Feminist in the Concert Hall
Hildegard’s Feast Day
Today is the Feast day of one of the best known women composers - and, typically, the only one to be included in a music history textbook - is Hildegard of Bingen. A 12th century abbess in Germany, Hildegard is remembered for being one of the first women to stand up...
Remembering Nadia Boulanger
Today would be the 127th birthday of Nadia Boulanger - the foremost music educator of the 20th century. Her skill and expertise were widely sought, and her list of students is more than extensive and impressive. I highly recommend Bruno Monsaingeon's excellent...
Kate Soper’s “Here Be Sirens” Back in NYC
Singer and composer Kate Soper's recent work Here Be Sirens is being brought back to Morningside Opera. The first set of performances was last weekend (September 5-6), but will be repeated this weekend (September 12-13). The work, which was premiered in January to...
Moab Music Festival Programs Three Historic Women
The summer festival season is winding down as we gear up for the regular concert season. But there is (at least) one more festival worth mentioning for its inclusive and exciting programming. The Moab Music Festival, which began August 28, brings musicians and music...
Congratulations to Susanna Mälkki!
Finnish conductor Susanna Mälkki was just named the chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic—the first woman to hold the position; the ensemble has been performing for 132 years. Her three-year contract will begin in 2016. Until then she will continue to make...
Happy Birthday, Amy Beach!!
Today, Sept. 5, let's celebrate Amy Beach's birthday! She was a great composer of many firsts: the first American women to have a Symphony performed by a major orchestra (her "Gaelic" in 1896; her piano concerto of 1900 was another "first"), the first U.S.-born...