This Saturday, we will be presenting a concert showcasing female composers to honour the diversity of classical chamber music. The composers, carefully chosen for this program, composed between the 19th century to present day. When researching for this program we were truly inspired by the breadth of chamber music by female artists, and can not showcase them all in one concert alone. This fortunately encourages us to program more female composers in our 2024 program.
The program includes works by French composers Louise Farrenc (1804-1875), Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944), Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983), as well as contemporary composers Margery Smith and Keyna Wilkins from Australia, and Valerie Coleman from the USA.
The stories behind this selection of artists and their works will inspire appreciation for music by diverse, high-achieving women. Louise Farrenc was a well-regarded pianist, a professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire between 1842 and 1873, and was the only female musician at that time to hold this prestigious rank. Whilst in this position, she fought bravely for equal pay. Another pianist composer celebrated in her lifetime was Cécile Chaminade who in 1913 was the first female composer to receive a Légion d’Honneur, the highest French order of merit usually bestowed to men for recognition of public service, military or civil bravery.
Latin for female warrior, Virago by Keyna Wilkins celebrates four contemporary female leaders, Greta Thunberg, Grace Tame, Jacinda Arden, and Angela Merkel. Each movement reflects the inspirational leadership, attributes and actions of these women who have notably overcome societal challenges, traumatic events and have inspiried nations worldwide with their profound speeches.
By celebrating these women’s achievements, we acknowledge the efforts past and present to promote a gender equal world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Performers: Melissa Coleman (flute), Ian Sykes (clarinet), Alison Evans (bassoon), Clare Kahn (cello), and guests Emily Long (violin) and Jeanell Carrigan (piano).
When: Saturday 21 October7:30 pm
Where: Church Street Studios, 62-68 Church St, Camperdown. Church Street Studios are a 15-minute walk from Newtown Station or 16-minute bus from Central Station (get off before Missenden Rd). Street parking in surrounding streets or parking stations at nearby hospital.
Book tickets: TryBooking.
sirius chamber ensemble 