From conducting, to composing and playing, women in classical music have faced sexism for centuries. But are things beginning to change? Jessica Duchen hopes so.
In a studio at Morley College in south London, a group of teenagers are learning how to stand. Some postures naturally convey authority; something as basic as a different way of walking can establish the impression of control. The first time a conductor meets an orchestra, first impressions are all-important; she has, after all, to persuade a large group of musicians to follow her instructions.
That’s right: her instructions. Last year Morley College initiated an introductory course at which young female music students could have a try at conducting for the first time. The event was among a number of constructive responses to increasing anger about the under-representation of women in parts of the classical music world.
Andrea Brown, Morley’s director of music, says that results have exceeded expectations. “It was moving because we had 16- to 19-year-olds, gifted musicians nominated by junior conservatoires, who hadn’t even thought about conducting before,” Brown says. “Some of them loved it – and it was a feeling of liberation for them, realising that they could do it.” The course has just won funding from Arts Council England to allow it continue its work... Keep reading on The Guardian
In a studio at Morley College in south London, a group of teenagers are learning how to stand. Some postures naturally convey authority; something as basic as a different way of walking can establish the impression of control. The first time a conductor meets an orchestra, first impressions are all-important; she has, after all, to persuade a large group of musicians to follow her instructions.
That’s right: her instructions. Last year Morley College initiated an introductory course at which young female music students could have a try at conducting for the first time. The event was among a number of constructive responses to increasing anger about the under-representation of women in parts of the classical music world.
Andrea Brown, Morley’s director of music, says that results have exceeded expectations. “It was moving because we had 16- to 19-year-olds, gifted musicians nominated by junior conservatoires, who hadn’t even thought about conducting before,” Brown says. “Some of them loved it – and it was a feeling of liberation for them, realising that they could do it.” The course has just won funding from Arts Council England to allow it continue its work... Keep reading on The Guardian