The Wiener Festwochen in Vienna has launched the “Academy Second Modernism,” an initiative to showcase works by 50 female and nonbinary composers over five years, addressing gender imbalances in classical music. This season, less than eight percent of works staged by 111 orchestras worldwide were composed by women, with the initiative aiming to drive structural changes and greater inclusion.
Why it matters:
- Addressing gender imbalance: The Academy Second Modernism highlights and supports female and nonbinary composers, working towards correcting historical gender disparities in classical music.
- Encouraging contemporary music: By focusing on contemporary compositions, the initiative aims to diversify programming and provide opportunities for living composers, promoting a more inclusive and varied classical music repertoire.
- International collaboration: Bringing together representatives from global institutions, the initiative fosters international dialogue and cooperation, working to create sustainable change and equity in the classical music industry.
