Feminist in the Concert Hall

WPA News Digest – October 14, 2024

WPA News Digest – October 14, 2024

The concert season is in full swing! It’s no secret we adore Amy Beach and her music, but especially her monumental and passionate Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor, Op. 45.  Was it “A Virtual Autobiography,” as has been suggested? If so, what a richly emotional life...

WPA News Digest – October 7, 2024

WPA News Digest – October 7, 2024

Marin Alsop and the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra have recently enjoyed a successful eleven-city tour of Japan. In addition to classics by Beethoven and Mozart, their program included Jessie Montgomery’s Strum—a work that might be familiar to WPA readers, as...

This weekend:  Marianne Martines and Judith Weir

This weekend: Marianne Martines and Judith Weir

Marianne Martines’ works continue gaining recognition – Boston’s Horizon Ensemble performs her Symphony in C on Sunday, Oct. 6 – the concert is “pay what you can” and will stream, if you are unable to attend in person.  More information here.   The theme of the...

Celebrating an African American Musician-Activist

Celebrating an African American Musician-Activist

Two days of events are celebrating the 150th birthday of Maud Cuney-Hare (1874-1936) who lived and worked in the Boston for more than 30 years, to elevate and preserve the work of African Americans in classical and traditional music.  The presentations will made...

Composers to Discover! and BOTD: Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2004)

Composers to Discover! and BOTD: Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2004)

Whaaaa??? Another composer named Perry?  And also a long neglected African-American woman?   In these pages you've read a lot about Julia Perry whose Centennial is being celebrated this year, but today let's recognize another Perry!  Zenobia Powell Perry was born on...

WPA News Digest – September 30, 2024

WPA News Digest – September 30, 2024

Exciting News!! Composer Jeanine Tesori has become the first woman composer to open a season for the Metropolitan Opera in its 141 years of operation. Her opera Grounded was given a gala premiere, starring mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo on September 23,as announced in...