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PODCAST

Chords and Queens

Chords and Queens

Hello and welcome to Chords & Queens, the podcast that uncovers the untold stories of the world’s most captivating female composers—with a fresh, modern twist! Every week, we shine a spotlight on a trailblazing woman who reshaped the world of music, diving into her life, her legacy, and the timeless sounds she brought to the world. Hosted by composer and multi instrumentalist Jennifer Athan. Let’s get social! Instagram - @ChordsandQueens TikTok - @ChordsandQueens

music music history

All Episodes

00:14:15

Nobu Kōda: Life, Music and the Suzuki Method

Chords and Queens ·

2025/10/27

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Nobu Kōda (1870–1946). Essentially Japan’s first composer to write in the Western classical style and one of the earliest Japanese musicians to study abroad. Born during the Meiji Restoration, a time when women were expected to become “good wives and wise mothers,” Kōda defied convention to study music in Boston and Vienna, bringing Western traditions back to Japan and transforming its musical landscape. From teaching the future creator of the

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00:18:17

Dora Pejačević: Life, Music and the Next Disney...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/10/13

On today's episode we highlight the remarkable life of Croatian composer Dora Pejačević, from her aristocratic upbringing to her most defining musical achievements. Perhaps we playfully argue that her mix of talent, rebellion, and rich personal story makes her worthy of Disney level fame.Symphony in F Sharp Minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=940dNX5zHEU✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast:

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00:22:02

The First Female Conductors: Josephine Amann-Weinlich...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/09/29

On todays episode we uncover the stories of the first female conductors - Josephine Amann-Weinlich and Antonia Brico - the first women to break onto the conductor’s podium in a world that said they didn’t belong there. From all female orchestras to historic debuts, this episode uncovers the grit, genius, and resilience that helped change classical music forever.Antonia Brico: Portrait of a Woman Documentary (2022 Restoration) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHE9lLjUpuM&t=1s✨New Episodes Every

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00:17:32

Ruth Gipps: The Life and Music of a Misunderstood Diva

Chords and Queens ·

2025/09/15

Ruth Gipps was a composer, conductor, and musician of exception skill and talent. In this episode, we uncover the life of a prodigy turned trailblazer who battled sexism and the changing musical fashions to forge her own path. From her lush, lyrical symphonies to her fierce determination as a conductor, Ruth was often branded difficult, but maybe she was just misunderstood? ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast:

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00:22:03

Alison Balsom: Trumpet, Brass Ceilings and the Sexism...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/09/08

In this episode, we look at the extraordinary career of trumpet soloist Alison Balsom and the announcement of her retirement in 2025. From breaking barriers in the brass world to inspiring a new generation of musicians, Alison’s legacy is undeniable - but does the media’s response to her retirement reveal how sexism still shapes the way female musicians are portrayed? The Brass Ceiling Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUA62xbanLEAlison Balsom on the Trumpet Concerto of Wynton Marsalis:

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00:20:14

Laufey: Proof That Classical Music Still Speaks to Gen Z

Chords and Queens ·

2025/09/01

In today’s episode, we explore how the immensely talented artist Laufey is reinventing what it means to be classically trained. From her viral rise on TikTok to her Grammy-winning album Bewitched and her latest release A Matter of Time, Laufey proves that classical roots can thrive far beyond the concert hall. This episode unpacks her story, her music, and her role in inspiring a new generation to see classical training not as a cage, but as a foundation for limitless creativity.Articles Referenced:

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00:23:10

Errollyn Wallen: Chords, Cake and the Life of a Composer

Chords and Queens ·

2025/08/25

In this episode, we step into the vibrant world of Errollyn Wallen. The pioneering Belize-born British composer whose music blurs the lines between classical, jazz, and popular music, We explore the twists and turns of her remarkable journey, from studying dance to becoming the first Black woman to have her work performed at the Proms, to becoming Master of the Kings Music. We explore her creative process, her inspiration for some of her greatest works, and why sometimes the best way to start a day

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00:12:40

The Etsy Witch Playlist: Four Contemporary Classical...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/08/18

In today’s episode, we’re diving into four hauntingly beautiful works by female composers. Setting you up for the perfect spooky playlist - just in time for Autumn. Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRPsVhWnjw&list=PLFdg885z67oCu7p-c-sNoT4TdgvxQubGj&pp=gAQBIndividual Pieces Photography: III. — Errollyn Wallen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRPsVhWnjwCaroline Shaw The Observatory - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqMK-eeO9nQDelia Derbyshire - Depression:

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00:20:03

Avril Coleridge-Taylor: Discovering the life of an...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/08/11

Avril Coleridge-Taylor carved her own path in the world of classical music. From her groundbreaking role as one of Britain’s few prominent female conductors to her rich, overlooked compositions, Avril’s story is one of talent, resilience, and quiet rebellion. This podcast uncovers her music, her mental health struggles and the legacy she fought to leave behind. Sussex Landscape by Chineke! Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbT5NCaVgm0PDF Catalogue of work by Avril Coleridge Taylor:

