The symphony is a form of orchestral classical music, and notably all symphonies within the canon are by men. It is an art form affiliated with masculinity, and critically interpreted as something male composers use to express and shape their identity.There is a severe lack of representation of symphonic works by women in the concert hall, history books, education and society. Critics recognise that male voices and creativity have traditionally been legitimised, whilst women's have been devalued. This has significant consequences for female artists, and gender equality. The research will demonstrate how symphonic works reflect class, gender, heritage, and personal identities. It will argue for the importance for woman composers, highlight ways moving forward for contemporary musicians, and widen our understanding symphonies. Moreover, it will add greater contributions to fair gender identity representation, how patriarchy is mobilised in notions of taste, and how this links to understandings of gender today.
I have been working as a self employed musician.