The following ensembles were recipients of Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy Performance Grants for 2024 – 2026:

Boston Landmarks Orchestra offers free outdoor concerts throughout the summer, consistently featuring music by women and BIPOC composers. In 2023, this included the monumentally important “Seen-Unseen: The Symphonic Legacy of Black American Women.” Music Director Christopher Wilkins shares the podium with young guest conductors and the orchestra offers robust music classes for young people.

Denver Young Artists Orchestra is led by Music Director Wilbur Lin, who is committed to reinvigorating and re-energizing the orchestral tradition. DYAO are committed to diverse programming on every program, as well as to including offbeat selections by well-known composers. The young musicians of the three orchestras of the DYAO Association are excited by their role in pioneering (re)discoveries and righting historic injustices, as well as by the musical excellence of their performances.

Horizon Ensemble, a community orchestra founded in Boston in 2021, programs new and recent music by young composers alongside historic rediscoveries and other adventurous works of the past. All of their concerts stream live and are available on their YouTube channel. Founder and Music Director Julian Gau creates a welcoming environment, with interactive concerts and “Pay what you want” pricing.

Seattle Philharmonic, a community orchestra, is dedicated to illuminating both hidden historic gems and recent works, with the aim always to present the best possible music, familiar and unfamiliar. For instance, Music Director Adam Stern has championed composer Ruth Gipps (1921–1999), giving US premieres of several of her works, and a recent concert included the violin concerto by Serbian Isidora Žebeljan, her final work before her death at age 54 in 2020.

Worthington Chamber Orchestra, with Music Director Dr. Antoine T. Clark, places a mission-based emphasis on supporting unjustly neglected and overlooked repertoire in addition to programming new works, for instance by Jessie Montgomery and Korine Fujiwara, and the US premiere of a work by composer Ljubica Marić (1909-2003). The orchestra engages with the community through a range of educational initiatives.

The following ensembles were recipients of Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy Performance Grants for 2023 – 2025:

The Akron Symphony Orchestra has engaged in a monumental project of uncovering the music of composer Julia Perry (1924-1979) who lived much of her life in Akron. By revealing and performing this amazing “hidden figure,” they emphasize that Black Lives do indeed Matter, a realization that is bound to have waves of positive impact on the entire community.  

The Portland Youth Philharmonic has an impressive record of programming large-scale works by women, such as their performance of Amy Beach’s Symphony in E minor op. 32 (Gaelic). In the past five years PYP has programmed five major symphonic works by women as the primary centerpiece of the concert. A pandemic project was an innovative commissioning program of 30 new works by people of color and women for small ensembles that could be performed and recorded remotely.  

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras have an impressive commitment to a diverse range of repertoire, including historic rarities such as Emilie Mayer: Symphony No. 7 in F Minor, I. Allegro agitato (1856)  – Mayer’s music is just beginning to be discovered in the U.S. They also have a strong program of performing new works and commissions and performed the Midwest premiere of Vivian Fung’s Trumpet Concerto, a work written for alum Mary Elizabeth Bowden.

Chamber Orchestra of the Springs will be celebrating their 40th season in 2023-24, and have shown a deep commitment to diverse repertoire throughout their history. In addition to programming at least one historic or contemporary work by a woman per concert, the organization is committed to accessible programming, offering a “pay what you can” model, to remove the financial barrier to accessing great music.  

Seattle Collaborative Orchestra  offers a new model for what orchestral ensembles can be – diverse, multigenerational, and an educational opportunity for seasoned professionals as well as those early in their careers. Founded by conductor Dr. Anna Edwards in response to the lack of diversity in repertoire and in musicians, the ensemble regularly features works by up-and-coming composers, works by underrepresented historic composers, and promotes diversity and equity in all aspects of the organization.  

Find below a listing of ensembles who were awarded Performance Grants under the previous program and the pieces performed.

ComposerWorkEnsemble
Amick, LeighaAdagio Dolce IIGreater Boulder Youth Orchestra, 2014
Andree, ElfridaConcerto Overture in D MajorBay Area Rainbow Symphony, 2016
Assad, Clarice[New Commission]San Jose Chamber Orchestra, 2012
Assad, ClaricePercussion ConcertoCabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, 2017
Assad, ClariceScattered: Concerto for Scat Singing, Piano, and OrchestraBay Area Rainbow Symphony, 2017
Auerbach, LeraRequiem for IcarusLouisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, 2015
Bauer, MarionSun SplendorPortland Youth Philharmonic, 2015
Beach, AmySymphony in E Minor, op. 32 (Gaelic)Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Green Mountain Youth Symphony, 2012
Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2014
Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island, 2015
Bangor Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Symphony Orchestra Augusta, 2016
Westminster Community Orchestra, 2016
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra, 2017
Boston Landmarks Orchestra, 2017
Beach, AmyThe Chambered NautilusWartburg Chamber Orchestra, 2012
Bell, ElizabethConcertino for Chamber OrchestraNorth/South Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Bielawa, LisaThe Right Weather: StartOrchestra of the League of Composers, 2016
Block, Olivia[New Work]Chicago Composers Orchestra, 2015
Bloomer Deussen, NancyAmerican HymnFlorida Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2017
Bloomer Deussen, NancyPeninsula SuiteNational String Symphonia, 2017
Bonacich, June[New Commission]Community Women's Orchestra, 2016
Bonacich, JuneLife in the Produce AisleCommunity Women's Orchestra, 2015
Bond, VictoriaDreams of FlyingOrchestra Miami, 2012
Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island, 2015
Bonis, MelSuite en forme de valsesLake Superior Chamber Orchestra, 2014
Burlington Chamber Orchestra, 2017
Boulanger, Lili"Du fond de l'abîme" : Psaume 130 : for contralto, tenor, chorus, organ, and orchestraCornell Orchestra, 2015
Boulanger, LiliD'un main de printempsOva Novi Ensemble (ONE), 2012
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, 2014
Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island, 2014
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra, 2014
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, 2015
Boulanger, LiliD'un soir tristeOva Novi Ensemble (ONE), 2012
Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island, 2014
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra, 2014
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, 2015
Boulanger, NadiaFantasme pour piano et orchestreSymphony Orchestra Augusta, 2016
Bradfish, BethFanfare for Orchestra, Electronics, and Audience ParticipationChicago Composers Orchestra, 2017
Brouwer, MargaretPluto and StardanceWillamette Falls Symphony, 2016
Bryan, CourtneySanctumAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2014
Bryant, AlexandraStrange AttractorsTacoma Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Busier-Blais, Lydia[New Commission]Green Mountain Youth Symphony, 2012
Carey, Julia ScottWieglaBoston Civic Orchestra, 2012
Carreno, TeresaAndante con larghezzoThe Dream Unfinished, 2017
Carwithen, DoreenConcerto for Piano and StringsUrban Playground Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Carwithen, DoreenSuffolk SuiteUrban Playground Chamber Orchestra, 2016
Chavez, MariaTBDOrchestra of St. Luke's, 2014
Chen YiCelebration for OrchestraEl Camino Youth Symphony, 2012
Chen YiConcertino for Violin and OrchestraKennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Chen YiMount a Long WindColumbia Orchestra, 2012
Chen, CarolynTBDSymphony Number One, 2016
Chen, Hsin-LeiTBAGeorgia Tech Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Chusmir Shapiro, Marsha[New Commission]South Florida Youth Ensemble, 2012
Clarke, Rebecca (arr. by J. Ellenberger)Poem for String QuartetBar Harbor Festival String Orchestra, 2016
Clarke, Rebecca (orch. by Ruth Lomon)Viola SonataGrassRoots Festival Orchestra, 2015
Clement, ShreeStories I Cannot Tell YouOrchestra of the League of Composers, 2016
Clyne, Anna<American Youth Symphony, 2012
Clyne, AnnaRiftCabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, 2015
Clyne, AnnaWithin Her ArmsUrban Playground Chamber Orchestra, 2017
Cooley, EmilyRender and ReachEastern Connecticut Symphony, 2012
Cotton, I'lanaCantusRogue Valley Symphony, 2016
Crawford Seeger, RuthAndante for StringsEnsemble Tremblay, 2016
D'Ercole, KendraWie die Blätter des Herbstes herabfallenChattanooga Symphony and Opera, 2015
Davidson, TinaBarefootLancaster Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Davidson, TinaFiddler's DelightOregon Pro Arte, 2012
Davidson, TinaFirst LightOregon Pro Arte, 2012
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Day, SusanFlightDenver Young Artists Orchestra, 2016
Denisch, Beth[New Commission]MAYO Symphony, 2015
Draper, NatalieTBDSymphony Number One, 2015
Durate, LeonoraSinfoniaSonnambula, 2016
Esmail, Reena[New Commission]American Composers Orchestra, 2015
Farrenc, LouiseOverture for Orchestra, No. 1, op. 23, in E minorBay Area Rainbow Symphony, 2015
Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Community Women's Orchestra, 2015
Farrenc, LouiseSymphony No. 3Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Fei, Wu[New Work]Intersection, 2016
Foin, EricaQuintessenceNew Philharmonia Orchestra, 2012
Frank, Gabriela Lena [New Commission]Orchestra of St. Luke's, 2014
Frank, Gabriela LenaConcertino CusquenoOakland Symphony, 2015
Frank, Gabriela LenaRequiem for a Magical America: El Dia de los MuertosCornell Orchestra, 2015
Frank, Garbriela LenaThree Latin American DancesFresno Philharmonic, 2014
Gates, DorothyTrombone ConcertoRiver Oaks Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Ginther, Kathleen[New Commission]Chicago Composers Orchestra, 2015
Ginther, KathleenThe Merchant's WifeChicago Composers Orchestra, 2014
Gipps, RuthSymphony No. 2Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, 2017
Glanville-Hicks, PeggyGymnopedie No. 1 for Strings, Harp, and Oboe (1934)Ensemble Tremblay, 2016
Grzesik, AshiaPronto do Nieba (Simply to Heaven)Salem Chamber Orchestra, 2014
Grzesik, AshiaMy RockSalem Chamber Orchestra, 2014
Guzzo, AnneFanfare for Mountains and PeaceNew York Repertory Orchestra, 2012
Harberg, AmandaConcerto for Viola and OrchestraNew Jersey Youth Symphony, 2012
Harberg, AmandaPrayerSusquehanna Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Harrison, PamelaA Suite for TimothyNational String Symphonia, 2016
Harrison, HollyFiddleSticks!Georgia Tech Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Helms, JarjanSeven Ascents for Flute & OrchestraLansing Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Henson-Conant, DeborahConcerto DoblesGrand Junction Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Hester Park, MariaConcerto for Pianoforte or HarpsichordSymphony of the City of New York, 2015
Higdon, JenniferAll Things MajesticNashville Symphony, 2014
Higdon, JenniferBlue CathedralLouisiana Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra, 2012
Young People's Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Flagstaff Symphony, 2015
Oakland Symphony, 2017
Higdon, JenniferConcerto for OrchestraWheeling Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Higdon, JenniferDance CardNew Century Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Chicago Sinfonietta, 2016
California Chamber Orchestra, 2017
Higdon, JenniferDances for Chamber OrchestraRiver Oaks Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Higdon, JenniferDooryard BloomBay Area Rainbow Symphony, 2015
Higdon, JenniferOboe ConcertoGeorgia Tech Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Higdon, JenniferRapid FireVenice Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Higdon, JenniferSkylineCincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2012
Higdon, JenniferViola ConcertoCurtis Institue of Music, 2014
Nashville Symphony, 2014
Higdon, JenniferViolin ConcertoChattanooga Symphony and Opera, 2014
Hopekirk, HelenConcertstuck for Piano and OrchestraChicago Composers Orchestra, 2014
Horst, Martha[New Commission]Chicago Composers Orchestra, 2014
Howe, MaryStarsFlagstaff Symphony, 2014
Ingram, KarenaTBDSymphony Number One, 2016
Jacquet de la Guerre, ElizabethSuite from Ballet Cephalic et ProcrisFour Season Orchestra, 2014
Jaffe, Jill"look sea, he lives"Bar Harbor Festival String Orchestra, 2014
Jie, WangOboe Concerto for the Genuine Hearts of SadnessOrchestra of the League of Composers, 2012
Jie, WangFive Faces of JoyLake Superior Chamber Orchestra, 2014
Jie, WangRomeo and Juliet a ToiletteLake Superior Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Jolley, JenniferSpielzeug StrassenbahnUrban Playground Chamber Orchestra, 2017
Jolley, JenniferThe Ferry CrossingCentral Ohio Symphony, 2015
Kaprálová, Vítězslava Suite Rustica, Op. 19Eastern Connecticut Symphony, 2015
Karpman, Laura"Sea Goddess"Pacific Symphony, 2014
Karpman, LauraSiren SongsBay Area Rainbow Symphony, 2016
Kaye, DebraIKARUSPortland Youth Philharmonic, 2016
Kirkland Snider, SarahHiraethPrinceton Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Ko, ToniaStrange Sounds and Explosions WorldwideNew York Youth Symphony, 2015
Koh, Emilyin-retro | re-intros;spectBoston New Music Initiative, Inc., 2012
Kramarchuk, Katerina[New Commission]Curtis 20/21 Ensemble, 2012
Kuster, Kristin[New Commission]Greater Boulder youth Orchestras, 2012
Kuster, KristinRibbon EarthHartford Independent Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Larsen, Libby[New Commission]North State Symphony, 2015
Larsen, LibbyFour on the FloorVirginia Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Larsen, LibbySong - Dances to the LightMacon Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2014
Larsen, LibbyString Symphony (Symphony No. 4)National String Symphonia, 2016
Lash, HannahThis EaseEastern Connecticut Symphony, 2016
Lash, HannahVoynich ProjectNew Haven Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Leiviska, HelviTBDSeattle Philharmonic Orchestra, 2017
Leonarda, IsabellaSonata op. 16, No. 1Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras, 2015
Lockwood, RachelDislocated VoicesGrassRoots Festival Orchestra, 2015
Lombardini Sirmen, MaddalenaTwo Movements for String OrchestraBar Harbor Festival String Orchestra, 2016
Lyons, GildaThe Rapture of Saint JoanWintergreen Performing Arts, 2015
Maconchy, ElizabethTwo Dances from Puck FairPrometheus Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Mallonee, CarolineWhistler WavesBuffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, 2014
Martines, Marianna vonQuemadmodum desiderat cervusEudaimonia, 2015
Martines, Marianna vonSanta Elena al Calvario - excerptsEudaimonia, 2015
Mateiescu, CarmenYouth Without DeathKaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, 2016
Mauer, PeriIlluminations of the NightNew York Repertory Orchestra, 2012
Mayer, EmilieFaust OvertureEastern Connecticut Symphony, 2015
Mazzoli, MissyHoly RollerAlabama Symphony Orchestra, 2015
McMillian, CharlotteIn the Moonlight WoodsVerdugo Young Musicians Association, 2012
McTee, CindyDouble PlayFort Worth Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Mendelssohn Hensel, FannyAllegretto from String Quartet in EGeorgia Tech Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Mendelssohn Hensel, FannyOratorium nach Bildern der BibelCappella Clausura, 2014
Mendelssohn Hensel, FannyOverture in CFort Bend Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Bangor Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, 2016
Stockton Symphony, 2016
Mendelssohn Hensel, FannyString Quartet (arranged for String Orchestra)Bar Harbor Festival String Orchestra, 2014
Burlington Chamber Orchestra, 2017
Milosavljevic, AnaReflectionsSheboygan Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Milosavljevic, AnaViper Concerto for Viper Electric Violin and OrchestraSheboygan Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Mrs. PhilharmonicaString Sonata No. 2 in D MajorSymphony of the City of New York, 2015
Mrs. PhilharmonicaString Sonata No. 3 in G MinorSymphony of the City of New York, 2015
Musgrave, TheaRainbowStockton Symphony, 2016
Nazaykinskaya, PolinaConcerto for Trombone and OrchestraMetropolitan Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Nichols, AlishaThe Light of TucsonCivic Orchestra of Tuscon, 2012
Okoye, NkeiruSongs of Harriet TubmanMount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Okoye, NkeiruVoices Shouting OutColumbia Orchestra, 2012
Olson, TawnieTBAMount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Omara, BrettZambraGreater Boulder Youth Orchestras, 2014
Posegate, MaxcineIf I Should AscendBellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Prestini, PaolaThe Hotel that Time ForgotAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2016
Price, FlorenceDances in the CanebrakesChicago Sinfonietta, 2016
Oakland Symphony, 2017
Price, FlorenceMississippi SuiteDuPage Symphony Orchestra, 2017
Price, FlorenceSymphony No. 1Urban Playground Chamber Orchestra, 2016
Price, FlorenceSymphony No. 3Williamsburg Symphonia, 2014
Price, FlorenceThe OakThe Dream Unfinished, 2015
Primiani, LeannaSirens for OrchestraSeattle Collaborative Orchestra, 2014
Razz, GityMetamorphosis of narcissusAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2015
