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.

Sarah Caldwell, first female conductor of the Metropolitan Opera

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Ruth Phinney

Published February 16, 2018 at 2:44 PM EST

A child prodigy violinist, Sarah Caldwell was not satisfied simply playing an instrument: she had her eyes set on being a conductor. And she did it, becoming the head of the opera department at Boston University at 28, and founding the Opera Company of Boston 5 years later. After stints with the New York City Opera, Caldwell would become the first female conductor at the Metropolitan Opera. In 1996, her efforts were honored when she received the National Medal of Arts.

Those in Boston remember the "Divine Sarah."

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.