Morfydd Owen’s Life and Work

Morfydd Owen’s Life and Work

This week we are celebrating the life and music of Welsh composer Morfydd Owen, who was born October 1, 1891. A brilliant pianist, singer, and composer, Owen’s tremendous oeuvre of work has been underperformed since her tragic death in 1918, when she was only 26 years...
Celebrating Vivian Fine

Celebrating Vivian Fine

Today, Sept. 28, 2023, is the 110th birthday of Vivian Fine.  This blog was originally published on March 20, 2011, titled Remembering Vivian Fine. Sunday, March 20th (2011), marked the 11th anniversary of the death of Vivian Fine (1913-2000) and the loss of a truly...
Marianna Martines and Her Symphony

Marianna Martines and Her Symphony

Marianna Martines (1744-1812) is considered to be among the most acclaimed and prolific composers in Vienna during her lifetime.  She was friends with Mozart, and Haydn (who lived on the top floor of her apartment block) gave her keyboard lessons.  Mozart and Haydn...
All Hail The Tenth Muse!  Part 1

All Hail The Tenth Muse! Part 1

By Dr. April Lynn James Affectionately known as The PhDiva!!!, Dr. April is a classically trained soprano with a PhD from Harvard best known for her groundbreaking work returning operas composed by women to the world’s stages. She survived her Harvard doctoral...
Tania León’s Stride: A Review

Tania León’s Stride: A Review

When considering that the canon of western art music is based in a system of white supremacy and patriarchy, it is a sad truth that most of the music that is presented in classrooms and concert halls is written by dead, white, men.  Scholars continue to spend great...
On The Passing of Kaija Saariaho

On The Passing of Kaija Saariaho

We are saddened to hear about the death of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, who passed away at home in Paris overnight.  In October 2022 there were celebrations around the world for her 70th birthday.  Immediately prior to her passing, Saariaho completed a concerto...