A Super Bowl Alternative: Women in Music

Perhaps as a fitting alternative to the Super Bowl, Sunday afternoon 's Virtuoso Program will host a concert entirely of women composers. Along with music from the talented string orchestra, saxophonist Kristen Strom will guest solo with the girls.

In addition, said Music Conservatory Director Rob DeNunzio, one of the composers will be on hand to discuss her piece, a local artist will show a series of portraits of women composers, and the Music Director of St. John's in Ross will speak beforehand about gender inequalities in classical music.

"We're trying to make it a real, involved experience," said DeNunzio.

Because the Virtuoso Program's mission is to give the all-girls orchestra the skills necessary to go into a conservatory program after graduation, there is typically a focus on male, classic, European composers, said DeNunzio. So, this year, the school decided to emphasize living, women composers and musicians.

"It was important that we then bolster the other side of it," said DeNunzio.

This focus has included hiring Ann Krinitsky as the orchestra director/conductor and bringing in professional women musicians to talk to the class, which included a recent visit from JoAnn Falletta, the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony. 

"I think they were really inspired by it," said DeNunzio, noting that the students really seem to believe in the sisterhood of musicians.

San Domenico's “Women in Music” benefit concert begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 6. The talk beforehand will begin at 2:30 p.m. Reception immediately following. Tickets are $25 at the door. For more information, call 258-1921.