Feminine Fusion

September 18, 2016: Ascending the Podium

by Diane Jones

September 12, 2016

Marin Alsop

“You’re either born a musician, or you’re born not a musician.  It has nothing to do with gender.” – Antonia Brico

Conducting is still a male-dominated stronghold in the musical world.  Even in the last few years, prominent conductors insist that woman conductors are not capable of conducting anything other than “feminine” works, like Debussy or Ravel.  And that the rigors of conducting are too hard for women, claiming it is “an issue of biology.”  On this episode of Feminine Fusion, three remarkable women take the podium and show just what they are capable of achieving.

(And here’s the Classic FM list of why women can’t be conductors.)

“Ascending the Podium”

Libby Larsen:  Marima Concerto After Hampton
Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop – conductor
John Kinzie, marimba
“Libby Larsen: Deep Summer Music, Solo Symphony, Marimba Concerto After Hampton”
Koch International

Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527
Overture to Magic Flute, K. 620
Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, Antonia Brico – conductor
“Essential Classics: Mozart Overtures”
Sony Classical

Huang Anlun: Piano Concerto in G Minor
China National Opera House Symphony Orchestra, Zheng Xiaoying – conductor
Joseph Banowetz, piano
“Huang Anlun: Piano Concerto in G Minor”
Marco Polo

Run time:  58:21

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music.  Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform and inspire.  Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.