Compositional Voices

Compositional Voices: Remembering the Women of Classical Music is a compilation of undergraduate research by Eva Wiznerowicz. Eva is a student with the Mellon Research Fellows with the Virginia Community College System and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Illustration_de_Fleur_de_Néflier_d'Augusta_Holmès

Augusta Holmès, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

1 / Past Attitudes

Explores the historical barriers that made it challenging for women composers of classical music to receive recognition similar to that of the men counterparts.

2 / Current Statisitcs

Examines the current data on how often music composed by women is programmed in orchestras around the world.

3 / Present Change

A collection of contemporary programs by local organizations that help combat the disparity in representation.

4 / Remarkable Women

Highlights three wonderful composers; their lives, skills, and music.

"Music is the superlative expression of life experience, and woman by the very nature of her position is denied many of the experiences that color the life of man."

- Amy Beach (1867-1944)

Florence Price

The first African-American woman to have her work performed by a major ochestra. Her works have recently been rediscovered and brought back into audiences.

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Ina Boyle

A prolific Irish composer, but due to a lack of opportunity during World War II, many of her few published works are overlooked and rarely performed.

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Julia Perry

An internationally acclaimed composer during her career, most of Perry's works fell into obscurity after her death. Now they are being rediscovered.

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