Chords and Queens

On this week’s podcast, I’m joined by cellist Tara Franks and violinist Preetha Narayanan, the musical duo behind Balladeste. We explore their earliest experiences with music and the story of how they came together to form the duo.

With their new album, Imprints, set for release on 5 November 2026, Tara and Preetha share the inspirations behind the record, from the rich traditions of Indian classical music to the music of medieval composer Hildegard of Bingen.

This episode is a celebration of musical collaboration, creative curiosity, and the importance of discovering your own ‘why’ and how, sometimes, finding that purpose can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Imprints: https://balladeste.bandcamp.com/album/imprints

Balladeste: https://www.balladeste.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balladeste/

✨New Episodes Every Other Monday✨

Website 💻

https://www.chordsandqueens.com

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

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Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today’s episode, I’m delighted to be joined by the incredible composer Helen Leach, whose music can only be described as dreamlike and beautifully cinematic. Helen shares her journey into the world of composition, reflecting on her career, the challenges she’s faced, and the experiences that have shaped her as a musician.

Her story is deeply inspiring and, in many ways, universal. So many classical musicians navigate injuries, chronic pain and disabilities in silence, and Helen’s openness shines a light on an experience that deserves far more understanding and recognition within the industry.

We also talk about her upcoming album, Window to the Stars (6th November 2026) , and how the breathtaking landscapes and sense of place surrounding her home in Scotland have inspired this extraordinary music.

Helen Leach:

Website: https://helenleach.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helen.leachmusic/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7w0guZxxL1vWF79xUyQqvH?si=8s8UbTowR4ipoaTfK4tmTA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/diary-of-the-bee-chamber-works-by-helen-leach/1754390459

Window to the Stars (Album): https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9969734--window-to-the-stars?srsltid=AU7gw4WbDb1t8O7WPyrAUv3ZAR9wlx71Gk5U672vqbwt-2xisOgzGyZA

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Website 💻

https://www.chordsandqueens.com

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

0:00 -Introduction

1:02 - How Helen got her start in Music

3:15 - Learning the Clarinet

4:30 - Growing up in Hawick

6:29 - Discovering Composition and Her Personal Journey

13:44 How Helen found her Compositional Voice

14:49 - Writing Process

18:37 - How different paths shaped Helen’s career as a composer

19:50 - Window to the Stars

20:06 - Where the title comes from

21:39 - Being Inspired by the Scottish Landscape

22:57 - Creating a dynamic musical landscape

24:10 - Collaborating with Musicians

27:35 - Behind the making of the Album

28:34 - Advice for composers and musicians

30:43 - What piece does Helen recommend you listen to

In this episode we dive into the world of classical music education and how initiatives like the Benedetti Foundation are leading the charge in creating fulfilling, inspiring and elite music education in a variety of different locations. We talk about discouraging A-Level and GCSE statistics and the disparities between different countries within the UK and how having a certain postcode can put you at an advantage when it comes to affordable, or even free music education. The Benedetti Foundation: Website: https://www.benedettifoundation.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/benedetti_foundation/?hl=enCardiff Benedetti Sessions: https://www.benedettifoundation.org/cardiff-benedetti-sessions✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Website 💻https://www.chordsandqueens.comLet’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

In this episode, I chat to multi-disciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie about her new opera Ecstasy of the Virtues presented by Mahogany Opera. Which is her bold new take on the 900 year old Ordo Virtutum by medieval composer Hildegard of Bingen. We also talk about how she got her start in the creative industries as well as where she gets her inspiration from, and how she creates projects that not only entertain audiences, but invite them to look inward and question what they know.

