FEMALE COMPOSERS FESTIVAL
Celebrating female composers from different backgrounds
March 12-15, 2026
Yerevan, Armenia
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
We believe the Female Composers Festival is long overdue because women’s voices in music deserve to be heard on their own terms. For centuries, countless talented composers - Hildegard of Bingen, Isabella Leonarda, Sahakdukht, Florence Price, Ethel Smyth, Joan Szymko, and many, many, many more - have created beautiful, boundary-pushing works, only to be overshadowed by their male peers.
Our festival shines a spotlight on these incredible artists - both historical and contemporary - so that audiences can appreciate the full depth and richness of their contributions.
Beyond honoring the past, the festival serves as a catalyst for change today. When young musicians see women leading choirs, conducting master classes, and sharing new compositions, it sends a powerful message: this is a place where everyone can create, perform, and innovate. By bringing together performers, scholars, and enthusiastic listeners under one roof, we’re fostering conversations, collaborations, and connections that don’t happen at a typical concert. It’s about building a supportive community where female composers are celebrated as role models and trailblazers.
Ultimately, the Female Composers Festival is more than just a series of concerts - it’s a reminder that music thrives when it’s inclusive. We want every attendee to leave feeling inspired by the variety of voices and stories on stage. By amplifying women’s creativity, we move closer to a musical world where talent, not gender, determines whose work is heard and cherished. Join us in making that vision a reality.
ABOUT THE CITY
Yerevan is the perfect home for the Female Composers Festival for so many reasons
- This city has always been a crossroads of cultures, where East meets West and ancient traditions blend with bold, modern ideas. In Yerevan, you can feel centuries of musical history in every neighborhood—from the evocative chants of medieval Armenian monasteries to the experimental sounds coming out of today’s vibrant arts scene. That spirit of respecting the past while embracing the new mirrors exactly what we’re doing by celebrating women composers across the ages.
- Second, Armenia has its own rich lineage of female musicians and composers. Think of Khosrovidukht, one of the earliest known Armenian women to write sacred music, or contemporary Armenian voices who are pushing choral and vocal music in fresh directions. Hosting the festival here allows us to draw on that heritage—inviting local choirs, scholars, and audiences to join an international conversation about women’s creative leadership in music.
- Finally, there’s something uniquely inspiring about composing or performing against the backdrop of Mount Ararat and the winding streets of Yerevan. The city’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for artists and listeners from around the world to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. In short, Yerevan isn’t just a venue—it’s an active partner in our mission to amplify women’s voices in music. We can’t think of a better place to converge history, community, and creativity all in one spot.
CONDITIONS & PROGRAMME
Choral Music
Choral music is a core part of the Female Composers Festival. Here, mixed choirs, women’s choirs, and youth ensembles will be able perform a cappella works and accompanied pieces penned by women across centuries. From medieval chants by Hildegard of Bingen to contemporary SATB compositions, the choral category celebrates the unique strengths of women’s voices—both literal and compositional. Expect rich harmonies, inventive textures, and texts that reflect diverse perspectives on faith, social justice, and personal expression.
Individual Singers and Small Groups
This category shines a spotlight on solo vocalists interpreting art songs, lieder, and contemporary song cycles composed by women. Individual singers bring their own artistry to pieces ranging from classical arias to new works in jazz or experimental idioms. Listening to a soprano perform a song by Ethel Smyth or a quartet premiere a song-cycle by a living female composer, the audience experiences how women’s voices—both as composers and performers—shape the intimate storytelling tradition of solo vocal music.
We welcome:
Choral music is a core part of the Female Composers Festival. Here, mixed choirs, women’s choirs, and youth ensembles will be able perform a cappella works and accompanied pieces penned by women across centuries. From medieval chants by Hildegard of Bingen to contemporary SATB compositions, the choral category celebrates the unique strengths of women’s voices—both literal and compositional. Expect rich harmonies, inventive textures, and texts that reflect diverse perspectives on faith, social justice, and personal expression.
Individual Singers and Small Groups
This category shines a spotlight on solo vocalists interpreting art songs, lieder, and contemporary song cycles composed by women. Individual singers bring their own artistry to pieces ranging from classical arias to new works in jazz or experimental idioms. Listening to a soprano perform a song by Ethel Smyth or a quartet premiere a song-cycle by a living female composer, the audience experiences how women’s voices—both as composers and performers—shape the intimate storytelling tradition of solo vocal music.
We welcome:
- Duos, trios, quartets, quintets, etc.
- Small ensembles (6–9 performers of any mix)
- Choirs (10+ singers; mixed, treble, male - voicing need not be gender-based)
In any category, each participant’s 20-minute program must include:
Note: For individual singers, requirements #1 and #2 (the cultural-piece components) can be waived. However, all choirs and chamber ensembles must include those two cultural pieces in their programs.
We want to support performers with repertoire needs—scores are available upon request.
