Women have always been part of classical music, as both performers and composers, though their roles have not always been recognized or remembered. Female composers of the past often faced steep societal and familial obstacles, yet persevered and wrote their music nonetheless. It is a sad fact that much of their work has been lost to history, but there are wonderful examples that do remain, and manuscripts are also being rediscovered (and, in some cases, reattributed) as research continues.

Throughout the month of March — Women’s History Month — we are highlighting women’s contributions to classical music, both past and present. If you’re a classical music aficionado, you are likely familiar with names such as Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Amy Beach; but how about composers like Maddelena Sirmen, Anna Bon di Venezia, Lili Boulanger, Louise Farrenc, Dame Ethyl Smyth, and Florence Price? These are just a few of the brilliant and determined women who helped pave the way for today’s composers and performers.

We look forward to sharing music by these composers and more with you in March and beyond, as we celebrate the achievements of the outstanding female composers, conductors, and performers in the classical music world. Listen at 90.3 FM or listen live online.

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