“Feminine Fusion” is a weekly radio program that highlights the influence of women in classical music. These are the women throughout history and into the present day who create, perform, and inspire. Composer/announcer Diane Jones of WCNY-FM in Syracuse, NY is your host, and every week showcases some of these remarkable women.
Women are the central, unifying focus of this series. It is important to note, however, that their influence is broad-ranging, crossing the boundaries of culture, race, and gender. Who can know what might have happened to the likes of Aaron Copland, Donald Byrd, or Quincy Jones had they not studied with Nadia Boulanger?
“Had you asked me 10 years ago if I would have introduced a program focused on women in music, I would have said ‘no.’ Growing up in a houseful of brothers, I was always treated as their equal,” says Jones. “But there is still gender bias in the music world. I am anxious for the time when we no longer separate composers from women composers, or conductors from women conductors.”
Some of the individuals highlighted in this program entered the world of the arts knowing they faced opposition, and gathered their strength to face it head on. Others simply took to their chosen path, often unaware of the impact their actions would have. In every case, however, they have touched hearts and souls with their art.
Diane Jones
Diane Jones is the host of Feminine Fusion, aired every week on WCNY-FM. An active composer, she has received commissions from nationally and internationally-recognized musicians and ensembles, as well as completing 5 residencies in Syracuse area schools, introducing young musicians to composition. Diane performs regularly with Samba Laranja and the Central New York Flute Choir, and her music has been featured on two SAMMY-award winning CDs. Follow Diane on Bluesky (@composerjones.bsky.social) and Facebook (here) for more about her programming and her music.
| Air Date | Program Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 24 - 30 | Looking West, Part 5 | Let's hear some of the innovative works by women being created and performed in the west, the seat of classical music |
| May 31 - June 6 | Looking Home, Part 5 | We complete our trip around the world as we return home to hear works performed and composed by women in the US |
| June 7 - 13 | At the Keyboard, Part 5 | More performances from women playing piano and organ |
| June 14 - 20 | Plucked, Part 6 | Music for plucked instruments - harp, guitar, and more. |
| June 21 - 27 | Summer Shimmers | We welcome Summer with music composed and performed by women honoring the season |
| June 28 - July 4 | Patchwork Quilt, Part XLVII | No special theme, just great music composed and performed by women. |
| July 5 - 11 | Honoring America | Let's take a listen to works by women across the US honoring their homeland |
| July 12 - 18 | Fiery Red | The summer heat is on, so what better time to hear works and performance steeped in heat and fire |
| July 19 - 25 | Oceans of Sound | Music of the sea - sometimes peaceful, sometimes stormy |
| July 26 - Aug 1 | Rooted in Earth | Performances and compositions grounded in the earth - strong and comforting |
| Aug 2 - 8 | Carried on the Wind | Woodwinds and music of the wind fill the air |
| Aug 9 - 15 | In the Spotlight, Part 2 | Women touring the world as soloists |
| Aug 16 - 22 | Portrait: Caroline Shaw | She's won a Pulitzer Prize and four Grammy awards. This hour is filled with music by the outstanding composer, Caroline Shaw. |
| Aug 23 - 29 | Patchwork Quilt, Part XLVIII | No special theme, just great music composed and performed by women. |
| Aug 30 - Sept 5 | Season 9 Wrap-Up | A look back at what we've heard in throughout Season 9 of Feminine Fusion! |
March 7, 2026
“I went to a high school that had a very good band, and we had a couple of choruses and an orchestra [where] we would play a Mozart symphony. The bizarre thing for the time, which I didn’t realize then, was that we had behind-the-screen auditions.” – Ellen Taaffe Zwilich Time for another Patchwork Quilt episode. Here are some very new releases from talented women. “Patchwork Quilt, Part XLXII” Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Upbeat Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Gil Rose, director “Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Symphony No. 5” BMOP Sound Gabriela Lena Frank: Operetta Jonathan Miller, cello; Lucia Lin, violin “Songs for a New Century” Navona 6623 Linda Kouvaras: Night Pieces: Reflections after Covid-19 Justin Kenealy, saxophone; Coady Green, piano “Linda Kouvaras: Instrumental Music, Chamber Works and Songs, Vol. 1” Toccata 729 Ljova Zhurbin: Voices, a suite in 3 movements for piano and historical recordings Inna Faliks, piano “Manuscripts Don’t Burn” […] Read More
