his Queerness, while maintaining his own individuality, the evolution of his relationship with himself and his family. He gives a very insightful perspective on what acceptance means. His growth has reflected his choice of where he finds his safe spaces, Rizwan offers me great advice on how to handle a situation with a family member at an upcoming wedding where I felt I was asked to make myself less visibly Queer to avoid drama. We also talk about his love life and his obsession with Tony award winner Nicole Scherzinger.
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