Feminine Fusion

S07 Ep08: Leading the Way, Part 3

by Diane Jones

October 22, 2022

Conductors Laura Jackson (L), Marin Alsop (R), and Mei-Ann Chen

“As a young girl growing up, I was told I could not possibly be a conductor.”  Mei-Ann Chen

Marin Also made history when she became the first woman named Music Director of a major American Orchestra.  When she stepped down from that role 14 years later, in 2021, the 25 leading American orchestra were once again led exclusively by men.  Has that changed yet?  You’ll find out this week, when we hear from women at the conductor’s podium.

Leading the Way, Part 3

Jennifer Higdon:  Dance Card (excerpts)
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Chicago Sinfonietta
“Project W”
Cedille 185

Jan Erik Mikalsen:  Saan
Han-Na Chang, conductor
POING Trio; Oslow Philharmonic
“Saan”
Aurora 5092

Ricky Ian Gordon (libretto by Frank Bidart): Ellen West – Prologue
Lidiya Yankovskaya, conductor
Aeolus Quartet; Ricky Ian Gordon, Jennifer Zetlan, & Nathan Gunn, voice
“Ellen West”
Bright Shiny Things

Max Bruch:  Suite No. 1 on Russian Themes (excerpts)
Ariane Matiakh, conductor
Staatskapelle Halle
“Bruch: Concert for 2 pianos, Op. 88a & Suite No. 1 on Russian Themes, Op. 79b (Live)”
Deutschlandfunk Kultur

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor:  Ballade in A minor, Op. 33
Kalena Bovell, conductor
Chineke!
“Coleridge-Taylor”
Decca 4853322

Run time:  58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.