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.

Sharon Isbin, guitarist and commissioner of new works

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Ruth Phinney

Published February 16, 2018 at 2:36 PM EST

Guitarist Sharon Isbin has commissioned more works for her instrument than any other performer. After graduating from Yale, Isbin founded the guitar department at her alma mater, then went on the Juilliard to set up a guitar department there. Since then, she has spanned genres from classical to jazz to Latin, winning three Grammy awards and multiple honors.

Learn moreabout this multiple Grammy Award winner, her music, and why she is described as “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time”.

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.