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.

Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen - violinist and composer in the 18th century makes her own way in music

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Ellen Robertson

Published February 26, 2019 at 3:50 PM EST

Although European Classical Music was dominated by men in the mid-18th century, Maddalena Lombardini wanted to be a professional violinist. She studied with Giuseppe Tartini, and married violinist Ludovico Sirmen. Their marriage was short-lived, but Maddalena maintained control of her own finances throughout her career. She retired a wealthy woman, and returned to Venice as one of very few women who made a living in music. Listen to her Violin Concerto No. 3 in A Major, Op. 3 No. 3.

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.