A Celebration of Women Composers in Classical Music

✨ A unique concert on 16th March will occur at 6 pm in the prestigious Jacqueline du Pré Music Building in Oxford. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of masterpieces by great female composers as three enterprising young musicians take the stage with a programme entitled ’A Celebration of Women Composers in Classical Music’ — directed by the irrepressible William Lui.

Experience the timeless beauty of classical music through the works of extraordinary composers. William Lui on the cello will be joined by Roxanna Shini-Mehrabzadeh on the piano and Yeva Volkava on the violin. These excellent young musicians will bring to life compositions by the Boulanger sisters, Reena Esmail and Clara Schumann, as we celebrate the brilliance of female composers in this captivating programme!

Clara Schumann was referred to as the ’Paganini of the piano’ by her contemporaries. She was one of the finest pianists of her time. Prominent figures such as Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Goethe admired her exceptional piano skills, and even Paganini himself proposed a joint performance with her.

Nadia and Lili Boulanger were two exceptional sisters who significantly contributed to the world of classical music. Nadia was a composer, conductor, and pioneering music educator known for her influential teaching of renowned musicians. Lili, the younger sister, was a prodigious composer whose emotionally rich compositions continue to be celebrated despite her tragically short life. Together, they left a lasting legacy in the world of music.

Reena Esmail is a contemporary composer known for her innovative and cross-cultural approach to music. Her compositions often bridge the gap between Indian and Western classical music traditions, creating a unique and harmonious blend. Esmail’s work reflects her deep cultural understanding and commitment to fostering harmony through music, making her a notable figure in the world of contemporary classical music.