February 28, 2026
“We weren’t scared to be lost because it’s not that huge a place. We just enjoyed the wandering.” – Linda Catlin Smith Women’s music inspired by the sights and sounds of the world around us. “The World Around Us” Diane Berry: Garry Oak Meadow, from Vancouver Island Suite Aerie Trio “Water, Rock, Tree, Sky” Redshift Records Karen Lefrak: Lady Liberty Suite London Symphony Orchestra; William Ross, conductor “American Promise” Independent Laurie Christman: Sylvan Suite London Symphony Orchestra; Robert Ziegler, conductor “Laurie Christman: Running With Horses” Navona 6768 Sarah Kirkland Snider: Eye of Mnemosyne Metropolis Ensemble; Andrew Cyr, conductor “Forward Into Light” Nonesuch Linda Catlin Smith: The Plains (excerpt) Cheryl Duvall, piano “Linda Catlin Smith: The Complete Piano Solos, Vol. 1” Redshift Records 58:29 Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, […] Read More
February 21, 2026
“My whole career, I’ve been trying to figure out where [performance and composition] come together.” – Jessie Montgomery We devote this week’s episode to the life and music of composer/violinist Jessie Montgomery “One Life: Jessie Montgomery” (all works composed by Jessie Montgomery unless otherwise noted) Peace Heather Tuach, cello; Yoko Misumi, piano “In the Mirror: Music by Women Composers” Divine Art 21223 J.S. Bach: Aria, from Goldberg Variations Catalyst Quartet (Jessie Montgomery, violin) “Bach/Gould Project” Azica 71300 Rhapsody No. 1 for Solo Violin Jessie Montgomery, violin “Strum: Music for Strings” Azica 71302 Strum Catalyst Quartet “Strum: Music for Strings” Azica 71302 Coincident Dances Chicago Sinfonietta; Mei-Ann Chen, conductor “Project W” Cedille 90000 185 Rounds Awadagin Pratt, piano; A Far Cry “Stillpoint” New Amsterdam 177 58:29 Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, […] Read More
February 14, 2026
“Giving your all to music, contributing to the art, and teaching what you’ve learned is truly upholding Art and being a true musician.” – Jasmine Barnes These women of color are bringing their incredible compositions to life. Music from the 20th and 21st centuries, this week. “Women of Color – Composers, Part 9” Margaret Bonds: Troubled Water Helen Walker-Hill, piano “Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women” Leonarda 339 Nkeiru Okoye: African Sketches Rochelle Sennet, piano “Bach to Black: Suites for Piano, Volume III” Albany 1965 Jasmine Barnes: Life in Sunshine Gautier Capuçon, cello; Capucelli “Gaïa” Erato 2173272737 Valerie Coleman: Umoja New York Youth Symphony; Michael Repper, conductor “Works by Florence Price, Valerie Coleman, and Jessie Montgomery” Avie 2503 Patrice Rushen: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra; Andrew Sewell, conductor “Harmony in Black” Albany 1969 58:29 Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. […] Read More
February 7, 2026
“Hope is a woman who has lost her fear.” – Alice Walker This week, women of color taking center stage with outstanding performances. “Women of Color – Performers, Part 9” Ben E. King, Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller (arr. by The String Queens): Stand By Me The String Queens “Rise” Independent Harry Styles, Mitch Rowland, Tyler Johnson, Kid Harpoon (arr. by The String Queens): Golden The String Queens “Rise” Independent Adolphus Hailstork: Five Friends: Suite for Piano Rochelle Sennet, piano “Bach to Black: Suites for Piano, Volume III” Albany 1965 Florence Price: Piano Concerto in One Movement Michelle Cann, piano New York Youth Symphony; Michael Repper, conductor “New York Youth Symphony” Avie 2503 Carl Nielsen: The Mother: Incidental music Valerie Coleman, flute Laura Klugherz, violin “Country Music: Chenango Summer MusicFest” Chenango 13001 Andrew Rudin: Canto di Ritorno Diane Monroe, violin Orchestra 2001; James Freeman, conductor “Orchestra 2001 – to the point” Innova 745 […] Read More
January 31, 2026
“People can’t be what they can’t see. Representation matters.” – Kalena Bovell, conductor There are many ways to inspire young musicians. Just performing, being a visible example of what is achievable, can be more influential than you may realize. And of course, being an educator has a direct impact on others. Not to mention arts organizers and leaders in advocacy organizations. This episode highlights women of color who are leaders, in a myriad of roles, providing guidance and inspiration to others along their way. “Women of Color – Leaders, Part 5” Zenobia Powell Perry: Cycle of Songs on Poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar (excerpts) Darryl Taylor, tenor; Deon Nielsen Price, piano “Music of Zenobia Powell Perry: Art Songs and Piano Music” Cambria 1138 Adriana Holszky: Floten des Lichts Kay George Roberts, conductor Renate Brosch, soprano; Commonwealth Winds “Message” CPO 999290 Julia Perry: Short Piece for Orchestra Imperial Philharmonic of […] Read More