While we strongly encourage that 100% of your program be written by women, it is also acceptable to include:
- One piece from the musical culture of your country
- One piece from Armenian musical culture
- One piece by a living female composer
- One piece by a female composer from the Romantic era or earlier
Note: For individual singers, requirements #1 and #2 (the cultural-piece components) can be waived. However, all choirs and chamber ensembles must include those two cultural pieces in their programs.
We want to support performers with repertoire needs—scores are available upon request.
While we strongly encourage that 100% of your program be written by women, it is also acceptable to include:
- Anonymous works (if the composer’s identity is unknown)
- Arrangements made by a woman (even if the original composer is male)
1. Short CV (1-2 pages)
Outline musical background, training, and relevant experience.
Text for the brochure/website describing your artistic profile.
Only if your group has a designated conductor.
4. Photo (high-resolution JPEG or PNG)
Individual headshot or ensemble/choir group photo suitable for print and web.
5. Two Performance Samples (total 5–10 minutes; MP3, WAV, or MP4)
Include the list of pieces you plan to perform.
(Scores can be submitted later upon acceptance.)
Submission Instructions:
Outline musical background, training, and relevant experience.
- Individuals: If you study or work with a teacher, director, or coach, mention them here.
- Ensembles/Choirs: A collective CV listing all members’ names and roles is advisable.
Text for the brochure/website describing your artistic profile.
- Individuals: Include any notable teachers or directors.
- Groups/Choirs: Summarize your ensemble’s history, mission, and style.
Only if your group has a designated conductor.
4. Photo (high-resolution JPEG or PNG)
Individual headshot or ensemble/choir group photo suitable for print and web.
5. Two Performance Samples (total 5–10 minutes; MP3, WAV, or MP4)
- May differ from your intended festival program.
- Must demonstrate technical skill and stylistic range.
Include the list of pieces you plan to perform.
(Scores can be submitted later upon acceptance.)
Submission Instructions:
- Compile your CV, self-description, and (if applicable) conductor’s bio into a single PDF file.
- Create a shared Google Drive folder containing:
- Your photo (JPEG or PNG)
- Your two performance samples (MP3, WAV, or MP4)
- The PDF file (CV + self-description [+ conductor’s bio, if applicable])
- Your repertoire list
- In your application form/email, include a link to the shared Google Drive folder (with “view” permissions enabled).
- Festival concerts
- Gala concert
- Workshops
- Lectures
12.03.2025 (Wednesday) – Arrival Day
– Arrival of festival participants in Yerevan
– Registration at Festival Centre (Venue: TBD)
– Hotel check-in: 14:00
18:30 – OPENING CONCERT
Venue: TBD
21:00 – Welcome party
13.03.2025 (Thursday) – Second Festival Day
– Daytime guided tours
11:00 – 16:00 Acoustic rehearsals on schedule (venues TBD)
17:00 - Some Lecture
18:00 – SECOND FESTIVAL CONCERT
Venue: TBD
14.03.2025 (Friday) – Third Festival Day
– Daytime guided tours
11:00 – 16:00 Acoustic rehearsals on schedule (venues TBD)
17:00 - Some Lecture
– Afternoon free time
18:00 – THIRD FESTIVAL CONCERT
Venue: TBD
15.03.2025 (Saturday) – Fourth Festival Day
– Free morning for sightseeing and leisure
14:30 – 16:30 Acoustic rehearsals for Gala concert
19:00 – GALA CONCERT
Venue: TBD
20:30 – Festival closing dinner party for all participants
16.03.2025 (Sunday) – Departure Day
– Breakfast at hotels
– Hotel check-out by 12:00 noon
– Departure of participants
– Arrival of festival participants in Yerevan
– Registration at Festival Centre (Venue: TBD)
– Hotel check-in: 14:00
18:30 – OPENING CONCERT
Venue: TBD
21:00 – Welcome party
13.03.2025 (Thursday) – Second Festival Day
– Daytime guided tours
11:00 – 16:00 Acoustic rehearsals on schedule (venues TBD)
17:00 - Some Lecture
18:00 – SECOND FESTIVAL CONCERT
Venue: TBD
14.03.2025 (Friday) – Third Festival Day
– Daytime guided tours
11:00 – 16:00 Acoustic rehearsals on schedule (venues TBD)
17:00 - Some Lecture
– Afternoon free time
18:00 – THIRD FESTIVAL CONCERT
Venue: TBD
15.03.2025 (Saturday) – Fourth Festival Day
– Free morning for sightseeing and leisure
14:30 – 16:30 Acoustic rehearsals for Gala concert
19:00 – GALA CONCERT
Venue: TBD
20:30 – Festival closing dinner party for all participants
16.03.2025 (Sunday) – Departure Day
– Breakfast at hotels
– Hotel check-out by 12:00 noon
– Departure of participants
VENUES
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Yerevan, Armenia
