In this episode, we dive into why orchestras and baroque drama seem to be appearing in the pop charts. From Rosalía’s hit album ‘LUX’ to Charli XCX’s track for the Wuthering Heights film ‘House’, we unpack how classical sounds are sneaking back into the charts and are listeners craving something more “human”? Is this revival a reaction against the polished AI-generated music we’ve been hearing more recently? 

🎵Recommended Listening: 

Laufey: Proof that Classical Music Still Speaks to Gen Z

https://youtu.be/QHqH3AVWHOU?si=UUCGtj885fpifpRo

Rosalía - Berghain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6c

Charli XCX - House 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgp7wlBfASA

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In this episode, we uncover the life and work of Ina Boyle (1889–1967), one of Ireland’s most remarkable composers. Living most of her life in the quiet countryside, Boyle composed symphonies, choral works, and chamber music at a time when few women were recognised in classical music. Join us as we explore how Boyle’s resilience, artistry, and devotion to her craft helped shape Irish classical music, and why her music deserves to be heard today. 🎵Recommended Listening: Symphony No.1 Glencree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_n34JV5aGAConcerto for Violin and Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFAd9Xst1wg Elegy for Cello and Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oixze9lvhtcThe Magic Harphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5N9vKoX66w✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Nobu Kōda (1870–1946). Essentially Japan’s first composer to write in the Western classical style and one of the earliest Japanese musicians to study abroad. Born during the Meiji Restoration, a time when women were expected to become “good wives and wise mothers,” Kōda defied convention to study music in Boston and Vienna, bringing Western traditions back to Japan and transforming its musical landscape. From teaching the future creator of the Suzuki Method to breaking barriers as a performer and educator, Kōda’s story is one of courage, innovation, and quiet revolution. 

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On today's episode we highlight the remarkable life of Croatian composer Dora Pejačević, from her aristocratic upbringing to her most defining musical achievements. Perhaps we playfully argue that her mix of talent, rebellion, and rich personal story makes her worthy of Disney level fame.

Symphony in F Sharp Minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=940dNX5zHEU

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: 

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On todays episode we uncover the stories of the first female conductors - Josephine Amann-Weinlich and Antonia Brico -  the first women to break onto the conductor’s podium in a world that said they didn’t belong there. From all female orchestras to historic debuts, this episode uncovers the grit, genius, and resilience that helped change classical music forever.

Antonia Brico: Portrait of a Woman Documentary (2022 Restoration) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHE9lLjUpuM&t=1s

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Ruth Gipps was a composer, conductor, and musician of exception skill and talent. In this episode, we uncover the life of a prodigy turned trailblazer who battled sexism and the changing musical fashions to forge her own path. From her lush, lyrical symphonies to her fierce determination as a conductor, Ruth was often branded difficult, but maybe she was just misunderstood? 

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In this episode, we look at the extraordinary career of trumpet soloist Alison Balsom and the announcement of her retirement in 2025. From breaking barriers in the brass world to inspiring a new generation of musicians, Alison’s legacy is undeniable - but does the media’s response to her retirement reveal how sexism still shapes the way female musicians are portrayed? 

The Brass Ceiling Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUA62xbanLE

Alison Balsom on the Trumpet Concerto of Wynton Marsalis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx_umf4Mc5I

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In today’s episode, we explore how the immensely talented artist Laufey is reinventing what it means to be classically trained. From her viral rise on TikTok to her Grammy-winning album Bewitched and her latest release A Matter of Time, Laufey proves that classical roots can thrive far beyond the concert hall.

This episode unpacks her story, her music, and her role in inspiring a new generation to see classical training not as a cage, but as a foundation for limitless creativity.

Articles Referenced:

The Day the Music Dies? Why time is running out to tackle the decline in UK music educationhttps://www.rncm.ac.uk/news/the-day-the-music-dies-why-time-is-running-out-to-tackle-the-decline-in-uk-music-education/

Nicola Benedetti: ‘Classical music is threatened by young people’s lack of basic discipline’https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/classical-music/nicola-benedetti-interview/

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In this episode, we step into the vibrant world of Errollyn Wallen. The pioneering Belize-born British composer whose music blurs the lines between classical, jazz, and popular music,

We explore the twists and turns of her remarkable journey, from studying dance to becoming the first Black woman to have her work performed at the Proms, to becoming Master of the Kings Music. We explore her creative process, her inspiration for some of her greatest works, and why sometimes the best way to start a day is with cake for breakfast!

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In today’s episode, we’re diving into four hauntingly beautiful works by female composers. Setting you up for the perfect spooky playlist - just in time for Autumn.

Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRPsVhWnjw&list=PLFdg885z67oCu7p-c-sNoT4TdgvxQubGj&pp=gAQBIndividual Pieces

Photography: III. — Errollyn Wallen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZRPsVhWnjwCaroline Shaw The Observatory - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqMK-eeO9nQDelia Derbyshire - Depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQEYdgY2M8UAnna Thorvaldsdottir - Ubique XI - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBkN-_E7sNo&list=OLAK5uy_nEpEfzlpI3qB9dxuU1NcbxM4XDP4f7ZIs&index=11✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens