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.

Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Candice Susnjar

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

In this inspiring Sisters in Sync feature, we connect with Candice Susnjar, a gifted composer and musician whose work resonates with raw emotion and authenticity. Candice shares her recent musical inspirations, including the works of Caroline Shaw, and her passion for unsung female talents like jazz trumpeter Jessica Carlton. Throughout our conversation, Candice reflects on the importance of female voices in music, the value of mentorship, and the advice she wishes she'd had earlier in her career. Her insights provide a powerful glimpse into the experiences of women in the industry, making this a must-read for aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

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

Caroline Shaw’s album Orange has been a beautiful discovery. Her style of composition resonates with me on a deep level and I love her sense of harmony and the textural elements she embraces in her pieces. It reminds me to push myself out of my comfort zone and explore the instruments I am writing for and venture beyond the sounds I am used to hearing and creating.

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

Jessica Carlton is a wonderful jazz trumpet player and composer who plays and composes with such honesty, integrity and beauty. Her music is so authentic and it’s all about the emotion and conveying a message using music. It’s what I aim to do in my own musical expressions.

In what ways do you believe female musicians can drive positive change within the music industry?

Women who show up and live the musical lives they want to live despite the statistics and inherent challenges of being a woman in the music industry are bringing a positive change to the music industry whether they see it or not. The more we show up and put ourselves out there, the more the younger generations will see that this is something they can do too. It just hasn’t been seen enough especially in jazz and classical music.

What piece of advice specifically tailored for women starting in the music industry do you wish you had received?

Just do your thing. Express yourself authentically and with confidence. You may not feel confident but do it anyway. You have something to say that no-one else has ever said and there are people in the world that want to hear it.

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?

Encouragement and mentorship from my mentor Bourby Webster has played a significant role in my career. This incredible woman started an orchestra! Her tenacity and courage has been a reminder that we can do anything we set our minds to. Anything is possible. That’s what I would want to tell emerging female artists. Your dreams and goals are possible. Bourby helped me to see that and create a path that continues to lead me closer to these dreams day by day.

Sisters in Sync: 3-2-1 with Tresna Stampalia

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

Our own Mirabilis musician, flautist Tresna Stampalia, has developed a multifaceted career which embodies the spirit of versatility and innovation in music. As the founder and director of Tres Classique and co-founder of Mirabilis Collective, Tresna has not only showcased her exceptional musicianship but also paved the way for celebrating women's voices in the industry. Tresna’s experience as an orchestral and musical theatre pit musician, coupled with explorations of diverse flute traditions, reflects a career built on adaptability and a passion for pushing musical boundaries. Her recent work, blending classical techniques with indigenous instruments and collaborating across cultural lines, demonstrates her commitment to expanding the horizons of her art.

In this interview, Tresna shares valuable insights from her rich and varied career, offering advice to aspiring musicians and reflecting on the pivotal moments that have shaped her journey as a female artist in the music industry. Her thoughts on collaboration, adaptability, and the future of women in music provide a compelling glimpse into the mind of a true musical innovator.

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

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of versatility and adaptability in the music industry, especially when building a freelance career. Throughout my journey, I’ve embraced diverse opportunities and each experience has enriched my musical path and taught me that being open to different genres and styles can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.

Building a successful freelance career demands consistent effort, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. I’ve learned that being loyal, dependable, and collegial are crucial traits that keep you in demand. When you’re known as someone who not only performs well but also shows up on time, prepared, and with a positive attitude, word spreads quickly in the industry.

I’ve also found that willingness to help others goes a long way. Whether it’s recommending a fellow musician for a gig you can’t take, sharing your knowledge with younger artists, or stepping in last-minute to help a colleague, these acts of generosity often come back to you in the form of new opportunities and a supportive network.

This approach to my career has not only broadened my skill set but also allowed me to connect with a wider range of audiences and fellow musicians. It’s taught me that success in the freelance world is as much about building relationships and a reputation for reliability as it is about musical ability.

