A well-deserved stage
Gala concert for International Women's Day with music by female composers from eight centuries
There are countless works by female composers from the past eight centuries. But how many compositions by women are actually heard in concert halls? How many names are really well known? These questions will be addressed at a gala concert on International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. at Forum Seebach, a collaborative project of the FRANZ LISZT University of Music and the German National Theatre Weimar (DNT). Admission is free!
The gala concert spans a range from Hildegard von Bingen—mystic, healer, and composer of the 12th century—to the contemporary Japanese composer Misato Mochizuki. “In between, music will be performed by women who composed when they were not actually allowed to, who published when they were discouraged from doing so, and who wanted to be heard when they were ignored,” says the Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer at the Weimar Music University, vocal professor Anne Schwanewilms, who played a leading role in planning the project.
“It's not just about music, it's about visibility, about justice,” adds Prof. Schwanewilms. “It's about what women have achieved, especially in art history and in society—and what has all too often been denied them: the stage they deserve, the recognition they deserve, the simple right to be heard.” The Forum Seebach will feature outstanding singers and instrumentalists from the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar.
A special moment of the gala concert will be dedicated to Rita Süssmuth (1937–2026), who passed away in January of this year. As the first Federal Minister for Women, President of the Bundestag for over ten years, and a lifelong advocate for equality and human rights, she shaped German politics. The tribute combines a tribute with a look at the present: at women in Iran, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Gaza. “To all those who are fighting today for what we take for granted,” says Prof. Schwanewilms.
A keynote speech will focus on the composer Ethel Smyth (1858–1944), who was one of the first women in the male-dominated European music world to have her operas performed on major stages. Even today, her name is still missing from most programs. The keynote speech will shed light on her life and her special work, a mass in D major.
“The 1st Feminist Theme Week from March 1 to 8 at the DNT is intended to serve as an initial spark for further joint events and as a convergence of artistic positions,” explains Anne Schwanewilms. “In order to promote the continuation and expansion of the joint discourse, a collaboratively compiled bibliography of feminist literature recommendations will also be circulated. Mutual support and the exchange of musical content on the topic of equality are to be further deepened in the future.”
[27 February 2026]