Women composers and lovers, a timeless misalliance?

Alma and Gustav Mahler near Toblach, in around 1909

Robert and Clara Schumann in 1847

Barbara Strozzi, self-portrait, ca. 1630

Elfrida Andrée, ca. 1904

By Clara Leonardi, 17 February 2021

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“There are couples in which the career of each serves the other”

Bachtrack, 3rd March

Principal contrabassist of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra talks about why Mahler’s restless and volatile First Symphony is a highlight of any orchestra season.

Grief and yearning: Barbara Hannigan premieres The White Book

Bachtrack, 24th February

Setting texts by Nobel prize winning author Han Kang, this new work by British composer Laura Bowler for soprano and large orchestra is an emotionally charged exploration of mourning and longing.

Back in the spotlight: Bru Zane gives women composers chance to shine

Elodie Olson-Coons, 2nd February

With significant works by Louise Farrenc, Augusta Holmès and Clémence de Grandval – including two grand operas – Palazzetto Bru Zane is pioneering rediscovery of French music of the 19th century.

All in the family: Flanders Symphony’s new chief Martijn Dendievel

Lawrence Dunn, 15th January

The young Belgian conductor has had a long association with the Flanders Symphony – and this January he takes the chief’s baton from departing Kristiina Poska, who reaffirmed the orchestra’s crisp, classical sound.

The magical world of composers’ handwriting

Lawrence Dunn, 17th December

From Buxtehude, Bach and Handel, to contemporary composer Liza Lim, we take a tour of the myriad forms of composers’ handwriting and calligraphy – and how music makes itself on the page.

A musical melting pot: Hannu Lintu joins Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Richard Bratby, 4th November

The Finnish conductor talks about becoming Music Director at Singapore Symphony from 2026 – and creating programmes for the unique cultural melting pot that the orchestra sits at the centre of.

Clara Leonardi

Formée au Conservatoire de Metz, Clara Leonardi y obtient son DEM de violon et son prix de Perfectionnement de quatuor à cordes. Elle s’implique aujourd’hui dans plusieurs orchestres amateurs parisiens en parallèle de ses études de commerce et fréquente assidûment les grandes salles parisiennes. Passionnée par le répertoire des compositrices, elle est aussi la co-fondatrice de ComposHer, un média en ligne dédié aux femmes dans la musique classique.

The Clara Variations: women composers and lovers, a timeless misalliance?