The path of a freelance musician can be challenging, with periods of uncertainty and the need to constantly seek out new opportunities. However, I’ve found that embracing this lifestyle with enthusiasm, staying open to learning, and maintaining a professional attitude in all situations has led to a rich and fulfilling career. It’s about seeing each project, each collaboration, as a chance to grow both as a musician and as a professional in the industry.

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

A pivotal moment in my career was joining the Western Australian Arts Orchestra as Principal Piccolo. This opportunity fulfilled my dream of participating in operatic performances and opened doors I never anticipated. It was a moment that taught me the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they might seem tangential to our main goals. The piccolo, often seen as a specialised instrument, became my gateway to a broader musical world.

This position led to an unexpected audition for Les Misérables, where I was offered a position in the orchestra. At the time, I didn't realise how this single audition would reshape both my professional path and personal life. It expanded my professional horizons, introducing me to the world of musical theatre — a genre that requires a different set of skills and adaptability compared to classical orchestral work. It taught me the value of versatility in music and how different musical disciplines can inform and enrich each other.

But beyond the professional growth, this audition led to a personal connection that would forever alter my life’s trajectory. I met my late husband, Mark, during this production. Our shared love for music became the foundation of both our personal and professional lives. We found ourselves not just life partners but also artistic collaborators, pushing each other to grow and explore new musical territories.

This experience taught me that our careers as female artists are not separate from our personal journeys - they intertwine and shape each other in profound ways. It highlighted how our professional choices can lead to unexpected personal joys, and how personal relationships can fuel our artistic growth.

Moreover, it underscored the importance of being open to new experiences in our careers. What might seem like a simple gig or audition can turn into a life-changing opportunity. It reinforced my belief in saying ‘yes’ to new challenges and being ready to step out of our comfort zones.

This pivotal moment also taught me about resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s unexpected turns. When Mark passed away, the musical foundation we had built together became a source of strength and a way to honour his memory through my continued work.

In retrospect, this experience encapsulates the unpredictable yet beautiful journey of a musician’s life. It shows how our careers can take us on unexpected paths, leading to personal and professional growth in ways we could never have anticipated. It reminds me to always approach new opportunities with an open heart and mind, for they may contain the seeds of profound change and growth.

Can you share an experience where collaborating with other women significantly influenced your work?

Co-founding Mirabilis Collective with my dear friend and fellow UWA alumna, Stephanie Nicholls, has been a experience that I have found transformative. Our journey together, which began in our university days and continued through orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and Australian touring musical theatre productions, laid the foundation for what would become a powerful platform for women in music.

Through Mirabilis Collective, we collaborate with women musicians spanning different generations, highlighting the works of female composers and songwriters. This venture has allowed me to explore the boundless potential of music in various forms and continually push the boundaries of creativity. We’re creating a platform that amplifies women's voices in the industry and celebrates intergenerational collaboration.

What's truly inspiring is witnessing Steph’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit. Her ability to constantly challenge conventions and think outside the box has been a driving force behind our success. Steph’s work ethic is nothing short of extraordinary — she approaches every project with an intense focus and an eye for detail that elevates everything we do. It’s a quality I deeply admire and one that resonates with my own approach to music and performance.

In many ways, Steph and I share a similar work ethic and attention to detail. This synergy has been crucial in bringing our vision for Mirabilis Collective to life. We both understand the importance of dreaming big, and putting in the hard work necessary to turn those dreams into reality. Our shared commitment to excellence has allowed us to create a space where women musicians can truly thrive.

Mirabilis Collective embodies our mission to cultivate a community where women from diverse musical backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and excel. We’ve created a vibrant artistic hub where the exchange of ideas and experiences fuels our collective growth and creativity. Our intergenerational approach recognizes that women of all ages have invaluable insights and skills to contribute, and this blend of experience and fresh perspectives is key to our innovative and sustainable approach to music-making.

Every performance we organise is a celebration of the rich contributions of women composers and musicians. We strive to create concerts that are musically enriching and showcase the resilience and creativity of women in the arts. It’s deeply fulfilling to see how our platform has grown to inspire and empower women across different stages of their musical careers.

