CapRadio’s Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason spotlights noteworthy recordings by women performers playing works by important women composers.

Music featured in this segment comes from recent recordings. Here’s some information about the composers:

The first selection features pianist Lara Downes and violinist Rachel Barton Pine performing “Blue Piece” by Libby Larsen. American born, Grammy award winning Larsen is one of the country’s most frequently performed living composers. She’s written over 500 works in many genres: vocal, chamber and orchestral works and written commissions for many performers and ensembles. 

The second selection features Isata Kanneh-Mason performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in “Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7 - 1, Allegro maestoso" by Clara Schumann. 2019 is the 200th anniversary of Clara Schumann’s birth. Born in Germany, she had a six decades’ long career as a pianist, composer and piano teacher. She was married to composer Robert Schumann. The pair had eight children together. 

The third selection is the Fort Smith Symphony performing “Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: III. Juba Dance” by Florence Price. Price (April 9, 1887 – June 3, 1953), also American born, was a classical composer, pianist, organist and teacher. She was the first African-American woman to have her work performed by a major symphony orchestra. 

The final selection is performed by Yolanda Kondonassis with The Rochester Philharmonic performing “Harp Concerto: IV. Rap Knock” by Jennifer Higdon. An American born, contemporary classical composer, Higdon has won a Pulitzer Prize and Grammy awards. She is highly sought after and has written commissions for major symphony orchestras, opera companies and performers. One of her most well known compositions is "blue cathedral" (1999).