A Music of Their Own

CapRadio•www.capradio.org

Music is an essential part of the human experience, but the industry is dominated by men. Host Majel Connery uncovers extraordinary stories of women who have carved a path to success despite the odds. You'll also be introduced to the unique, imaginative and exceptional music that her guests have created over the course of their careers.

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Episodes

Classical Music’s #MeToo Moment

We’re bringing you a special episode of A Music of Their Own for Women’s History Month. Our current moment will certainly go down in women’s history as the ‘#MeToo era.’ #MeToo went viral in 2017 following the exposure of numerous sexual-abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein. But Classical music has its own movement–sparked in part by Anne Midgette, who served as chief Classical music critic for the Washington Post. Host Majel Connery sits down with Anne to revisit her 2018 #M...

Mar 06, 2023•Ep. 7

Sarah Cahill

Composer Sarah Cahill discusses her Future is Female project; the parallel between her brilliant but oppressive father and 19th-century composer Felix Mendelssohn; and the problematic phrase “artists who happen to be women.” Sarah’s website Music You Heard: "En rêve en mer," Op. 28 - Teresa Carreño, Sarah Cahill "Larghetto," 4 Lieder for Piano, Op. 8 - Fanny Mendelssohn, Sarah Cahill “Au sein de la nature: III. Le murmure des blés” - Leokadiya Kashperova, Sarah Cahill "Allegro Moderato," 4 Liede...

Dec 08, 2022•Ep. 6

inti figgis-vizueta

This episode opens with the expression of transness in composer inti figgis-vizueta’s Music for Transitions . inti talks about a boycott of her music, and how and when to share negative experiences in a public way without it backfiring. See the Music For Transitions video with Andrew Yee here. inti’s website Music You Heard: Imago - inti figgis-vizueta, Attacca Quartet “Music for Transitions” - inti figgis-vizueta, Andrew Yee “Openwork, knotted object” - inti figgis-vizueta “coradh (bending)” - ...

Dec 08, 2022•Ep. 5

Angélica Negrón

Angélica Negrón is a Puerto Rican-born composer and multi-instrumentalist. She talks about the paradox of writing “cute” music as a petite woman, and whether she is trapped into reinforcing a stereotype. Angélica discusses a difficult moment after appearing with her band, Balún, on NPR’s Tiny Desk, and her exposure to drag as a child. Angélica’s website Music You Heard: “Ruta Panorámica for Cello, Bandoneón and Electronics,” Inbal Segev: 20 for 2020 Vol. II - Angélica Negrón, Inbal Segev, Julien...

Dec 08, 2022•Ep. 4

Wu Fei

Wu Fei is a classically-trained composer, singer and master of the guzheng, a Chinese zither. Fei describes growing up in the restrictive creative environment of Chinese conservatories, and compares it with the openness of music training in the U.S. After the near loss of her first child, we discuss Fei’s new vision for herself. Fei’s website Music You Heard: “When Syringa Falls,” Pluck - Wu Fei, Gyan Riley “Bu Da Da,” Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn - Wu Fei, Abigail Washburn “Cloud of Birds,” A Di...

Dec 08, 2022•Ep. 3

Nathalie Joachim

Grammy-nominated composer, flutist and vocalist Nathalie Joachim discusses a surge in recognition of Black women composers; being the only Black woman in an ensemble; the album Fanm d’Ayiti; her Haitian heritage; and her fearless pursuit of what moves her, regardless of success. Nathalie’s website Music You Heard: “Papa Loko (Interlude: September 24, 1918),” Fanm d’Ayiti - arr. Nathalie Joachim, Spektral Quartet "Life Lines" - Flutronix “Dam mwen yo,” Fanm d’Ayiti - Nathalie Joachim, Spektral Qu...

Dec 08, 2022•Ep. 2

Sarah Kirkland Snider

In response to the question “Is music by women womanish?” composer Sarah Kirkland Snider discusses “emotional” music by Classical composers; charges of femininity in her own music by The New York Times ; aging gracefully; and sex appeal. Sarah’s website More classical music statistics: https://americanorchestras.org/2022-orchestra-repertoire-report/ https://donne-uk.org/research-new/ Music You Heard: “Agnus Dei,” Mass for the Endangered - Sarah Kirkland Snider, Gallicantus Adagio for Strings - S...

Dec 08, 2022•Ep. 1

Introducing A Music of Their Own

Host Majel Connery explores what it feels like to be a woman in music and the immense drive and resolve required to succeed.

Nov 08, 2022

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