January 24, 2026
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” – Maya Angelou There is a power inherent in women’s voices joined together in song that is greater than any individual voice. This week, performances from women’s choirs. “Voices Raised” Hilary Tann: Contemplations 21, 22 Cappella Clausura; Amelia LeClair, director “Exultet Terra” Navona Records 6069 Traditional: Svatba (Wedding); Strati na Angelaki Doumasche (Haiduk Song); Messetschinko io Greilivko (Love Song from the Mountains); Polegnala e Todora (Love Song) Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares “Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares” Nonesuch 79165 Jan Jirásek: King Lavra Jitro Czech Girls Choir; Jiří Skopal, director Michal Chrobák, piano’ Pavel Plašil, percussion; Jan Jirásek, scissors “Parallel Worlds” Navona Records 6101 Daniel McDavitt: Locus Iste (I Feel…) Brigham Young University Women’s Choir; Jean Appolonie, director “Locus Iste (I Feel…)” BYU Music Group 118 Florent Schmitt: En […] Read More
January 17, 2026
“Much like a patchwork quilt, inspiration that stirs and motivates me is made of many things.” – Robert Reynolds It’s that time again! Ready to add another block to our patchwork quilt? “Patchwork Quilt, Part XLXI” Gabriél Ólafs: “Memory of a World” from Polar:Abyss Daniela Mars, bass flute “Polar:Abyss” Decca Records Sally Mosher: Bossa Nova and Downtown Swagger Rag Elaine Funaro, harpsichord “Donna Musicale” Alienor 99895 Betty Wishart: Concertante No. 1 “Journey into the Unknown” Slovak National Symphony Orchestra; Kirk Trevor, conductor “Passage: Contemporary Works for Orchestra” Navona 6094 Libby Larsen: Kathleen, As She Was Rebecca Nagel, oboe; Marina Lomazov, piano “Synthetic Dances: Music for Oboe” Centaur 2926 Cynthia Folio: Four ‘Scapes Michele Kelly, flute/piccolo; Adeline Tomasone, flute; Eileen Grycky, alto flute/flute; Kim Trolier, bass flute/flute “Flute Loops: Chamber Music by Cynthia Folio” Centaur 2777 Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Master Chorale; Tambuco Percussion Ensemble; Gustavo […] Read More
January 10, 2026
“I’m not threatened by any culture; in fact, I’m very curious, and I want to learn.” – Tania León The 2026 Grammy nominations are in, and there are a lot of women in the mix! Let’s take a listen to some of their contributions, in advance of the voting. “For Your Consideration” Emma O’Halloran: Me and Kathleen (from “Mary Motorhead”) Naomi Louisa O’Connell, mezzo-soprano Irish National Opera; Irish National Opera Orchestra; Elaine Kelly, conductor “Trade / Mary Motorhead” Signum Classics 951 Dmitri Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2 Yuja Wang, piano Boston Symphony Orchestra; Andris Nelsons, conductor “Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos; Solo Works” Deutsche Grammophon 4466956 Tania León: Raíces (Origins) London Philharmonic Orchestra; Edward Gardner, conductor “Raíces (Origins)” LPO 135 Karen LeFrak: Miami Concerto Sharon Isbin, guitar Orchestra of St. Lukes; Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor (Producer: Elaine Martone) “Romántico” KLM 026 Run time: 58:30 Feminine Fusion highlights the roles […] Read More
January 3, 2026
“When I say ‘happy new year,’ I’m really wishing you more happy days, than sad days, more joy than misery, more laughter than tears… and the wisdom to accept, that they all belong.” – Donna Ashworth As we jump into 2026, it’s a great opportunity to recognize some of the women who have a lot to contribute in the coming months and years. “New Year, New Start” Caroline Shaw: Optics, Light and Shadow Attacca Quartet; Sō Percussion; Roomful of Teeth “Leonardo da Vinci (original score)” Nonesuch 7559789841 Susie Ibarra: Drum Sketches (excerpts) Susie Ibarra, percussion “Drum Sketches” Innova 677 Jessie Montgomery: Coincident Dances Chicago Sinfonietta; Mei-Ann Chen, conductor “Project W” Cedille 90000 185 Olivia Belli: Limina Luminis Anna Lapwood, organ “Firedove” Sony Classical Clarice Assad: Book of Spells Merian Ensemble “Book of Spells” Navona 6644 Diane Jones: Earth Rise Trio Casals “Moto Celeleste” Navona 6266 Run time: 58:30 […] Read More
