Welcome to day one of the Festival of Female Composers, the biggest radio festival in the world dedicated to the women of classical music.
This is ABC Classic's tenth year of marking International Women's Day by championing the music of female composers.
In September 2015, when we tracked who composed the music being played on air, female composers received a share of just 2.2%.
In the 2024-25 financial year, music by female composers made up 15.7% of airtime on ABC Classic and 19% of overall tracks being played. We're on track to reach similar numbers in 2026.
This change has been the result of special events like our annual Festival of Female Composers, dedicated recording projects, and year-round programming uncovering exceptional music by women through history and today.
And of course the support of you, our listeners, who have opened your ears to embrace new favourites, whether that's Hildegard von Bingen or Holly Harrison.
Across 6–8 March, enjoy music by women on ABC Classic, including three "super concerts" compiling together live concert recordings showcasing remarkable female artists and music, a live studio performance by Swedish vocal quartet Åkervinda and more.
Find the full festival line up in our Guide to Listening.