The Clara Variations: Christmas with the ladies

By Clara Leonardi, 17 December 2020

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“Since the 19th century, women composers have also taken on the task of writing these seasonal works”

Kevin W Ng, 17th April

Ahead of an appearance at London’s Cadogan Hall, the Swedish mezzo-soprano talks about her love for French and German song, and combining intimate performances with opera singing on a much larger scale.

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.

Christmas gifts for music, opera and dance lovers in 2025

Bachtrack, 5th December

What do you buy for the culture lover in your life who seems to have everything? Here are some music and dance-related gifts that Bachtrack staff are giving or hoping to receive for Christmas this year.

The hidden folk history of Christmas carols

Stephen Pritchard, 12th December

Some of the most familiar Christmas carols have melodies derived from folksong – which might have been lost altogether if not preserved in the early 20th century.

The wolf returns: Debbie Wiseman talks The Mirror and the Light

Gavia Baker-Whitelaw, 7th November

Composer Debbie Wiseman talks about returning to Wolf Hall and the world of the Tudors, for the BBC’s adaptation of the conclusion to Hilary Mantel’s story of Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII, The Mirror and the Light.

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.