Feminist in the Concert Hall
Hidden Herstory – Dmitri Shostakovich and his female contemporaries
By Elizabeth de Brito Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) left a deep impression on 20th century classical music, however many great women contributed to the Russian and international music scene. Here we shine a light on his female contemporaries, from fellow students at...
Composer of the Month – Chen Yi
By Elizabeth de Brito One of the greatest living Chinese composers, this month I’m thrilled to illuminate the brilliant work of Chen Yi. With a list of commissions from practically every major classical ensemble and a resumé of performances that circumvent the globe,...
Julia Perry’s Violin Concerto Revealed
By Dr. Liane Curtis On Dec. 2, 2022 I had the opportunity to hear – more than hear, of course, to experience -- the Experiential Orchestra in New York City (you will recall that EXO brought us the magnificent recording of Ethel Smyth’s The Prison, which won a Grammy...
Year-End Reflections from Elizabeth de Brito
By Elizabeth de Brito Phew, what a year it’s been! This time last year COVID still hung firmly over our festivities but this year the party is back on! I think it’s fair to say we’ve all enjoyed returning to some semblance of normality, with live music gradually...
Elizabeth Recommends: Holiday Music for Orchestra
by Elizabeth de Brito Happy Holidays, everybody! As the festive season is firmly underway, I’ve curated a selection of the finest holiday orchestral and choral music written by women. Whilst the gazillionth performance of Handel’s Messiah may be a longstanding...
Hidden Herstory – Brahms and his female contemporaries
by Elizabeth de Brito Two Germans, a Brit and a Swede walk into a Leipzig salon – sounds like the beginning of a bad joke doesn’t it? In this month’s Hidden Herstory article we explore the work of four composers –Amanda Maier, Ethel Smyth, Clara Schumann and Johannes...