“Maybe you’ve never listened to an orchestra concert and thought to look down at the program to check the gender of the composer of the work being played,” writes Peter Dobrin in Thursday’s (8/23) Philadelphia Inquirer. “In a better world, female composers would be readily apparent to young girls, who would, in turn, visualize themselves becoming composers someday…. The Philadelphia Orchestra … after drawing criticism for unveiling a 2018-19 season without a single female composer … has in recent weeks announced a few make-up gestures…. This orchestra actually has a good historical record of engaging female conductors, soloists, ensemble players, and administrators.… The addition of works by Anna Clyne [in photo] and Stacey Brown to existing programs is all to the good…. News … that the orchestra would read through works by six female composers … in collaboration with the American Composers Orchestra was welcome…. It means a lot to listeners when they see their own identity reflected in what their orchestra does…. Clyne’s Masquerade, which has been added to the orchestra’s June 15-16 concerts, is an epic, colorful shot of adrenaline…. More of that, please.”
Posted August 24, 2018
