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Women have always composed - but, far more than with their male contemporaries, obstacles have been thrown in their way. In this new series, Jenni Murray explores some of the avenues women composers have taken to overcome these challenges, offering insight into their music and illuminating the cultural and human stories which resonate today, as well as celebrating the music itself with a vibrant playlist of some of the very best music by women.

1: Why women, why now? To ask whether or why we still need to talk about “women composers" in the 21st Century, and to look at some of the historical reasons why women's voices have often not been heard and the progress made over the past couple of decades, Jenni is joined by Master of the King's Music Errollyn Wallen.

The playlist includes classics by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach and Ethel Smyth, alongside gems from contemporary composers Joan Tower and Sally Beamish, plus gaming music by Michiru Yamane and a film score by Laura Karpman - a barnstorming track from 2023 superhero blockbuster The Marvels.

Producer: Graham Rogers

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