Camellia Camerata Celebrates Women Composers in Inaugural Concert

North Carolina chamber quartet highlights underperformed works by female composers across history.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The classical music world is experiencing a shift as organizations like Camellia Camerata work to bring the music of underrecognized women composers to the forefront. Camellia Camerata, a new chamber quartet based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, will hold its inaugural concert on March 8th, celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day. The program features pieces by composers spanning the Baroque era to the present day, including Grazyna Bacewicz, Lili Boulanger, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Nadia Borislova, Clara Schumann, and Ethel Smyth.

Why it matters

For centuries, societal biases and systemic barriers have limited opportunities for women to create, publish, and have their compositions performed, resulting in a vast catalog of incredible music that has remained largely unheard. Camellia Camerata's mission is to help redress this historical underrepresentation and bring these powerful, distinctive, and deeply expressive works to wider audiences.

The details

Camellia Camerata's debut program showcases the breadth of talent that has been overlooked, with pieces by composers from the Baroque era to the present day. Beyond just performing, the ensemble aims to 'foster a vibrant musical community that engages audiences, nurtures talent, and enriches lives through chamber music performance and education.' This includes outreach initiatives, educational activities, and a lunchtime concert series to make chamber music more accessible.

  • Camellia Camerata's inaugural concert will be held on March 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
  • The ensemble is planning its first Chamber Music Festival for May 1-3, 2026.

The players

Camellia Camerata

A novel chamber quartet based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, actively working to bring the works of underrecognized women composers to the forefront.

Amanda Virelles

A founding member of Camellia Camerata who highlights the historical underperformance of music composed by women.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Arts Council of Fayetteville Cumberland County is providing crucial support for Camellia Camerata's events, demonstrating the importance of community investment in the arts.

The takeaway

Camellia Camerata is part of a larger global effort to champion the music of women composers, contributing to broadening the repertoire, enriching the concert experience, and fostering a more inclusive musical tradition.