Chords and Queens

Chords and Queens
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Music History
  • Updated Biweekly

Hello and welcome to Chords & Queens, the podcast that uncovers the untold stories of the world’s most captivating female composers—with a fresh, modern twist! Every week, we shine a spotlight on a trailblazing woman who reshaped the world of music, diving into her life, her legacy, and the timeless sounds she brought to the world. Hosted by composer and multi instrumentalist Jennifer Athan. Let’s get social! Instagram - @ChordsandQueens TikTok - @ChordsandQueens

  1. 3d ago

    Beatrice Nicholas: The Concert Pianist tearing up the Rule Book

    On today's episode, I sit down with pianist and composer Beatrice Nicholas to talk about her journey learning piano and composing her own music, plus her advocacy for the next generation of classical pianists and the opportunities she's creating for young musicians. We also chat about her upcoming headline show at London's Ronnie Scott's, where she'll be spotlighting the work of African American women composersBeatrice Nicholas: Website: https://www.beatricenicholas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatrice_nicholas_pianist/✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Website 💻https://www.chordsandqueens.comLet’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/@chordsqueensTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:02 - Early Years in Music 2:14 - The Power of Music Teachers 4:42 - Making Classical Music Accessible 7:55 - The Moment Beatrice Knew She Wanted to be a Pianist 9:21 - Rewiring Classical Music 10:52 - Becoming a Composer14:34 - Beatrice the Amazing Astronaut 16:05 - Balancing being a performer and composer 16:51 - Black and Classical EP 19:53 - The Lack of Diversity in Composition 22:08 - Creating more opportunities for composers 25:19 - Upcoming Performance at Ronnie Scott's 28:30 - What the audience can expect at Ronnie Scott’s 30:30 - Does Beatrice have any Pre-Show Rituals? 31:00 - Advice for aspiring musicians and composers 33:25 - What piece written by a woman does Beatrice recommend? 33:49 - Outro

  2. Aug 10

    Three Choirs Festival: Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Kerensa Briggs

    On today's episode, I sit down with two of the composers featured at the 2026 Three Choirs Festival: Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Kerensa Briggs.We talk about how they each got started in music and found their way into composition, before diving into the pieces they're bringing to this year's festival, walking through their compositional processes, the ideas and inspirations behind the works, and what audiences can expect to hear.Cheryl Frances-Hoad: Website:https://www.cherylfranceshoad.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhoad/Kerensa Briggs: Gloucester Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLVhzSrk9Q4Website: https://www.kerensabriggs.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerensabriggs/Three Choirs Festival: Website: https://3choirs.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/threechoirs/?hl=en✨New Episodes (usually) 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/@chordsqueensTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:07 - Cheryl Frances-Hoad 1:18 - Compositional Background 2:25 - Inspiration for Stones of the Sky 3:19 - Writing a composition for a specific musician to play 4:19 - Turning Gemstones into Music 5:57 - Stones of the Sky Writing Process 7:43 - Anything surprising about the finished piece? 8:40 - Being apart of Three Choirs Festival 9:29 - Kerensa Briggs 9:41 - Kerensa’s start in Composition 10:21 - What made you want to write Choral Music? 11:05 - Having your music played in the Cathedral she once performed in 12:34 - Gloucester Service Writing Process 13:24 - Did being a young chorister help with composing? 13:45 - Anything surprising about the finished piece? 14:08 - Her family history with the Three Choirs Festival 14:51 - Three Choirs Festival 2027 and Outro

  3. Jul 27

    Dr. Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey: Her mission to change lives through music

