The Absolutely Essential Work of The Women’s Philharmonic: Holding On To Women’s Music History By A Thin, Fraying Thread

by Liane Curtis | Nov 20, 2023

We originally published this post on Feb 26, 2021  and are now reposting, since it is so important to our work!  Guest author Mary Purpura completed an MA Thesis about The Women’s Philharmonic in 2016.  Her research provided an important history of our founding...

Chicago Sinfonietta performs Regina Harris Baiocchi’s Muse for Orchestra

by Liane Curtis | Oct 7, 2023

Tonight, October 7, the Chicago Sinfonietta performs Regina Harris Baiocchi’s “Muse for Orchestra,” led by Music Director Mei Ann Chen.  Their Oct. 5 performance of the work, described as “a powerful tribute to the muses who inspire and guide us,” was its...

Morfydd Owen’s Life and Work

by sarah | Oct 4, 2023

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

by sarah | Sep 28, 2023

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

by sarah | Sep 13, 2023

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

by Liane Curtis | Aug 29, 2023

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...