Classical Music

Women in Classical Music

If you look at the listings of the major orchestras in America you will see two things in common; very few of them are programming major pieces by women composers, and almost none have a woman on the podium. Despite the abundance of wonderful compositions by women, the world of classical music has been, for centuries, a man’s world.

Amy Beach - 20th century American composer defies traditional conventions

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Ruth Phinney

Published February 8, 2018 at 1:58 PM EST

Amy Beach was one of the first American composers to succeed without European training. Her "Gaelic" Symphony was the first symphony by an American woman. In the early 20th century she was President of the Board of New England Conservatory, and founded "Beach Clubs" to teach children music. Listen to her Symphony in e-minor, "Gaelic."

This post is part WXXI Classical 91.5’s celebration of Women’s History Month. For more of these stories and other resources, check out Celebrating the Contributions of Women to Classical Music.