Celebrating Louise Farrenc’s Symphonies

by sarah | May 30, 2023

By Sarah Baer We are remembering the life and work of French composer, pianist, and educator Louise Farrenc.  This is fitting not just because her birthday is May 31 (she would be 219 this year), but because WPA Publishing has released new editions of two of her...

A few events, May 5-7, 2023

by Liane Curtis | May 4, 2023

There are so many exciting concerts happening in this busy time!  We hope you get to take in a few — or more!  Just to highlight some very special events — May 5-6, the Boulanger Initiative has their annual WOCO Fest “Awaken!” — ...

Composer of the Month – Chen Yi

by Liane Curtis | Jan 5, 2023

By Elizabeth de Brito One of the greatest living Chinese composers, this month I’m thrilled to illuminate the brilliant work of Chen Yi. With a list of commissions from practically every major classical ensemble and a resumé of performances that circumvent the globe,...

More good news! A Premiere by Marion Bauer!

by Liane Curtis | Nov 10, 2022

More good news! ….  And some silliness! Marion Bauer’s Symphony n. 1, one of the last works she composed,  will receive its long delayed  premiere on Nov. 15 by the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra. Bauer’s Symphony composed in 1951, was scheduled to...

Alma Mahler and #MeToo (oh, and Happy Birthday, Alma!)

by Liane Curtis | Aug 31, 2022

By Liane Curtis To honor Alma Mahler on her birthday (she was born Alma Maria Schindler on 31 August 1879 in Vienna), I thought I would highlight some of her music, but also note the issue that 17 songs are all that survive of her compositional output, and consider...

Composer of the Month: Gaziza Zhubanova

by Liane Curtis | Aug 4, 2022

Note from Liane Curtis — as professional musicologist, I’ve been researching women composers for over 30 years.  So every time I learn about a composer I haven’t heard of, I am reminded that we still have so much we need to do!  Our culture tended to...