Poster Anna Thorvaldsdottir
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
Hrafn Asgeirsson
Extra Eclectic

Women composers define the moment

Extra Eclectic - March 5, 2025

This week on Extra Eclectic, we kick off our observation of Women’s History Month with a celebration of how women composers are at the forefront of the present in classical music. Host Steve Seel brings us two hours of outstanding music from the likes of Missy Mazzoli, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Tania Leon and more — as well as a showcase for Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, whose astounding Altar de Cuerda comes from her quadruple-Grammy-nominated CD, Revolucion Diamantina (which won three awards at the recent 2025 ceremony). Listen now!

Playlist

Smash
Jennifer Higdon
Third Sound Ensemble
Innova 990

These Worlds in Us
Missy Mazzoli
Tim Weiss
Arctic Philharmonic
Bis 2572

Carols after a Plague: Resolve
Shara Nova
Donald Nally, conductor
The Crossing
New Focus 357

Altar de Cuerda: Canto Abierto
Gabriela Ortiz
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
Los Angeles Phiharmonic Orchestra
Maria Duenas, violin

Esencia: Agua de Rosas
Tania Leon
Bergamot Quartet
New Focus 316

Black Iris
Reena Esmail
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Chicago Sinfonietta

Nocturne
Kaija Saariaho
Jennifer Koh, violin
Cedille 134

Spectra
Anna Thorvaldsdottir
International Contemporary Ensemble
Dorian 92227

De Profundis
Raminta Serksnyte
Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, conductor
Kremerata Baltica
DG 4837761

The Unquestioned Answer
Laurie Spiegel
James McVinnie, organ
Pentatone 7404

Dark Night, Bright Stars, Vast Universe
Kelly-Marie Murphy
Alexander Shelley, conductor
National Arts Centre Orchestra
Analekta 8891

Postscriptum
Lera Auerbach
Boulanger Trio
Berlin 303298

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