EMPOWER: Women Changing Music
Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant
Returning to Manchester in celebration of International Women’s Day, EMPOWER: Women Changing Music is an inspiring evening of live performances and thought-provoking conversation, dedicated to championing gender equality in the music industry.
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Taking place at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, this event shines a spotlight on female composers and musicians, challenging the historically male-dominated canon and creating space for positive change. Featuring a dynamic programme of short performances by chamber ensembles, alongside the highly anticipated UK premiere of the inaugural OpusHER commission, the evening celebrates the transformative impact women are having on the musical landscape, both creatively and professionally.
Complementing the performances, a panel of industry-leading women—including violinist Emily Davis, composer Florence Anna Maunders, Cellist Peggy Nolan and Rachael Williams, Chief Executive of Streetwise Opera—will take part in a lively discussion exploring the evolving role of women in music. The event will be hosted by Sinéad Walsh and Hannah Seymour, fostering an environment of collaboration, inspiration, and progress.
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Launched as a pilot in 2022, EMPOWER is now expanding its reach, with Manchester serving as a key stop in a series of events also taking place in London and Dublin. Whether you’re a music lover, an advocate for equality, or simply looking for an enriching cultural experience, this is an event not to be missed.