A Look at Dame Ethel Smyth

Remembered for her political work as well as her compositions, Dame Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) was an inspiring and impressive figure in Britain throughout her lifetime. Though she received resistance from her family as she pursued a career in music, she was rather...

Hilary Hahn Commissions New Works

Award winning violinist and former child prodigy, as well as active soloist, Hilary Hahn has recently announced a new project, commissioning 27 new encore pieces. The news was released on her professional website. Hahn reportedly sought to increase and diversify the...
Remembering Beatritz de Dia

Remembering Beatritz de Dia

The first installment of women you should know (but probably don’t) is Beatritz de Dia (c. 1140- c. 1175). More commonly known today as Countessa (or Comtessa) de Dia, she is the most remembered of the trobairitz (female troubadours), and wrote courtly love songs....

Women’s History Month at WPA

March is Women’s History Month in the United States and the UK.  While there has certainly been an increase in programming in schools and community events to celebrate the lives and work of historical and contemporary women, those women who identify themselves as...
Sexism Persists at Vienna Philharmonic

Sexism Persists at Vienna Philharmonic

That the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is a sexist and racist organization is old news. It has been a topic for bloggers and classical music enthusiasts, including some who believe that the blatantly racist and sexist policies are justified. The status of women in the...