2016 Festival

The Women Composers Festival of Hartford continues its annual tradition of celebrating the diversity of women’s music with its 2016 Festival. Featuring Composer-in-Residence Jessica Meyer, Keynote Speaker Liane Curtis, and Guest Artists Nautilus Brass Quintet and Cuatro Puntos. The festival includes performances of Jessica Meyer’s music, in addition to the 2016 score call winners and other women composers, historical and living. Events are held at the historic Charter Oak Cultural Center and across the Greater Hartford area.

2016 Composer-in-Residence: Jessica Meyer

With playing that is “fierce and lyrical” and works that are “other-worldly” (The Strad) and “evocative” (NY Times), Jessica Meyer is a versatile composer and violist whose passionate musicianship radiates accessibility, generosity, and clarity. As a soloist, Jessica has premiered pieces for solo viola around the country, and is committed to expanding the repertoire for viola by commissioning new works while also composing her own. Read more about Jessica Meyer

2016 Keynote Speaker: Liane Curtis

Liane Curtis is a musicologist and the founder and President of both The Rebecca Clarke Society, and Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy, non-profit organizations which are based at the WSRC. A former Fulbright Scholar, Liane has taught at a wide range of colleges and universities, including Wellesley, Ohio State, and (in 2011 and 2007) at Brandeis University. Read more about Liane Curtis

2016 Guest Ensembles: Nautilus Brass Quintet and Cuatro Puntos

Emerging as one of New England’s most ambitious musical ensembles, the Nautilus Brass Quintet has quickly established a place for itself in the world of brass chamber music.  NBQ was founded in Boston, MA in 2010 with the distinct mission to proliferate the performance of original brass quintet repertoire to audiences of all ages. Read more about Nautilus Brass Quintet

“Cuatro Puntos” means “four points” in Spanish, and references the ensemble’s dedication to bringing people from all parts of the world together through music. Musical diplomacy is key to their mission, and they do their part to spread peace and understanding through musical partnerships around the world, while always striving for the highest in artistic excellence.

2016 Festival Schedule

Thursday, March 10, 2016
Happy Hour Meet & Greet (time and location TBA)
7:30 pm – “Lift Her Voice,” St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church

Friday, March 11, 2016
(All events at Charter Oak Cultural Center)
9:00 am – Introductions
9:30 am – 12:00 pm – WCForum Papers and Presentations
1:30 pm – Talk: The Lullaby Project
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Networking 101 Workshop
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm – NBQ Student Composition Workshop
7:30 pm – Jessica Meyer: Sounds of Being

Saturday, March 12, 2016
9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Music Marathon, Charter Oak Cultural Center
* including a Keynote Address by Dr. Liane Curtis, a concert by the Nautilus Brass Quintet, and much more

Sunday, March 13, 2016
WCFH Participant Brunch (time and location TBA)
2:00 pm – Voice and Piano Works Concert,St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church
Closing Reception, after concert at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church