Two performances this past weekend, titled “Treasures Beloved and Unknown,” exposed audiences of the North State Symphony in Chico and Redding, California to the work of Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979). The piece performed was Clarke’s most remembered composition, the...
When studying the history of women in music, it is all too common to read about the difficulties that women faced from their own families in pursing music seriously. Cases can be found in all time periods, in all levels of society, and in countries far and wide. The...
Today is the 124th birthday of composer, conductor, and educator Nadia Boulanger. I was actually reminded of this on my morning commute by my local independent radio station, WDIY, who did a birthday tribute to Nadia by playing works of some of her most famous pupils....
Today is the 132nd birthday of Alma Mahler. Though she is often remembered as the wife of Gustav, her own career as a musician and composer is neglected. Alma studied piano from an early age and took composition lessons with Josef Labor and Alexander von Zemlinsky....
I just saw the new trailer for the film, titled Mozart’s Sister, yesterday – and today NPR’s classical music blog Deceptive Cadence discussed the film and the how little is really known about the life and music of the “other” Mozart. Here’s the official trailer for...
The Santa Fe Opera announced three new commissions to be premiered over the next three years. The particularly excellent news is that two of the composers are Jennifer Higdon and Judith Weir. From the Santa Fe Opera press release: COLD MOUNTAIN – Jennifer...
