Unveiling the hidden treasures of music by women, violinist Esther Abrami’s latest album ‘Women’ features an impressive lineup of composers, including Irish composer Ina Boyle and Brazilian composer Chiquinha Gonzaga.
The violinist Esther Abrami‘s journey to uncover the hidden treasures of music by women is a testament to her dedication and passion for promoting underrepresented voices in classical music. As she delves into the world of female composers, Abrami reveals a rich tapestry of talent that has been overlooked for far too long.
A Lifetime Affair with Music
Abrami’s love affair with music began at just three years old, when her late grandmother Françoise gifted her a violin. The instrument became an integral part of her life, and she continued to play despite her grandmother’s decision to give up on the violin after marriage. This early inspiration would eventually lead Abrami to embark on a mission to uncover the works of female composers.
A New Album, A New Era
Abrami’s latest album, ‘Women,’ features an impressive lineup of composers, including Irish composer Ina Boyle, Brazilian composer Chiquinha Gonzaga, and Venezuelan composer Teresa Carreño. The album also boasts the world-premiere studio recording of Boyle’s Violin Concerto, which evokes bucolic scenes with a tone poem feel.
Ina Boyle (1889-1967) was an Irish composer and pianist.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, she studied music at the Royal College of Music in London.
Boyle's compositions include orchestral works, piano pieces, and songs.
Her music often features Celtic influences and folk melodies.
Despite facing challenges as a female composer in a male-dominated field, Boyle continued to create and perform throughout her life.
Chiquinha Gonzaga was a renowned Brazilian composer, pianist, and educator.
Born Rosa Esmeralda Garcia on March 29, 1847, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
She is best known for her patriotic compositions, particularly 'Ó Canto do Brasil' (Oh Song of Brazil).
Gonzaga's music often reflected the country's folk traditions and African rhythms.
Throughout her career, she taught music at various schools and gave concerts to support Brazilian independence movements.
Breaking Down Barriers
Abrami’s quest to promote women in classical music is not just about showcasing their talents but also about breaking down barriers that have prevented them from receiving the recognition they deserve. She notes that even major orchestras are still performing only 7.5% of works by female composers, a statistic that highlights the need for change.
Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to classical music, despite facing numerous challenges and biases.
Female composers like Hildegard von Bingen, 'the most famous composer of her time' , Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, and Clara Schumann wrote iconic works that continue to be performed today.
Women also broke ground as conductors, with pioneers like Marin Alsop and Simone Young leading major orchestras.
According to a 2020 survey by the League of American Orchestras, women hold only 9% of top conductor positions in the US.
Efforts are underway to address this disparity through initiatives like the Women's Philharmonic Advocacy group.
A Call to Action
Abrami’s efforts extend beyond her own music to inspire young aspiring musicians and promote equality in classical music. By sharing her social media presence and videos on YouTube, she aims to empower girls who may be inspired to take up the violin or explore other musical pursuits. Abrami’s message is clear: it’s time for us to recognize the value of women’s contributions to classical music and work towards a more inclusive and diverse repertoire.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Abrami’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. By uncovering the forgotten treasures of women composers, she has not only shed light on their works but also inspired a new generation of musicians and music lovers. As Abrami herself notes, ‘Hopefully, in 10 years, it won’t be needed to have an album titled ‘Women’.’ Until then, we must continue to celebrate and promote the talents of female composers, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued for generations to come.
