Take a tumultuous ride into the forgotten voices of orchestral music. Boulanger Initiative returns swinging for the women symphonists too often actively hidden from the spotlight: Marianna Martines, Louise Farrenc, Emilie Mayer, Augusta Holmès, Florence Price, Julia Perry, and many more. This virtual course traces the evolution of the orchestra through the women who were there from the beginning with guided discussion, listening excerpts, and practical tips for discovering overlooked repertoire. Explore once-celebrated works later erased by canon formation, while placing these composers in their proper cultural, historical, and artistic contexts. Examine how institutions, pedagogy, and power shaped what we call “great music,” and deepen your understanding of orchestral history through a fuller, richer, and more accurate lens.
Sessions run August 3-6, and financial aid is available. This course can be attended synchronously or asynchronously, and recordings will be available to all registrants for a month following its conclusion. Attendees will also receive a listening link, further reading lists, and a 20% discount code to purchase BI’s curriculums and merchandise.