Chords and Queens

On today's episode, we sit down with the magnificent Anna Clyne. We explore her earliest childhood memories of writing music, her love of collaboration, and her new piece Sirens , as well as her advice for the next generation of women composers. She also reflects on the distinction of being the most performed living woman composer, and whether that title feels like an honour, or whether she&#3...

On today’s episode we welcome violinist and composer Rebekah Reid, who talks to us about navigating hypermobility as a violinist, writing music and her upcoming gig at the famous London Jazz Club - Ronnie Scott’s. During the episode we get an insight into her writing process as she shows us how she constructs a song live on stage using a loop pedal. We also chat about the harrowingly low statics h...

On today's episode, we're joined by pianist Isabelle O'Connell and composer Rhona Clarke to talk about their album Cocteau - and how a pandemic collaboration quietly grew into something much bigger. We chat about their beginnings in music, the inspiration behind the project, and the work of Les Six member Germaine Tailleferre, whose music features on the album. Isabelle O’Connell: Webs...

On this week’s episode we try and answer the question - where are the women in the Golden Age of Scottish trad music? So let’s look at the lives of Euphemia Murray, Catherine White, Magdalene Stirling and Anna Gordon. Just some of the names that shaped 18th and 19th century Scottish Music.  Sources - Female Composers in Scotland’s Golden Age - Aaron McGregor  https://fillocksfiddlers.com/2025/10/2...

On today's episode, we sit down with Jennifer King, the award-winning pianist and recording artist. We talk about her early days learning music and the importance of being able to access music education, as well as her phenomenal career as a performer, teacher, and actress - playing the role of Ethel Smyth in The Bessie Carruthers Study Club. With such an impressive career, Jennifer has no des...

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the wonderful multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Cathryn Bell. We talk about her journey as a composer and how she found her way into writing for the screen, as well as her favourite film scores and her creative process. We also dive into the lack of women in film composition and explore what can be done to better support and champion the next generatio...

On today’s episode, I’m joined by conductor, producer, and performer Shea Lolin and flautist Fiona Sweeney to discuss their recent recording of the Flute Concertino by French composer Cécile Chaminade, featured on their new album Frisson. We explore the experience of recording the work, the importance of championing music by women composers, and share advice for emerging composers on the value of...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life and music of Marianna Martines, the 18th-century Viennese composer who lived alongside Haydn and Mozart and performed for Europe’s elite, but whose brilliance was nearly erased by history. From her virtuosic keyboard works to her stunning choral compositions, we unpack how Martines carved out a career in a world that rarely allowed women to be compos...

On the podcast this week, I’m joined by the wonderfully talented Precious Akindele. We talk about her love for Erykah Badu, her journey into writing her own music, and her advice for women and girls who want to start learning the organ. Precious also breaks down the process of creating and programming her own organ recital in March 2026, and gives us an insight into her upcoming new music. Preciou...

On today’s podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful performer, writer, and educator Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss. We explore her journey playing the euphonium, her experiences navigating sexism as a brass player, and her career as both a teacher and performer with the likes of the Athena Brass Band. Amy also shares the inspiration behind her children’s book Amy’s Brass Band and discusses the meaningful w...

On today’s episode we recap some of my favourite books and music of 2025. From learning about the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz to listening to the classical pop takeover, I share with you my thoughts and findings on some of my favourite artistic finds of the year.  ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s Get Social 📱 For more Classical Queens, follow us on:  Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@...

I’m so honoured to be joined by Katie Rowan, founder of the Ina Boyle Society and a relative of the remarkable Irish composer Ina Boyle. Katie shares the story behind the creation of the Society, the inspiration that drives its work, and reflects on Ina’s music and enduring legacy. We also look ahead to what’s next for Ina Boyle’s music, and discuss how we can all support the Society and help shap...

In this episode, we dive into why orchestras and baroque drama seem to be appearing in the pop charts. From Rosalía’s hit album ‘LUX’ to Charli XCX’s track for the Wuthering Heights film ‘House’, we unpack how classical sounds are sneaking back into the charts and are listeners craving something more “human”? Is this revival a reaction against the polished AI-generated music we’ve been hearing mor...

