Turning the tide

Turning the tide is a tribute to women composers who persevered in a male-ruled world only by their talent, who did not allow themselves to be influenced by social prejudices, and went against the tide.

Grazyna Bacewicz was the first Polish female composer of world renown. Initially, Grażyna Bacewicz composed in a neoclassical style, which gradually evolved in a more modern sense, without the music becoming atonal. The violin plays an important role in her oeuvre.

Victoria Polevais a Ukrainian composer of sacred music. The work to be played is a world premiere. Both percussionist Konstantyn Napolov and pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi are from Ukraine.

Lili Boulangerwas a French composer. She was a child prodigy. Unfortunately, she died far too early due to failing health. Lili Boulanger is the sister of Nadia Boulanger, one of the greatest teachers of composition of the 20th century.

Amy Beachwas the first successful American female composer. After her husband died in 1910, she toured Europe as a pianist and played her own compositions at the concerts. She was determined to make a name for herself both as a pianist and as a composer.

Florence Pricewas the first African-American female composer. In 2009, a large collection of Price's works and records was recovered in an abandoned, dilapidated house in St. Anne, Illinois. This contained many scores, including both of her violin concertos and her fourth symphony. In the podcast series Missed Stars of the Concertgebouw, 24classics and NTR, Floris Kortie and Orville Breeveld set out in 2021 in search of the unjustly forgotten black composers within classical music. #2 of the series was about Florence Price.