Today is International Women’s Day and we look forward to Woman Composer Sunday at the weekend.

The RSCM is proud to publish the works of many female composers. We look forward to the performances of a new work by young composer Esther Bersweden at the forthcoming RSCM Young Voices Festival in York (27^th April) and a new Introit by Elizabeth Stratford, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Arundel Cathedral. This has been written for the RSCM Festival Service in St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday 18th May. We welcome singers to join on the day as well as those who wish to join the congregation. The service will also include Precis and Responses by Joanna Forbes L’Estrange.

“I really enjoyed writing Come Holy Ghost and composed at the piano. From a tiny fragment of melody the piece developed with melody playing a key role throughout. I’ve threaded plainchant in the organ part through the new melody I’ve created for the voices and thought a lot about the different textures which can be achieved with organ and singers when writing. The result is a new version of an ancient hymn which I hope will be enjoyed by those who perform it.” Elizabeth Stratford.

Many churches will be reflecting Woman Composer Sunday in their music choices this weekend. Read more here.