Women Composer Information Page

The Women's Philharmonic existed from 1981 to 2004 to promote the works of women composers from the earliest roots of music to the works of those living in our time.   For over twenty years, they performed and recorded as part of a movement to illuminate the concert stage with the music of historical women composers and women writing music today.   The dedication of the players to performing this unique and beautiful music provides a link to the important work of women composers.

Although the Women's Philharmonic closed its doors in June 2004, the work of bringing the music of women composers to the hearts and minds of those who love music continues with great dedication.

McChamberMusic's own Bellavente Wind Quintet grew out of the Women's Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet and contains most of the principle wind players of the former Women's Philharmonic.  Bellavente is committed to performing the works of women composers in their programs.  Please find below suggested programs for  performance.

If you are interested in getting involved in the creation of a new San Francisco Bay Area orchestra to perform and promote the works of women composers, please contact Beverly McChesney at (650) 349-7603.

The following Women's Philharmonic CDs can be obtained on Amazon or other retailers:

"Baroquen Treasures" featuring the music of Baroque period women composers Marianne Martines 1744-1812, Camilla de Rossi ?-?, Mlle. Duval ?-1769, Magdalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen 1745-1818, Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre 1664-1729 - Copies are rare.  One is available on Amazon for $98.

"The Women's Philharmonic" featuring the music of Romantic & modern period women composers Fanny Mendelssohn 1805-1847, Clara Schumann 1819-1896, Germaine Talleferre 1892-1983, Lili Boulanger 1893-1919.

"Florence Price" featuring the music of African American composer Florence Price, the first African American woman to compose classical orchestral music.

"The Music of Chen Yi" featuring the music of the brilliant living Chinese/American woman composer Chen Yi.

"Women of Note" featuring many modern and pre-modern women composers and includes several performances by the Women's Philharmonic.