Congratulations to Susanna Mälkki!

Finnish conductor Susanna Mälkki was just named the chief conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic—the first woman to hold the position; the ensemble has been performing for 132 years. Her three-year contract will begin in 2016. Until then she will continue to make...

Iran’s First Female Conductor

Public Radio International (PRI) aired a story yesterday on Nazanin Aghakhani – the first woman to conduct an orchestra in Iran. Listen (or find the full text) here. Here is a clip from Aghakani’s YouTube page:   A composer as well as a conductor, you...

Concert 1: Eastman Festival of Women in Music

Today was the first day of the Tenth Annual Festival of Women in Music at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY).  The Festival was founded and is organized by pianist and Eastman Faculty member Sylvie Beaudette.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but to my knowledge,...
Washburn, Salvati Win American Prizes

Washburn, Salvati Win American Prizes

Women scored top honors in two of the coveted orchestral categories recently awarded by the American Prize. Leading the way, Michigan Philharmonic maestro Nan Harrison Washburn, formerly the co-founder and artistic director of the Women’s Philharmonic, was named...