Elizabeth recommends: Essential Orchestral Music by Women

by Liane Curtis | Sep 23, 2022

By Elizabeth de Brito In this brand-new series, we will be introducing some of the essential orchestral music by women. We offer starting points for those unfamiliar with the vast body of work by women. This is not an exhaustive list, there are many more brilliant...

2022-23 Repertoire Report: Are the top-level US Orchestras committed to Diversity?

by Liane Curtis | Aug 2, 2022

While several other organizations now produce reports on the programming by orchestras in regard to diversity of composers, WPA started with our annual report in 2008, and we have consistently focused on the same set, the top level of U.S. orchestras.  This provides...

2021-2022 Season: By the Numbers

by sarah | Jul 13, 2021

It’s our Annual Repertoire Report! The works of just three men outnumber the total performances of all works by women for the entire season — and yet we find reason for optimism As vaccination rates rise and U.S. CDC guidelines change, those of us in the...

Tanglewood — and Beethoven Idolatry — is Back For 2021

by sarah | Jun 11, 2021

By Sarah Baer (with some input by Liane Curtis) The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home is getting ready to welcome guests again in what is perhaps an ideal venue for events in these strange times.  The traditions of lawn chairs and picnics while enjoying some of...

BBC Proms 2021: By the Numbers

by sarah | Jun 2, 2021

In a year unlike any other for classical music programming, it is simply a relief to know that live music is once again being scheduled, and that audiences are once again meeting in person.  Those of us that crave concert halls and the anticipation of a downbeat will...

We Hold On To Women’s Music History By A Thin, Fraying Thread

by Liane Curtis | Apr 11, 2021

By Mary Purpura Previously we posted Mary Purpura’s moving account of the work of The Women’s Philharmonic. Today we continue her consideration of  the obstacles that remain to bringing women’s compositions into the mainstream.  These essays are...