Egypt’s Blind Women’s Orchestra

by sarah | May 21, 2014

I recently learned about the only orchestra for blind women musicians in the world. Named Al Nour Wal Amal (Light and Hope), the blind woman orchestra of Egypt was founded in 1954. The ensemble has traveled the world and has taken great care in training these women...

British Women’s Symphony Orchestra

by sarah | Apr 21, 2014

Just stumbled across this brilliant archival footage of the British Women’s Symphony Orchestra: THE BRITISH WOMEN’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA   The ensemble was founded in 1922 (this clip is from 1934). Thanks to http://www.britishpathe.com/ for the video,...

Schneider Crosses Over to Classical–and Wins a Grammy

by SMBrown | Mar 25, 2014

Maria Schneider has a knack for choosing to work in musical genres where women have traditionally been least represented and recognized—and then flipping the script to win all kinds of renown and accolade. As a jazz composer and big-band leader, Schneider has been...

Music by Florence Price Featured by the Chicago Symphony and Others: A Conversation with Conductor Mei-Ann Chen

by Liane Curtis | May 13, 2013

Mei-Ann Chen is Music Director of the Memphis Symphony and the Chicago Sinfonietta.  Earlier this year she guest-conducted with the San Diego Symphony, and on May 9 she made her subscription debut with the Chicago Symphony.  This is four orchestras and their audiences...

Making Waves with the Mississippi River Suite: Mei Ann Chen Brings Florence Price’s Music to Chicago Symphony

by Liane Curtis | May 11, 2013

Acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen is just completing her first year as Music Director of the Chicago Sinfonietta.  And Thursday she made her debut as a guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s subscription series.  She made quite a...

The Philadelphia Orchestra Announces 2013-2014 Season

by sarah | Feb 25, 2013

The Philadelphia Orchestra is getting back on its feet after several rough years—including declaring and working out of bankruptcy, and finding a new conductor. After seeing the great work commenced in Rochester by recently-appointed Music Director Arild Remmereit, I...