From her early beginnings as a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), Amina Claudine Myers has gained acclaim as a skilled composer for voice and instruments, often displaying her gospel influences. Her move to New York City in the 1970s led her to prioritize her compositional work and to take on theatrical production projects.
American composer and music director
Irish musician, author, and music teacher
1300s and 1400s Italian-born French writer, philosopher, composer and feminist
American author and poet
Primarily known for her highly original and provocative big band compositions written over the past three decades, Schneider is unique in having written classical works as well, even stepping into rock through a collaboration with David Bowie.
1800s French composer
One of the premier composers of the last 50+ years, Carla Bley wrote music for big bands, choirs, chamber orchestras, and small combos.
Magira Samsutdinova was a Soviet singer and composer who broke away from tradition by performing Kazakh songs with a domra, and Russian and Tartar songs set to accordion at bazaars.
Sallama al-Zarqa was one of the four most famous songstresses of the Umayyad era, alongside Jamila (her teacher), Sallama al-Qass and Habbaba.