World premieres for International Women’s Day

BBC Radio 3 has unveiled details of its highly anticipated International Women’s Day programming. On 8 March the BBC will devote an entire day to the work of female composers, with a number of new commissions receiving world premieres.

Malala Yousafzai’s 2013 UN speech – which highlighted the need for women all over the world to receive an education – has been set to music by composer Kate Whitley, and will be premiered by BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales. The piece titled Speak Out will be performed at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, with a recording broadcast later at 21:30.

Commented Pakistani activist Yousafzai: ‘As the speech is a call to raise our voices, it makes me very happy that it will be sung by a large choir, that so many voices will rise to share the message of education for all.’

The day will be curated by six female composers, with each taking over a different part of the schedule including Alissa Firsova (Breakfast show), Sally Beamish (Essential Classics), Tansy Davies (Afternoon on 3), Errollyn Wallen (In Tune), Annette Peacock (Late Junction), and Kerry Andrew (Late Junction mixtape).

Choral Evensong will come live from Truro Cathedral and feature two more world premieres by Sasha Johnson Manning and Dobrinka Tabakova. The concert features the cathedral’s newly-formed girl choristers.

Radio 3 In Concert will feature avant-garde ensemble Plus Minus, with compositions from Joanna Bailie and Carola Bauckholt. The show also includes work from electronic music composer Kaffe Matthews.

bbc.co.uk/radio3