Working alongside Steph has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together we're creating a legacy that we hope will continue to inspire and support women in music for generations to come. This experience has taught me that when passionate, like-minded individuals come together with a common purpose, the impact can be truly mirabilis — wonderful and remarkable.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in music?

Embrace your musical journey with open arms — never shy away from exploring and carving your own unique path. The formal education you receive is invaluable, but it's just the beginning. The music industry is vast and ever-changing, and your unique voice and perspective are needed.

Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you. Throughout my career, from my early teachers to my postgraduate supervisors, I've been fortunate to have mentors who challenged and supported me. These relationships can provide guidance, open doors, and offer insights that you can't find in textbooks.

Don't be afraid to take bold risks. Whether it's auditioning for a role that seems out of reach, experimenting with a new genre, or starting your own ensemble, these risks often lead to the most rewarding experiences. 

Most importantly, allow your music to speak for itself. Your passion, dedication, and unique artistic voice will shine through in your work. Trust in your abilities and let your music be the loudest advocate for your talent.

Remember, a career in music is more than the performances. My career has woven me into the tapestry of remarkable individuals, unique experiences, and an enduring sense of fulfilment that extends far beyond the stage. It’s about the connections you make, the lives you touch with your art, and the personal growth you experience along the way. Embrace every aspect of this beautiful, challenging journey

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

The music industry can better support and uplift women artists and composers in several ways:

1. Equal representation: Ensure that women are equally represented in concert programs, festival lineups, and recording projects. This includes not just performers, but also composers, conductors, technical crew and producers.

2. Mentorship programs: Establish structured mentorship programs that pair established women in the industry with emerging talents. This can provide crucial guidance, networking opportunities, and support.

3. Fair pay: Address the gender pay gap in the music industry by implementing transparent pay scales and advocating for equal compensation.

4. Leadership roles: Actively promote women to leadership positions in orchestras, music schools, and industry organisations. Having women in decision-making roles can lead to more inclusive policies and diverse programming.

5. Education and awareness: Incorporate works by women composers into music education curricula at all levels. This normalises the presence of women in classical music and inspires young musicians.

6. Funding opportunities: Create grants and funding opportunities specifically for women composers and performers, particularly for large-scale projects that have been historically difficult for women to access.

7. Family-friendly policies: Implement policies that support work-life balance, such as parental leave and flexible rehearsal schedules, to ensure that women don't have to choose between their careers and family life.

By taking these steps, the industry can create a more equitable environment where women's contributions are valued, their voices are heard, and their talents are given the platform they deserve.

A Two-Way Street: The Shared Journey of Mental Well-being

Today, I want to pause from the usual discussions about art and music to focus on a topic of vital importance—our mental well-being. Over the years of performing, coaching, and collaborating, I've seen how crucial it is for us as artists to be attuned not just to our craft but also to our emotional and psychological state.

The Weight of Silence: The Invisible Burden and Why We Don’t Seek Help

In the highly competitive and often stressful realm of performing arts, the stigma surrounding mental health is magnified. Many performers wear a mask, a veneer of composure that hides their internal struggles. The fear of appearing weak or needy often acts as a barricade, discouraging many from seeking help. This silence grows heavy, creating an unhealthy environment where emotional distress not only goes unacknowledged but also becomes normalised.

How to Take the First Step: From Personal Experience

Recognising you need help is the inaugural step in a healing journey. For performers who spend so much time in the spotlight, stepping into the vulnerability of admitting a struggle can be frightening yet liberating. Speaking from experience, the act of opening up can itself be therapeutic. Depending on your comfort zone, this could mean talking to a close friend, a family member, or even a healthcare professional. Either way, initiating that conversation is the first hurdle crossed in the longer race towards mental well-being.

The Role of a Listener: How Support Makes a Difference

Listening is an often-underestimated skill that can profoundly impact someone's life. In the context of mental health, being a compassionate and empathetic listener can be transformative. Your support can provide an emotional anchor for someone who feels adrift, potentially turning a life around. The emotional relief that comes from being heard and understood cannot be overstated, and it often serves as the first vital step toward seeking more structured help.

