Egypt’s Blind Women’s Orchestra

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

British Women’s Symphony Orchestra

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

Schneider Crosses Over to Classical–and Wins a Grammy

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...