Ecstasy of the Virtues:

https://mahoganyopera.co.uk/new-works/hildegard-visions

Nwando Ebizie:

Website: https://www.nwandoebizie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwando_ebizie/?hl=en

Mahogany Opera:

Website: https://mahoganyopera.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahoganyopera/

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Website 💻

https://www.chordsandqueens.com

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

Joining me on the podcast today is the wonderful cellist, singer, pianist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson. We chat about her love of music at an early age, her new album New Roots and we look ahead to her upcoming performance at LSO St Luke's in London on 16th September as part of her new residency there, where the album comes to life through an evening of music, poetry and dance.New Roots First Light Tickets Here: https://www.lso.co.uk/whats-on/ayanna-witter-johnson-new-roots-first-light/Ayanna Witter-Johnson: Website: https://www.ayannamusic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayannawj/?hl=en✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Website 💻https://www.chordsandqueens.comLet’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

In this episode, I get to talk to composer Rockey Sun Keting about her creative process, her role as Co-Director of the artist collective Tangram, and Tangram's newly announced position as one of three Artistic Partners for LSO St Luke's 2026/27 season. We also dig into her latest project, Chronicle 时•录 which is a new choral theatre work created with Tangram and SANSARA, celebrating six incredible women poets across a thousand years of Chinese history, premiering at LSO St Luke's on the 30th and 31st of August 2026.

Get tickets here: https://www.lso.co.uk/chronicle-时录/

Rockey Sun Keting:

Website: https://www.ketingsun.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockeysunketing/

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Website 💻

https://www.chordsandqueens.com

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today’s episode I’m joined by American composer Jocelyn Hagen. We talk about how she grew up with a musical family and how she discovered her love for composition through writing songs. We discuss how she founded the collective and podcast Compose Like a Girl, her upcoming album Here I Am, which features her stunning recording of The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, alongside the title track which is a piece born from conductor Eric Holtan's suggestion that Jocelyn write something celebrating the women's suffrage movement and the centennial of the 19th Amendment. Jocelyn Hagen: Website: https://jocelynhagen.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynhagenmus/Compose Like a Girl Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Lw4XKm99bCMw5vAMPGccF?si=0ddbebf3d0ac4dddApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/compose-like-a-girl/id1698863746✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Website 💻https://www.chordsandqueens.comLet’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueensTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:11 - Jocelyn's Early Start in Music2:00 - Choosing a Career in Music 5:06 - How songwriting helped Jocelyn’s compositional career 5:52 - How Much of Composing is Inspiration vs Discipline 7:26 - Combining Debussy and Ed Sheeran 9:47 - The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci 12:05 - Working Across Genres 12:58 - Here I Am Album 15:47 - What made Jocelyn Start Compose like a Girl 21:22 - Interviewing other Women Composers 23:27 - What advice would you give to aspiring composers? 24:00 - Jocelyn’s Music Recommendation 25:32 - Outro

On today's episode, I sit down with pianist and composer Beatrice Nicholas to talk about her journey learning piano and composing her own music, plus her advocacy for the next generation of classical pianists and the opportunities she's creating for young musicians. We also chat about her upcoming headline show at London's Ronnie Scott's, where she'll be spotlighting the work of African American women composersBeatrice Nicholas: Website: https://www.beatricenicholas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatrice_nicholas_pianist/✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Website 💻https://www.chordsandqueens.comLet’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueensTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:02 - Early Years in Music 2:14 - The Power of Music Teachers 4:42 - Making Classical Music Accessible 7:55 - The Moment Beatrice Knew She Wanted to be a Pianist 9:21 - Rewiring Classical Music 10:52 - Becoming a Composer14:34 - Beatrice the Amazing Astronaut 16:05 - Balancing being a performer and composer 16:51 - Black and Classical EP 19:53 - The Lack of Diversity in Composition 22:08 - Creating more opportunities for composers 25:19 - Upcoming Performance at Ronnie Scott's 28:30 - What the audience can expect at Ronnie Scott’s 30:30 - Does Beatrice have any Pre-Show Rituals? 31:00 - Advice for aspiring musicians and composers 33:25 - What piece written by a woman does Beatrice recommend? 33:49 - Outro