Read Thomas, Augusta[New Commission]DuPage Symphony Orchestra, 2017
Read Thomas, AugustaPrayer and CelebrationMurfreesboro Youth Orchestra, 2012
Reid, Tomeka[New Work]Chicago Composers Orchestra, 2017
Rossi, Camilla deIntroduzione from Oratorio: Santa Beatrice d'EsteGreater Boulder Youth Orchestras, 2015
Rossi, Wynn-AnneChange of HeartMusical Arts Youth Orchestra, 2014
Rudman, JessicaThe GhostingHartford Independent Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Ruehr, Elena Cloud AtlasNational String Symphonia, 2017
Rush, Tracey[New Commission]Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, 2012
Saariaho, KaijaLeino SongsOrchestra of the League of Composers, 2014
Sainte Croix, JudithVision VAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2012
Sampson, Jamie LeighRekindled ShardsToledo Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2012
Schumann, ClaraKonzertsatz in F MinorGeorgia Tech Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Schumann, ClaraPiano Concerto in A minor, Op. 7Wintergreen Performing Arts, 2015
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Schumann, ClaraScherzo for OrchestraAtlantic Youth Orchestra, 2014
Schumann, Clara (arr. by P. Bhasin)March in E FlatWilliamsburg Youth Orchestra, 2012
Schwendinger, Laura[New Commission]Chicago Composers Orchestra, 2014
Shaw, CarolineLo for Violin and OrchestraPrinceton Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Shrude, Marylyn[New Commission]Central Ohio Symphony, 2012
Smith, GabriellaLost CoastNew York Youth Symphony, 2015
Smith, GabriellaTBDCabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, 2017
Smyth, EthelConcerto for Horn and ViolinBoulder Philharmonic Orchestra
Smyth, EthelExcerpts from "The Prison"The Dream Unfinished, 2015
Smyth, EthelOverture to "The Wreckers"Community Women's Orchestra, 2014
Smyth, EthelSerenade for Strings, Op. 1AUrban Playground Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Soper, Katenow is forever' he whispered: Orpheus and Eurydice for Voice and OrchestraAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2012
Spinei, CristinaConcerto for ClarinetCincinnati Soundbox Orchestra, 2016
Stolzel, IngridSoul Journey: Three Whitman Songs for Mezzo Soprano and Chamber OrchestraChamber Orchestra of the Springs
Stuart Coolidge, PeggyNew England AutumnEastern Connecticut Symphony, 2016
Stuart Coolidge, PeggyThe Blue PlanetBoston Landmarks Orchestra, 2017
Sung, StellaRockwell ReflectionsFlorida Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2012
Sung, StellaSonic SeascapesBoston Landmarks Orchestra, 2016
Taaffe Zwilich, EllenCelebration OvertureAllentown Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Taaffe Zwilich, EllenRituals for Five Percussionists and OrchestraSpringfield (MA) Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Tabakova, DobrinkaFantasy Homage to SchubertNew York Classical Players, 2017
Tailleferre, GermaineChorale and VariationsMusical Arts Youth Orchestra, 2014
Tailleferre, GermaineConcerto for Flute and PianoLake Superior Chamber Orchestra, 2015
Talma, LouiseToccata for OrchestraPrometheus Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Tann, HilaryThe Open FieldDenver Young Artists Orchestra, 2016
Tower, JoanConcerto for ViolinNashville Symphony, 2012
Tower, JoanFlute ConcertoCentral Ohio Symphony, 2015
Tower, JoanPetroushskatesVenice Symphony Orchestra, 2012
Tower, JoanSecond Fanfare for the Uncommon WomanNew Haven Symphony Orchestra, 2015
Võ, Vân-Ánh Vanessa Lullaby for a CountryOakland Symphony, 2015
Walker, GwynethBicentennial SuiteMacon Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2012
Walker, GwynethThe Promised LandSusquehanna Symphony Orchestra, 2016
Walker, Rachel C.SpireaCincinnati Soundbox Orchestra, 2016
Watkins, Mary[New Commission]National Women's Music Festival, 2015
Watkins, MaryFive Movements in ColorBay Area Rainbow Symphony, 2017
Wittry, DianeMistSaratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island, 2014
Willamette Falls Symphony, 2016
Wittry, DianeOde to Joy FanfareAllentown Symphony Orchestra, 2014
Yang, Lan-In WinnieTransfigurationNorth/South Chamber Orchestra, 2016
Young, NinaEnduranceAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2014
Young, NinaOut of whose womb came the iceAmerican Composers Orchestra, 2016
Zelenaia, MargaritaI BelieveNorth/South Chamber Orchestra, 2016
Ziffrin, MarilynStringsNorth/South Chamber Orchestra, 2015