Women’s Voices Reshape Classical Music: A Closer Look at the 2025 Grammy Awards

The 67th GRAMMY Awards marked a decisive shift in classical music, celebrating artists who are redefining the genre and making space for voices long overlooked. This year’s winners not only demonstrated technical brilliance but also showed how classical music can respond to contemporary social movements while honouring its traditions. Through bold interpretations, rediscovered works, and genre-blurring compositions, these women are reshaping what classical music can be.

Gabriela Ortiz’s Revolución Diamantina: A Soundtrack to Resistance

Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz emerged as a standout, winning three major awards:

• Best Classical Compendium

• Best Contemporary Classical Composition

• Best Orchestral Performance (awarded to conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Her ballet score, Revolución Diamantina, is a powerful example of how classical music can engage with social movements without sacrificing artistic complexity. The piece mirrors the energy of feminist protests in Mexico City, shifting between structured precision and moments of controlled chaos. Ortiz’s innovative use of choral writing departs from conventional Western classical traditions, evoking raw, primal emotions that capture the urgency of political resistance.

In her acceptance speech, Ortiz dedicated the award "to all the brave women in Mexico and around the world who fight against injustice every day," reinforcing the work’s deep connection to activism.

Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz accepts her Grammy Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where her album Revolución Diamantina won multiple awards, including Best Classical Compendium and Best Contemporary Classical Composition.

Karen Slack and Michelle Cann Illuminate Florence Price’s Hidden Legacy

Soprano Karen Slack and pianist Michelle Cann won Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for Beyond the Years — Unpublished Songs of Florence Price, a groundbreaking recording that brings 19 of Price’s previously unpublished works into the spotlight.

Florence Price, a pioneering African-American composer, faced immense racial and gender barriers during her lifetime, and much of her work remained unheard for decades. This album’s recognition is part of a broader effort to correct historical oversights in classical music. Slack and Cann’s passionate performances bring Price’s compositions to life, proving their rightful place in the canon.

Upon receiving the award, Slack reflected on this moment:
"Back then, this award only went to very famous superstar singers on major classical labels. But today, I get the opportunity to be here among the greats that have come before me to represent the inimitable American composer Florence Price, a trailblazing Black woman who wrote extraordinary music at a time when it was believed that only European and male composers belonged in the concert hall."

Cover of Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price by soprano Karen Slack and pianist Michelle Cann. The Grammy-winning album, released on Azica Records, brings to life 19 previously unpublished songs by the pioneering African-American composer Florence Price.

Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion Break Boundaries with Rectangles and Circumstance

Composer Caroline Shaw, in collaboration with Sō Percussion, won Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for Rectangles and Circumstance. Shaw, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, continues to redefine what contemporary classical music can be, fusing rhythmic experimentation with lush harmonic textures.

This album blends classical precision with a freewheeling, improvisatory spirit, proving that contemporary classical music can be both artistically rigorous and deeply accessible. By expanding the expressive possibilities of percussion and embracing genre-fluidity, Shaw and Sō Percussion create a sonic landscape that speaks to both devoted classical listeners and those new to the genre.

Composer Caroline Shaw with members of Sō Percussion, winners of the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for Rectangles and Circumstance. Their innovative collaboration blends classical precision with contemporary experimental soundscapes, redefining the boundaries of chamber music.

Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater: A Posthumous Tribute to a Visionary

The late Kaija Saariaho was posthumously awarded Best Opera Recording for Adriana Mater, performed by the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus, under conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. Featuring vocalists Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan, and Christopher Purves, this recording captures the depth and complexity of Saariaho’s unique compositional voice.

Composed in 2005, Adriana Mater tells a harrowing story of war and trauma, themes that remain painfully relevant today. Recorded just before Saariaho’s passing, the opera serves as a final testament to her legacy.

Mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron noted the emotional weight of the recording:
"This opera explores issues most of us are processing—war, cycles of violence. Kaija’s music speaks to these struggles in a way that feels both urgent and timeless."

Saariaho’s deeply atmospheric, colour-rich style revolutionised modern opera. This Grammy win cements her status as one of the most influential composers of our time.

Cover of Adriana Mater by Kaija Saariaho, performed by the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen. This Grammy-winning opera recording, featuring Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan, and Christopher Purves, explores themes of war, trauma, and resilience, cementing Saariaho’s legacy as one of the most visionary composers of our time.

Elaine Martone: Classical Producer of the Year

Among the celebrated women at this year’s GRAMMYs, Elaine Martone was honoured as Producer of the Year, Classical, marking her sixth GRAMMY win. With a career spanning decades, Martone has collaborated with leading ensembles, including the Cleveland Orchestra, and her recent work features four recordings with the orchestra, further solidifying her reputation as a masterful producer.