EDIT: Ina's only opera, Maudlin of Paplewick, was completed in 1964 (not 1966) and is set to a libretto by Ben Jonson (not Edith Somerville). In this episode, we uncover the life and work of Ina Boyle (1889–1967), one of Ireland’s most remarkable composers. Living most of her life in the quiet countryside, Boyle composed symphonies, choral works, and chamber music at a time when few women were...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Nobu Kōda (1870–1946). Essentially Japan’s first composer to write in the Western classical style and one of the earliest Japanese musicians to study abroad. Born during the Meiji Restoration, a time when women were expected to become “good wives and wise mothers,” Kōda defied convention to study music in Boston and Vienna, bringing Western tradit...

On today's episode we highlight the remarkable life of Croatian composer Dora Pejačević, from her aristocratic upbringing to her most defining musical achievements. Perhaps we playfully argue that her mix of talent, rebellion, and rich personal story makes her worthy of Disney level fame. Symphony in F Sharp Minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=940dNX5zHEU ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s...

On todays episode we uncover the stories of the first female conductors - Josephine Amann-Weinlich and Antonia Brico -  the first women to break onto the conductor’s podium in a world that said they didn’t belong there. From all female orchestras to historic debuts, this episode uncovers the grit, genius, and resilience that helped change classical music forever. Antonia Brico: Portrait of a Woman...

Ruth Gipps was a composer, conductor, and musician of exception skill and talent. In this episode, we uncover the life of a prodigy turned trailblazer who battled sexism and the changing musical fashions to forge her own path. From her lush, lyrical symphonies to her fierce determination as a conductor, Ruth was often branded difficult, but maybe she was just misunderstood?  ✨New Episodes Every M...

In this episode, we look at the extraordinary career of trumpet soloist Alison Balsom and the announcement of her retirement in 2025. From breaking barriers in the brass world to inspiring a new generation of musicians, Alison’s legacy is undeniable - but does the media’s response to her retirement reveal how sexism still shapes the way female musicians are portrayed?  The Brass Ceiling Documentar...

In today’s episode, we explore how the immensely talented artist Laufey is reinventing what it means to be classically trained. From her viral rise on TikTok to her Grammy-winning album Bewitched and her latest release A Matter of Time, Laufey proves that classical roots can thrive far beyond the concert hall. This episode unpacks her story, her music, and her role in inspiring a new generation to...

In this episode, we step into the vibrant world of Errollyn Wallen. The pioneering Belize-born British composer whose music blurs the lines between classical, jazz, and popular music, We explore the twists and turns of her remarkable journey, from studying dance to becoming the first Black woman to have her work performed at the Proms, to becoming Master of the Kings Music. We explore her creative...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into four hauntingly beautiful works by female composers. Setting you up for the perfect spooky playlist - just in time for Autumn. Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRPsVhWnjw&list=PLFdg885z67oCu7p-c-sNoT4TdgvxQubGj&pp=gAQBIndividual Pieces Photography: III. — Errollyn Wallen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRPsVhWnjwCaroline Shaw The Obse...

Avril Coleridge-Taylor carved her own path in the world of classical music. From her groundbreaking role as one of Britain’s few prominent female conductors to her rich, overlooked compositions, Avril’s story is one of talent, resilience, and quiet rebellion. This podcast uncovers her music, her mental health struggles and the legacy she fought to leave behind.  Sussex Landscape by Chineke! Orches...

Dive into the extraordinary life of Nadia Boulanger. Composer, conductor, and legendary teacher to some of the 20th century’s greatest musicians. From falling in love with the sound of fire bells to her deep bond with her sister Lili, this episode explores how Nadia shaped the sound of modern music while redefining what it meant to lead, teach, and inspire. ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s Get...

Step into the remarkable life of Lili Boulanger, the French composer who shattered expectations and redefined classical music in the early 20th century. From winning the coveted Prix de Rome at just 19 to composing emotionally powerful works that still resonate today, Lili’s journey is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. And yes - long before Lizzie McGuire had her Roman moment, Lili was already...