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00:24:02

Nadia Boulanger: Fire alarms, sister goals and being...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/08/04

Dive into the extraordinary life of Nadia Boulanger. Composer, conductor, and legendary teacher to some of the 20th century’s greatest musicians. From falling in love with the sound of fire bells to her deep bond with her sister Lili, this episode explores how Nadia shaped the sound of modern music while redefining what it meant to lead, teach, and inspire.✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast:

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00:25:16

Lili Boulanger: Life, Music and Lizzie McGuire

Chords and Queens ·

2025/07/28

Step into the remarkable life of Lili Boulanger, the French composer who shattered expectations and redefined classical music in the early 20th century. From winning the coveted Prix de Rome at just 19 to composing emotionally powerful works that still resonate today, Lili’s journey is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. And yes - long before Lizzie McGuire had her Roman moment, Lili was already living la dolce vita in the Eternal City… but with less purple flared trousers (probably). Prelude in D

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00:20:51

Vítězslava Kaprálová: The Life and Work of the Czech...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/07/21

Vítězslava Kaprálová was a prodigy, a pioneer, and a woman who dared to compose. Born in 1915 in Brno, she rose quickly through the musical ranks of Europe, becoming one of the first female conductors to lead the Czech Philharmonic. Her life was brilliant but heartbreakingly brief as she died at just 25, leaving behind a body of work that feels both defiant and intimate.In this episode, we unravel Kaprálová’s story - her art, ambition, and the lingering sense of “what could have been.” Along the

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00:18:55

Barbara Strozzi: Venice, Baroque and Roll

Chords and Queens ·

2025/07/07

In this episode, we journey into the extraordinary, and often misunderstood life of Barbara Strozzi, one of the Baroque era’s boldest musical voices. Born in 1619 to a world that didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for ambitious women, Barbara carved out a career as a composer, performer, and intellectual at a time when women were expected to stay silent.But behind the arias and accolades was a woman navigating a precarious social position - unmarried, a mother, and often the target of

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00:38:25

Wanda Landowska: Pedagogy of the Past, Harpsichords...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/07/07

Step into the world of Wanda Landowska, the revolutionary harpsichordist who brought early music back to life in the 20th century. In this episode, we explore her groundbreaking performances, her role as an educator, and her fierce dedication to reviving the baroque in a time obsessed with the new. From salons in Paris to wartime exile and lasting musical legacy, Landowska’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and bold reinvention.Perhaps we draw some unexpected parallels between Landowska and

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00:16:47

The Revolutionary Music of Louise Farrenc

Chords and Queens ·

2025/06/30

In 1850, Louise Farrenc did something revolutionary: she demanded equal pay. As the only woman professor at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, this French composer and pianist fought for—and won—the same salary as her male colleagues, becoming one of history's first documented cases of successful equal pay advocacy.But Farrenc was far more than a trailblazing educator. Over her 40-year career, she composed 49 major works including three symphonies, two piano quintets, and a nonet that

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00:24:54

Florence Price: Battling Racism, Sexism, and Paving a...

Chords and Queens ·

2025/03/10

In this episode we explore the remarkable life of Florence Price, the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. From her early days in Little Rock to her groundbreaking works in Chicago, this episode paints a portrait of a pioneering artist who left an undeniable mark on both American music and the fight for equality.Featuring Music from The Art Song Project: https://theartsongproject.com/florence-b-price/Soprano - Hélène Lindqvist Piano - Philipp Vogler

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00:16:54

Amy Beach: From Child Prodigy to Composer

Chords and Queens ·

2025/02/23

A trailblazer in classical music, Amy Beach was not only the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music but also a formidable pianist and a self-taught musical genius. So I’m excited that together we'll explore her early life, her musical journey including looking at her Gaelic Symphony, her groundbreaking compositions, and the lasting impact she left on the world of classical music.

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00:21:14

Discovering: Four pieces by Female Composers Vol. 1

Chords and Queens ·

2025/02/09

Usually on the podcast we spotlight one composer and focus on their life, their life drama, sometimes their love lives. Today, we’re diving into four incredible pieces composed by women, each representing a different era and style of classical music. We’ve got Das Jahr by Fanny Mendelssohn, Gaelic Symphony by Amy Beach, Symphony No. 1 in E Minor by Florence Price and Partita for 8 Voices by Caroline Shaw.

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00:16:04

Piano Keys and Pop Queens: Clara Schumann and Beyoncé

Chords and Queens ·

2025/01/26

Hello there, and welcome to Chords and Queens - the podcast exploring the fascinating stories of influential female musicians and composers throughout history. On Todays episode we’re going to talk about Clara Schumann and her similarities to Beyonce?

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00:26:16

Ethel Smyth - The Defiant Dame

Chords and Queens ·

2025/01/17

Welcome to chords and queens, the podcast where we celebrate the extraordinary lives and works of female composers. Today, we’re diving into the remarkable life of Ethel Smyth—a composer, activist, and a feminist who shattered barriers in both music and society. We talk about her early life, her musical works and her involvement with the Suffragettes.

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21 results

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