On today's episode, I sit down with two of the composers featured at the 2026 Three Choirs Festival: Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Kerensa Briggs.We talk about how they each got started in music and found their way into composition, before diving into the pieces they're bringing to this year's festival, walking through their compositional processes, the ideas and inspirations behind the works, and what audiences can expect to hear.Cheryl Frances-Hoad: Website:https://www.cherylfranceshoad.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhoad/Kerensa Briggs: Gloucester Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLVhzSrk9Q4Website: https://www.kerensabriggs.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerensabriggs/Three Choirs Festival: Website: https://3choirs.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/threechoirs/?hl=en✨New Episodes (usually) Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueensTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:07 - Cheryl Frances-Hoad 1:18 - Compositional Background 2:25 - Inspiration for Stones of the Sky 3:19 - Writing a composition for a specific musician to play 4:19 - Turning Gemstones into Music 5:57 - Stones of the Sky Writing Process 7:43 - Anything surprising about the finished piece? 8:40 - Being apart of Three Choirs Festival 9:29 - Kerensa Briggs 9:41 - Kerensa’s start in Composition 10:21 - What made you want to write Choral Music? 11:05 - Having your music played in the Cathedral she once performed in 12:34 - Gloucester Service Writing Process 13:24 - Did being a young chorister help with composing? 13:45 - Anything surprising about the finished piece? 14:08 - Her family history with the Three Choirs Festival 14:51 - Three Choirs Festival 2027 and Outro

On today's episode, I'm joined by percussionist, conductor, scholar, and educator Dr. Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey. We talk about her early music education in Alaska, growing up surrounded by extraordinary role models, and how that upbringing shaped her drive to put her musical training in service of real-world issues. We also dig into the persistent underrepresentation of women composers on concert programmes, and why in this day and age programming Beethoven is anything but a neutral choice. We also explore her remarkable 2019 project with the Women's Orchestra of Afghanistan, as well as her latest endeavour: recording the complete keyboard works of composer Marianna Martines.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cayennaconductor/

Marianna Martines Life and Music: https://youtu.be/rKE_N21fz_0?si=SP3myJnoOxBqXBi4

0:00 - Introduction

1:37 - Growing up Playing Music

3:24 - Learning to Play Percussion

5:08 - Why Music Genres Don’t Matter

8:02 - How did Cayenna get into Conducting?

11:56 - How can we get more women into conducting?

14:27 - Adding Value to Orchestral Performance

17:52 - How Can Orchestral Music Help Push for Change

19:40 - Championing the Work of Women Composers

22:18 - Working with the Women’s Orchestra of Afghanistan

31:17 - How Impactful Orchestras Can be

33:24 - Recording the Complete Keyboard Works of Marianna Martines

36:30 - What did you learn about Marianna Martines?

46:38 - Reacting to male conductors calling Martines a “second rate composer”

51:10 - Should all Orchestras try to Programme More Women?

53:52 - What advice would you give to the next generation?

55:17 - Who’s Cayenna adding to the playlist?

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

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Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today's episode, we sit down with the magnificent Anna Clyne. We explore her earliest childhood memories of writing music, her love of collaboration, and her new piece Sirens, as well as her advice for the next generation of women composers. She also reflects on the distinction of being the most performed living woman composer, and whether that title feels like an honour, or whether she'd simply rather be known as a composer.

Anna Clyne:

Website:

https://www.annaclyne.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/annaclynecomposer/?hl=en

