Page 824 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

Clara Wieck-Schumann's Piano Concerto (the
composer/pianist pictured below) has garnered much

attention in recent years, and I am hopeful that you will
discover and love it just as much as I do.

The idea for this new award came about through different angles,
probably the most significant, my own experiences as a performer
and the desire for more balanced programming on the international
stage (works by female composers currently represent less than
8%, according to the Donne Foundation). I have also been involved
with the Leeds International Piano Competition over the last couple
of years, co-creating, performing and presenting a new show called Count Me In! together with
Tim Redmond, aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils, inspiring them to be part of an interactive
performance, that bridges music and maths to make learning fun and engaging. Collaborating
with the LIPC team on the creation of this show reinforced my belief in the importance of
integrating the arts into education to cultivate well-rounded, imaginative thinkers and what a
profound impact it can have on young minds.

I grew up, perhaps like most of you, with the works of our greats: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven,
Chopin, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Ravel, and many others. However, over the years, I embarked on
a fascinating journey of discovery, unearthing the often-overlooked contributions of female
composers. It has become increasingly clear to me that it is crucially important for us to learn and
understand the full picture of our musical heritage. Women have always been there, composing,
writing and performing. Despite often being denied formal study or professional opportunities,
their creative spirit has persisted. It is high time we give them the recognition and celebration
they deserve, alongside the names we already know and love.

Trailer for Count Me In!