Reflecting on her career, Martone emphasised the importance of mentorship and leadership in the industry:
"I never felt held back as a woman. I felt very lucky to grow a department and hire the right people," she says. "A key skill for my work as a producer is that I'm nurturing. I like being of service, including mentoring young women. Women represented about half of my staff."

Martone’s dedication to excellence and advocacy for gender balance continues to shape the classical music landscape, highlighting the vital role of producers in bringing complex musical projects to fruition.

Elaine Martone celebrates her Grammy win for Producer of the Year, Classical at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. A six-time Grammy winner, Martone has been a leading force in classical music production, championing artistic excellence and mentoring the next generation of women in the industry.

This year’s classical GRAMMY wins highlight a significant transformation in the field. These women—composers, performers, and collaborators—are proving that classical music can honour its traditions while embracing new perspectives. Whether through Ortiz’s politically charged orchestral writing, Slack and Cann’s rediscovery of Florence Price, Shaw’s redefinition of chamber music, or Saariaho’s deeply affecting operatic storytelling, these artists are expanding what classical music can be.

Though Beyoncé’s historic Album of the Year win dominated headlines, the impact of these classical awards cannot be overstated. They signal an ongoing shift—one that moves beyond recognition and towards a future where classical music is more inclusive, innovative, and relevant to today’s world.

Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Alexandra Dariescu

3 Questions - 2 Insights - 1 unique photo with remarkable women musicians

Alexandra Dariescu has established herself as one of classical music's most powerful voices for change, breaking barriers and championing works by female composers that have been overlooked for far too long. From making history with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to introducing a groundbreaking award at the Leeds International Piano Competition, Alexandra is actively reshaping the classical music landscape.

In this candid conversation, Alexandra Dariescu shares her experiences as a transformative force in classical music, from her pioneering performances of works by composers like Nadia Boulanger and Clara Schumann to her insights on building a meaningful career in the industry. Her passion for bringing forgotten masterpieces to light, combined with her commitment to empowering the next generation of musicians, offers a compelling glimpse into how one artist is helping to create lasting change in classical music.

What moment in your career made you feel most empowered as a woman in the music industry?

Every time I perform a piano concerto written by a female composer and it’s a premiere in that specific territory, I feel we are making history together with the orchestra. It’s an incredible honor and a celebration of how far we have come. This happened again on my recent Australian tour—I performed Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and it was the very first time in the 118-year history of the orchestra this concerto was performed! 

Also, this year, at the Leeds International Piano Competition, I handed the Alexandra Dariescu Award for an outstanding performance of a work by a female composer. It was the first time in the 60-year history of the competition that such an award was given. That moment felt incredibly empowering, knowing we’re creating change and shaping the future of the next generation of musicians. 

What's a recent discovery you've made in music composed or performed by women?

The works for piano and orchestra by Clara Schumann, Nadia Boulanger, Dora Pejacevic, Leokadiya Kashperova, Florence Price, Germaine Tailleferre, Amy Beach, Doreen Carwithen. They truly deserve to be heard! 

Who is a lesser-known female musician or composer you believe deserves more recognition and why?

Nadia Boulanger was one of the most influential musicians of all time. Not only did she teach Quincy Jones, Dinu Lipatti, Daniel Barenboim, Aaron Copland but she was also the first woman to conduct the New York and Boston Symphony Orchestras. So it’s astonishing that her Fantaisie Variée did not have its US premiere until 2022, when I performed it with the Houston Symphony. It’s full of original harmonies, with a beautiful middle theme that makes you want to hug the world. And the ending is so triumphant, building to a massive climax.

What's a valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career?

To always stay true to yourself, work hard and dare to dream. Perseverance is key, learn from your mistakes and most importantly don’t give up! 

How do you stay motivated and creative in the challenging landscape of the music industry?

Always create and be creative. Don’t wait for the phone to ring! Be as proactive as you can, start conversations and be brave in creating new collaborations. Be curious and imaginative as this is what’s going to keep you thriving in a long term career. 

Image Description: A split-screen image showing a virtual meeting between two women. In the top half, Alexandra Dariescu, smiles warmly, seated in a room with soft lighting, a piano visible in the background, and shelves mounted on the wall. She wears a light blue shirt with pearl earrings. In the bottom half, Stephanie Nicholls from Mirabilis Collective smiles in front of a framed poster, seated in a comfortable room. She wears glasses, earrings, and a dark grey top, with the edge of a wooden door and a couch in the background. The image captures a friendly and collaborative moment between the two.

Catch Alexandra Dariescu’s Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Debut

Alexandra Dariescu makes her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra performing Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto under conductor Magnus Fryklund on Thursday, January 9 2025 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are available here.

Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Hannah Lee Tungate

3 Questions - 2 Insights - 1 unique photo with remarkable women musicians

This month's Sisters in Sync features an inspiring conversation with soprano Hannah Lee Tungate of the Boorloo/Perth-based Tenth Muse Initiative (TMI). Tenth Muse was born out of frustration with the lack of diversity often seen in classical music, but Hannah and her team have transformed that frustration into a vibrant collective that shines a light on diverse voices and fresh perspectives. TMI has achieved remarkable success, including an award-winning Fringe show, nominations in the Performing Arts WA Awards, commissions of new works by emerging composers and poets, and concerts that range from opera to intimate gatherings centred around cups of tea.

Hannah’s passion for amplifying underrepresented voices has guided her journey as a producer and advocate for women composers, especially through the Women Composers Project. As TMI’s president and creative producer, Hannah continues to create platforms for new and diverse voices in Western Australian classical music, driving change with her deep commitment to inclusion.

Tenth Muse Initiative's next event, Sapphic Serenade, will be held on Wednesday 20 November at Perth City Farm, featuring beautiful string quartets by sapphic composers and a twilight market with queer-owned businesses. It’s an evening of calming music to celebrate pride—don’t miss it! Click here for tickets.

In this interview, Hannah shares insights into the inspiration behind her career, the importance of mentorship, and how she’s making classical music more engaging and inclusive for future generations.

What’s one piece of advice from a woman in music that has stuck with you?

Back in 2016, the amazing Jessica Gethin was giving a talk at a Women in Music event at UWA, and she said that most people will give you a small amount of their time for a cup of coffee. If there’s someone who’s further along their career than you or that you admire and you’d like to connect with them or learn from them, ask if you can buy them a coffee. A short amount of their time for a cup of coffee, and you just don’t know where it will lead you (and Tenth Muse Initiative actually wouldn’t exist without it).

Who is a lesser-known female musician or composer you believe deserves more recognition and why?

I find it really challenging to choose just one lesser-known woman composer. There are so many out there deserving of recognition, as there have been so many nearly lost to history.

This week I’ve been listening to Henriëtte Bosmans — the incredible Dutch composer who, despite being labelled as an ‘undesirable’ by the Nazi regime & so was prevented from performing publicly, supported herself by performing at secret underground house concerts. Her considerable oeuvre includes orchestral works, chamber music and many songs.

And of course, Barbara Strozzi will always be on my list — though I think (& hope) she’s becoming more and more well known!

How do you think the music industry can better support and uplift women artists and composers?

Acknowledge that there is a lack of gender representation within the sector and then program more music by women, hire more women as soloists, hire more women as conductors, hire more women into creative leadership roles. And then keep doing it. Keep working on removing the barriers that have kept so many artists suppressed.  

How has mentorship, especially from other women, played a role in your career, and what value do you think it brings to emerging female artists?

I’ve been very fortunate to have many amazing mentors and 95% have been other women. The mentorship I’ve received has always come from people I truly admire in the industry, and I’ve been lucky to find many people who want to raise you up instead of tear you down. And I want to continue to do that for other emerging artists that follow me. Mentorship from other women has given me the confidence to keep going, and I know I have a raft of people to support me when I need it.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path as an artist?

It was at PSO’s inaugural Women on the Podium weekend in 2019, and the incredible Bourby Webster was talking to us about the business side of being an artist, and how she’d founded PSO, and all the steps she took to get there. And in that moment the first spark of Tenth Muse Initiative was born. I was so inspired by the path Bourby had taken that it set a fire in me that didn’t go away, and under a year later TMI was born.

I had known that I wanted to see greater representation in the music industry and had been researching women composers for a while, but it was hearing how Bourby took PSO from concept to what the orchestra is today that it just clicked. Everything I have worked towards as an artist since then has been to build Tenth Muse Initiative and tell the stories of all these unheard voices, and raise up artists whose work deserves to be performed.

This image features two people in a virtual meeting. At the top, Hannah Lee Tungate, Creative Producer at Tenth Muse Initiative, smiles at the camera with curly brown hair, wearing glasses and a black top. Her background showcases a vibrant yellow wattle tree against a clear blue sky. Below her, Stephanie Nicholls of Mirabilis Collective smiles as well, wearing glasses and a colourful floral necklace. Behind her is framed artwork featuring musical instruments, including a violin and piano. Both appear engaged and focused on their conversation.

Sapphic Serenade

Sapphic Serenade is an event for the quiet queers. Join Tenth Muse Initiative for an evening of stunning string quartets by sapphic composers; celebrate pride with calming music for voice and strings.

Tickets are available here.