Music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4d2fe6u4HBGX4ZbBbEmM3j

https://classical.music.apple.com/gb/artist/399017062

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

www.chordsandqueens.com

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today’s episode we welcome violinist and composer Rebekah Reid, who talks to us about navigating hypermobility as a violinist, writing music and her upcoming gig at the famous London Jazz Club - Ronnie Scott’s. During the episode we get an insight into her writing process as she shows us how she constructs a song live on stage using a loop pedal. We also chat about the harrowingly low statics highlighting that only 0.59% of Black Women had their work preformed by major Orchestras in the 2023/24 Concert Season.* As well as how we can improve this statistic moving forward and support other women. As she prepares for her gig at Ronnie’s, she also lets us know that 2027 will be a big year for new music, and oh, we’re also manifesting a loop pedal at the proms… Rebekah Reid at Ronnie Scott’s: https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/rebekah-reidWebsite: https://www.rebekahreidviolin.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekareidviolin/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebekahreidmusicFia Roberts - Producer: https://www.fiaroberts.com✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens0:00 - Introduction 1:24 - Rebekah’s start in Music 1:57 - What made you want to play the violin? 2:32 - Did Rebekah ever think about giving up the violin? 3:55 - Navigating the Physical Side of Playing the Violin 6:27 - Talking about Injuries and Chronic Pain in Classical Music8:47 - How Music Education Shaped Rebekah’s Career 10:30 - How Rebekah Reid writes her music 13:39 - Rebekah walks us through how she creates her tracks live 14:04 - Rodeo Ride Live 16:22 - Max Richter Inspired Piece Live 18:35 - Unpacking the Writing Process 20:23 - At what point did Rebekah find her own compositional voice 22:55 - Have you ever felt excluded from the Classical genre?25:59 - Creating your own Opportunities 26:56 - Live Vs. Recording 28:13 - Preforming at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club 28:52 - Do certain venues make classical music feel more accessible? 31:09 - What can audiences expect from the Ronnie’s gig? 32:44 - Releasing Music 34:56 - The Lack of Women and Diversity in Music Composition 39:30 - Navigating the ‘Women Composer’ title 40:46 - How we can make composition more diverse 44:13 - Age in Classical Music 45:43 - AI in Classical Music 48:55 - Advice to Composers 52:15 - Rebekah Reid’s Music Recommendation 53:31 - Ending *https://donne-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DonneReport2024.pdf

On today's episode, we're joined by pianist Isabelle O'Connell and composer Rhona Clarke to talk about their album Cocteau - and how a pandemic collaboration quietly grew into something much bigger. We chat about their beginnings in music, the inspiration behind the project, and the work of Les Six member Germaine Tailleferre, whose music features on the album.Isabelle O’Connell: Website: https://www.isabelleoconnell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzypianonyc/Rhona Clarke: Website: https://www.rhonaclarke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonapclarke/Cocteau: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/cocteau/1869394834Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2vVpDmuxxxwvw3Ujmymr6D?si=_XjbogLSSUa6sp3v7ZokiwFinding a Voice Festival: https://www.findingavoice.ie✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens0:00 - Introduction 1:21 - Rhona Clarke’s first introduction to music 2:03 - Where Isabelle’s musical journey began 3:49 - What kind of music student was Isabelle? 4:47 - What Kind of music student was Rhona? 6:24 - How the pandemic started the ‘Cocteau’ album journey 8:00 - Translating Jean Cocteau’s art to music 9:41 - Jean Cocteau’s impact on Rhona’s music 10:20 - Selecting the music to appear on ‘Cocteau’ album 12:38 - the ‘Cocteau’ writing Process 17:49 - What was the most challenging piece? 19:20 - Selecting works written by Germaine Tailleferre 20:48 - Was Rhona inspired by the work of Tailleferre? 21:00 - Discovering the life and work of Tailleferre23:00 - Finding a Voice Festival 25:30 - What does it take to be a good collaborator in music? 28:20 - Does Rhona write music with the performer in mind? 31:40 - Anything surprising during the Cocteau process? 34:34 -Do Rhona and Isabelle agree that “art is not a pastime but a priesthood”? 37:38 - Advice to future composers and musicians 38:53 - What do Isabelle and Rhona recommend we listen to?

On this week’s episode we try and answer the question - where are the women in the Golden Age of Scottish trad music? So let’s look at the lives of Euphemia Murray, Catherine White, Magdalene Stirling and Anna Gordon. Just some of the names that shaped 18th and 19th century Scottish Music.

Sources -

Female Composers in Scotland’s Golden Age - Aaron McGregor

https://fillocksfiddlers.com/2025/10/22/female-composers-in-scotlands-golden-age/

A Collection of Entirely Original Strathspeys, Reels… By. Ladies Resident in the Remote Part of the Highlands

https://imslp.org/wiki/A_Collection_of_Entirely_Original_Strathspey_Reels%2C_etc._(Various)

Historical Music Scotland Archives:

https://hms.scot/prints/source/143/

https://hms.scot/prints/source/145/

London Newspaper Article Found in:

https://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/MISSKA_MISSRU.htm

Miss Auchtertyre Score:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/scottskinner/collection.php?pageNum_index=55

The Ballad World of Anna Gordon Book:

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-ballad-world-of-anna-gordon-mrs-brown-of-falkland-9780198939092?cc=us&lang=en

Magdalene Stirling Tunes:

https://www.highlandmusictrust.org/the-magdelina-stirling-collection

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

0:00 - Introduction

0:40 - Let’s talk women in music

1:43 - Setting the Scene

2:36 - Women’s History in 18th Century Scotland

4:24 - Euphemia Murray - check spelling

8:08 - Catherine E White

10:50 - Magdalene Stirling

12:48 - Anna Gordon - The Ballad Collector

17:17 - Conclusion

On today's episode, we sit down with Jennifer King, the award-winning pianist and recording artist. We talk about her early days learning music and the importance of being able to access music education, as well as her phenomenal career as a performer, teacher, and actress - playing the role of Ethel Smyth in The Bessie Carruthers Study Club. With such an impressive career, Jennifer has no desire to slow down and enjoy the fruits of her labour quite yet. In fact, there's one area of music she hasn't explored - and that's composing! Although, if you think her compositions might have a similar tone to her other four albums - well, I won't spoil it for you, but she lets us know in the episode. ;)

Jennifer King:

Website: https://www.jenniferkingpiano.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkingpiano

Cecilia Concerts Sensory Accessible Concerts

https://www.ceciliaconcerts.ca/sensory-accessible-concerts/?srsltid=AfmBOorQY9pqpJCBRZMU82-7AqeKnftfslcYgr6--CUcMZQ0j4Nz-Ain

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

0:00 Introduction

1:53 Where Jennifer’s Musical Journey Began

3:18 Finding the Piano

4:50 Early Days Learning the Piano

7:00 How Has Music Education Impacted Jennifer’s Life?

8:51 The Importance of Music Lessons in a Childs Development

9:50 Being a Proud Canadian

13:46 Becoming a Recording Artist

22:06 The Process of Making an Album

26:20 Souvenance - An Album of Music Written by Women

28:08 Reimagining Joni Mitchell

32:06 Don’t Record Something You Don’t Love

32:30 Trying to Get Women’s Work into Concert Halls

34:37 Balancing Performing with Motherhood

37:55 Collaboration as a Pianist

40:23 What Skills are required to be a good collaborator in music?

42:14 Cecelia Concerts Sensory Accessible Concerts

47:18 The Bessie Carruthers Study Club

49:20 Becoming Ethel Smyth

57:01 Becoming a Composer?

59:00 Advice for Pianists and Musicians

1:01:00 Favourite Piece by a Woman Composer

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the wonderful multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Cathryn Bell. We talk about her journey as a composer and how she found her way into writing for the screen, as well as her favourite film scores and her creative process. We also dive into the lack of women in film composition and explore what can be done to better support and champion the next generation of women composers.

Cathryn Bell:

Website: https://www.cathrynbell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathrynbellofficial?igsh=MXE0Y2tqdnloc3Nwcw==

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@composer_storyteller?_r=1&_t=ZN-949sMoN8sBa

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ebo7AaKAjsW21wTpzYb8h?si=vpwe5NfwRsSYAFddNSguiQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/cathryn-bell/1645537539

The Lemon Cake Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wb95lvlTyM

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - Start of a Musical Journey

1:49 - Childhood Films that Inspired Her

3:18 - The Music She Listened to Growing Up

4:56 - Learning the Viola

5:36 - First Memories Writing Music

6:34 - A snippet of Cathryns first composition

7:55 - The Inspiration behind the piece

8:56 - Always putting story with music

9:09 - Compositional Journey

9:28 - Lack of Composer Role Models that were Women

10:32 - Training as An Actor

12:02 What being an actor taught her about writing music

13:00 - Where do the compositions start?

14:05 - What does the first few moments of writing a piece look like?

16:00 - How to decide what instrument a piece needs

16:39 - Life as a Film Composer

17:06 - How she got started writing for the screen

21:56 - A snippet from The Lemon Cake Society Score

23:30 - Making the Score for the Lemon Cake Society

26:24 - Collaboration

31:35 - From the Vault Film Scores?

32:12 - What you wish more directors knew about writing film music

34:36 - Where are all the women in film music?

34:59 - Have you been the only women in the room?

37:47 - What can we do to help women in film music?

41:21 - Advice for the next generation of women in music

43:17 - Favourite piece written by a woman

45:14 - Links to Social Media and Where to Find Her Work

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

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On today’s episode, I’m joined by conductor, producer, and performer Shea Lolin and flautist Fiona Sweeney to discuss their recent recording of the Flute Concertino by French composer Cécile Chaminade, featured on their new album Frisson. We explore the experience of recording the work, the importance of championing music by women composers, and share advice for emerging composers on the value of collaboration with musicians and conductors in bringing new pieces to life.

Shea Lolin:

https://www.shealolin.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shealolin/?hl=en

Fiona Sweeney:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionasweeney/

Cécile Chaminade Concertino, Op.107 – Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble, Shea Lolin & Fiona Sweeney:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-98hwenshU

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠

Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life and music of Marianna Martines, the 18th-century Viennese composer who lived alongside Haydn and Mozart and performed for Europe’s elite, but whose brilliance was nearly erased by history. From her virtuosic keyboard works to her stunning choral compositions, we unpack how Martines carved out a career in a world that rarely allowed women to be composers, and why her music deserves a central place in the classical canon today.

Marianna Who? Martines, Vienna and Music - Alexandra Amati

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcqqbiZc2M

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on:

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠

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Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On the podcast this week, I’m joined by the wonderfully talented Precious Akindele. We talk about her love for Erykah Badu, her journey into writing her own music, and her advice for women and girls who want to start learning the organ.Precious also breaks down the process of creating and programming her own organ recital in March 2026, and gives us an insight into her upcoming new music.Precious’s instagram: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precious_mymusic/✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today’s podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful performer, writer, and educator Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss. We explore her journey playing the euphonium, her experiences navigating sexism as a brass player, and her career as both a teacher and performer with the likes of the Athena Brass Band. Amy also shares the inspiration behind her children’s book Amy’s Brass Band and discusses the meaningful ways we can support more women entering the brass world whether that be as performers, composers or audience members. Amy’s Website: https://www.amybliss.netInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyschumakerbliss/?hl=en-gbMentioned in the Episode: Level Up - Charlie Drew Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHvHuMfXaFEFaustbuch - Elizabeth Raum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3e0UcI-HeYLuminaires - Lucy Pankhurst https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKmKaOFtLJEInspired by Blue - Andrea Robinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrmNHFve3ERock Hopper - Gail Robertson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5cDvlAMna4Woman - Esther Abrami https://youtu.be/zamyJwH7K3c?si=4TWdXvKJK-q9IL95Books: Voices for Change In The Classical Music Profession: https://academic.oup.com/book/45618Composing Herself: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Composing-Herself-Before-Allowed-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0FXSBK3NJBlogs / Online Resources: Its Not a Trumpet Blog https://www.itsnotatrumpet.comThe Boulanger Initiative: https://www.boulangerinitiative.orgThe Institute For Composer Diversity: https://www.composerdiversity.comInternational Women Brass Conference: https://myiwbc.orgDiversify the Stand: https://www.diversifythestand.orgBrass Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qOSlIyoFaUkuF3HtEXUJz?si=1qbEoq1VTymymxSLrWObugComposers: Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen: https://www.ingebjorgvilhelmsen.com✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens