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.

Evelyn Glennie - deaf percussionist creates new ears

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Ellen Robertson

Published February 22, 2019 at 3:55 PM EST

Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie lost her hearing at age 8, and taught herself to hear with other parts of her body, including her hands and feet. She performs internationally as a solo percussionist, including the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. In 2007 she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, and a Companion of Honour to the Queen in 2016. Listen to her perform Concerto in C major, RV 433, Movement 1 by Vivaldi.

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.