Chicago Sinfonietta Celebrates Women Composers in Historic Performance

Orchestra highlights works by Florence Price, Shirley J. Thompson, Marianna Martines, and Amy Beach for Women's History Month

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Chicago Sinfonietta's recent Women's History Month performance showcased the music of several pioneering women composers, including the first Black woman to have a symphony played by a major American orchestra (Florence Price), the first Black woman to compose and conduct a symphony in Great Britain (Shirley J. Thompson), and the first woman to write a symphony (Marianna Martines). The concert, led by Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, underscores a growing trend of rediscovering and celebrating the contributions of female composers throughout history.

Why it matters

For centuries, the classical music canon has been dominated by male composers, with women often excluded from formal training, publication, and performance opportunities. Organizations like the Chicago Sinfonietta are actively working to rectify this historical imbalance and bring greater diversity and inclusivity to the field of classical music.

The details

The performance featured works by Florence Price, Shirley J. Thompson, Marianna Martines, and Amy Beach. Price's 'Dances in the Canebrakes' was performed in collaboration with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, showcasing her ability to blend European classical traditions with African American folk melodies and rhythms. Thompson's world premiere of 'Seventh Sense: Incidents in the Life of Queen Amanirenas' demonstrated her innovative use of musical language to tell a compelling historical story. The inclusion of Martines' symphony, considered the first written by a woman, raised questions about the historical context in which she worked and the unique challenges faced by women composers.

  • The Chicago Sinfonietta's Women's History Month performance took place in March 2026.

The players

Chicago Sinfonietta

A professional orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in classical music.

Mei-Ann Chen

The music director of the Chicago Sinfonietta, known for her commitment to championing the work of women composers.

Florence Price

An African American composer who was the first Black woman to have a symphony played by a major American orchestra.

Shirley J. Thompson

A British composer who was the first Black woman to compose and conduct a symphony in Great Britain.

Marianna Martines

An 18th-century composer considered to be the first woman to write a symphony.

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What’s next

The Chicago Sinfonietta's upcoming performance of 'American Rhapsody,' featuring the music of Gershwin and Miles Davis on May 8th and 10th, promises another exciting musical experience.

The takeaway

The trend of celebrating women in music is likely to continue, driven by a growing awareness of the need for greater diversity and inclusivity in classical music. This includes not only performing more music by women composers but also supporting female conductors, performers, and music educators.