The Importance of Community

Here at Mirabilis Collective, our mission extends beyond the development of musical talents. We believe that a strong, supportive community is essential for the well-being of each individual member. A supportive environment fosters not just artistic growth but also personal and emotional growth, giving everyone the opportunity to lead a balanced life.

The Journey of Self-Care: More Than a Catchphrase

In the buzzword-filled world of wellness, 'self-care' has almost become a cliché. But its importance is timeless and universal—taking care of your mental health doesn't end the moment you speak up or seek help. It's an ongoing process that requires deliberate effort. Songwriter and female artist Alicia Keys captured it succinctly: "Self-care is not something you do once and then you're done. It's a continuous journey of learning and growing."

For many, self-care starts with setting boundaries. It’s okay to say no, it's okay to take a break, it's okay to not be perfect all the time. And it’s vital to learn that each of us are enough. Understanding your limits is the first step to not only preserving but also nourishing your emotional and mental well-being.

Self-care techniques can include anything from physical exercises like yoga and meditation, to engaging in activities that give you joy, or simply allowing yourself a moment to breathe. Every individual's journey in self-care is unique, but the goal remains the same: to create a balanced life where mental well-being is valued and maintained.

Final Thoughts: Empathy and Action

As performers, mentors, students, and above all, as human beings, we each have a role to play in the broader dialogue about mental health. The struggle is collective, and so should be the solution. Let’s extend our support, break the barriers of silence, and make mental health a topic as openly discussed as any other in our community.

Take The Step Toward a Healthier You and a Compassionate Community

Let's shatter the weight of silence together. If you're carrying an invisible burden, consider speaking to someone you trust or seek professional help. If you're concerned about a friend, family member, or colleague, reach out and extend your support.

If you're seeking further information or resources on mental well-being, here are some valuable platforms that can assist you:

Sane Australia: sane.org

Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au

Head to Health: headtohealth.gov.au

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: lgbtiqhealth.org.au

Take the first step, be it small or big, in your journey toward mental well-being. Let's foster a world rich not just in art but also in empathy. You're not alone.

From Commissioning to Performance: A Glimpse into Mirabilis Collective's Musical Process

Embracing Musical Diversity

At Mirabilis Collective, diversity isn't just a word; it's our musical philosophy. From classical to contemporary, from folk to world music, we explore genres and styles that resonate with our mission. It's an exciting journey that uncovers hidden gems and brings fresh perspectives to our repertoire.

Commissioning New Works

One of the important aspects of our ensemble is our commitment to commissioning music by West Australian women composers and songwriters. It's more than a project; it's a passion. It's about supporting creativity, fostering talent, and giving a platform to voices that might otherwise go unheard.

The Thrill of a New Score

Opening a new score for the first time is a thrill, like turning the first page of a book you know you'll love. This was precisely the feeling when we opened Emily Gelineau's new work, "Her Time." It was a connection, an anticipation of the music yet to be explored and shared. The notes on the page were not just symbols; they were an invitation to a musical journey.

Creating Arrangements and the Joy of Collaboration

Creating arrangements is part of our process, a collaboration that involves understanding, translating, and adapting music for our ensemble. It's a challenge, but one that brings satisfaction and enhances our connection to the music.

For Concert One of our series Her Voice Resounds, we gave our arranger, Julia Nicholls, the challenge to arrange three pieces of contemporary music by Indigo Girls, Emily Wurramara and Kate Bush for chamber ensemble. Julia has beautifully captured the essence of these songs—and we all share in the satisfaction of performing something truly special.

Sharing Our Discoveries

Our work comes together on stage, where discoveries, commissions, and arrangements find their place. The audience connects with the music, and we, in turn, connect with them, sharing not only the notes but the stories behind them. It's a reminder of why we do what we do.

Join Us

We invite you to join us on this journey. Come to our concerts, listen to the music we've discovered and arranged, and share in the joy of creation and performance. Because at the end of the day, that's what Mirabilis Collective is all about: discovering, creating, and sharing music that resonates with all of us.