    On today's episode, I'm joined by percussionist, conductor, scholar, and educator Dr. Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey. We talk about her early music education in Alaska, growing up surrounded by extraordinary role models, and how that upbringing shaped her drive to put her musical training in service of real-world issues. We also dig into the persistent underrepresentation of women composers on concert programmes, and why in this day and age programming Beethoven is anything but a neutral choice. We also explore her remarkable 2019 project with the Women's Orchestra of Afghanistan, as well as her latest endeavour: recording the complete keyboard works of composer Marianna Martines. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cayennaconductor/ Marianna Martines Life and Music: https://youtu.be/rKE_N21fz_0?si=SP3myJnoOxBqXBi4 0:00 - Introduction  1:37 - Growing up Playing Music  3:24 - Learning to Play Percussion  5:08 - Why Music Genres Don’t Matter  8:02 - How did Cayenna get into Conducting?  11:56 - How can we get more women into conducting?  14:27 - Adding Value to Orchestral Performance  17:52 - How Can Orchestral Music Help Push for Change  19:40 - Championing the Work of Women Composers  22:18 - Working with the Women’s Orchestra of Afghanistan  31:17 - How Impactful Orchestras Can be  33:24 - Recording the Complete Keyboard Works of Marianna Martines  36:30 - What did you learn about Marianna Martines?  46:38 - Reacting to male conductors calling Martines a “second rate composer” 51:10 - Should all Orchestras try to Programme More Women?  53:52 - What advice would you give to the next generation?  55:17 - Who’s Cayenna adding to the playlist?  ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s Get Social 📱 For more Classical Queens, follow us on:  Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠  Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

  4. Jun 15

    Anna Clyne talks love of collaboration, her new piece Sirens, and the importance of finding your community.

    On today's episode, we sit down with the magnificent Anna Clyne. We explore her earliest childhood memories of writing music, her love of collaboration, and her new piece Sirens, as well as her advice for the next generation of women composers. She also reflects on the distinction of being the most performed living woman composer, and whether that title feels like an honour, or whether she'd simply rather be known as a composer.  Anna Clyne:  Website:  https://www.annaclyne.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annaclynecomposer/?hl=en Music:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4d2fe6u4HBGX4ZbBbEmM3j https://classical.music.apple.com/gb/artist/399017062 ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s Get Social 📱 For more Classical Queens, follow us on:  www.chordsandqueens.com Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠  Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

  5. May 28

    Rebekah Reid talks Hypermobility, Loop Pedals and a Headline Show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

    On today’s episode we welcome violinist and composer Rebekah Reid, who talks to us about navigating hypermobility as a violinist, writing music and her upcoming gig at the famous London Jazz Club - Ronnie Scott’s. During the episode we get an insight into her writing process as she shows us how she constructs a song live on stage using a loop pedal. We also chat about the harrowingly low statics highlighting that only 0.59% of Black Women had their work preformed by major Orchestras in the 2023/24 Concert Season.* As well as how we can improve this statistic moving forward and support other women. As she prepares for her gig at Ronnie’s, she also lets us know that 2027 will be a big year for new music, and oh, we’re also manifesting a loop pedal at the proms… Rebekah Reid at Ronnie Scott’s: https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/rebekah-reidWebsite: https://www.rebekahreidviolin.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekareidviolin/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebekahreidmusicFia Roberts - Producer: https://www.fiaroberts.com✨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/@chordsqueens0:00 - Introduction 1:24 - Rebekah’s start in Music 1:57 - What made you want to play the violin? 2:32 - Did Rebekah ever think about giving up the violin? 3:55 - Navigating the Physical Side of Playing the Violin 6:27 - Talking about Injuries and Chronic Pain in Classical Music8:47 - How Music Education Shaped Rebekah’s Career 10:30 - How Rebekah Reid writes her music 13:39 - Rebekah walks us through how she creates her tracks live 14:04 - Rodeo Ride Live 16:22 - Max Richter Inspired Piece Live 18:35 - Unpacking the Writing Process 20:23 - At what point did Rebekah find her own compositional voice 22:55 - Have you ever felt excluded from the Classical genre?25:59 - Creating your own Opportunities 26:56 - Live Vs. Recording 28:13 - Preforming at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club 28:52 - Do certain venues make classical music feel more accessible? 31:09 - What can audiences expect from the Ronnie’s gig? 32:44 - Releasing Music 34:56 - The Lack of Women and Diversity in Music Composition 39:30 - Navigating the ‘Women Composer’ title 40:46 - How we can make composition more diverse 44:13 - Age in Classical Music 45:43 - AI in Classical Music 48:55 - Advice to Composers 52:15 - Rebekah Reid’s Music Recommendation 53:31 - Ending *https://donne-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DonneReport2024.pdf

  6. Apr 6

    Isabelle O’Connell and Rhona Clarke : The Pandemic Collaboration That Inspired an Album

    On today's episode, we're joined by pianist Isabelle O'Connell and composer Rhona Clarke to talk about their album Cocteau - and how a pandemic collaboration quietly grew into something much bigger. We chat about their beginnings in music, the inspiration behind the project, and the work of Les Six member Germaine Tailleferre, whose music features on the album.Isabelle O’Connell: Website: https://www.isabelleoconnell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzypianonyc/Rhona Clarke: Website: https://www.rhonaclarke.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonapclarke/Cocteau: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/cocteau/1869394834Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2vVpDmuxxxwvw3Ujmymr6D?si=_XjbogLSSUa6sp3v7ZokiwFinding a Voice Festival: https://www.findingavoice.ie✨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/@chordsqueens0:00 - Introduction 1:21 - Rhona Clarke’s first introduction to music 2:03 - Where Isabelle’s musical journey began 3:49 - What kind of music student was Isabelle? 4:47 - What Kind of music student was Rhona? 6:24 - How the pandemic started the ‘Cocteau’ album journey 8:00 - Translating Jean Cocteau’s art to music 9:41 - Jean Cocteau’s impact on Rhona’s music 10:20 - Selecting the music to appear on ‘Cocteau’ album 12:38 - the ‘Cocteau’ writing Process 17:49 - What was the most challenging piece? 19:20 - Selecting works written by Germaine Tailleferre 20:48 - Was Rhona inspired by the work of Tailleferre? 21:00 - Discovering the life and work of Tailleferre23:00 - Finding a Voice Festival 25:30 - What does it take to be a good collaborator in music? 28:20 - Does Rhona write music with the performer in mind? 31:40 - Anything surprising during the Cocteau process? 34:34 -Do Rhona and Isabelle agree that “art is not a pastime but a priesthood”? 37:38 - Advice to future composers and musicians 38:53 - What do Isabelle and Rhona recommend we listen to?

  7. Mar 30

    Written Oot the Reel: Where are the Women in 18th and 19th Century Scottish Traditional Music?

    On this week’s episode we try and answer the question - where are the women in the Golden Age of Scottish trad music? So let’s look at the lives of Euphemia Murray, Catherine White, Magdalene Stirling and Anna Gordon. Just some of the names that shaped 18th and 19th century Scottish Music.  Sources - Female Composers in Scotland’s Golden Age - Aaron McGregor  https://fillocksfiddlers.com/2025/10/22/female-composers-in-scotlands-golden-age/ A Collection of Entirely Original Strathspeys, Reels… By. Ladies Resident in the Remote Part of the Highlands  https://imslp.org/wiki/A_Collection_of_Entirely_Original_Strathspey_Reels%2C_etc._(Various) Historical Music Scotland Archives:  https://hms.scot/prints/source/143/ https://hms.scot/prints/source/145/ London Newspaper Article Found in:  https://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/MISSKA_MISSRU.htm  Miss Auchtertyre Score:  https://www.abdn.ac.uk/scottskinner/collection.php?pageNum_index=55 The Ballad World of Anna Gordon Book:  https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-ballad-world-of-anna-gordon-mrs-brown-of-falkland-9780198939092?cc=us&lang=en Magdalene Stirling Tunes:  https://www.highlandmusictrust.org/the-magdelina-stirling-collection ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s Get Social 📱 For more Classical Queens, follow us on:  Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠  Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens 0:00 - Introduction  0:40 - Let’s talk women in music 1:43 - Setting the Scene  2:36 - Women’s History in 18th Century Scotland  4:24 - Euphemia Murray - check spelling  8:08 - Catherine E White  10:50 - Magdalene Stirling  12:48 - Anna Gordon - The Ballad Collector  17:17 - Conclusion

  8. Mar 23

    Jennifer King: The Award Winning Pianist That’s Championing Canadian Women Composers

    On today's episode, we sit down with Jennifer King, the award-winning pianist and recording artist. We talk about her early days learning music and the importance of being able to access music education, as well as her phenomenal career as a performer, teacher, and actress - playing the role of Ethel Smyth in The Bessie Carruthers Study Club. With such an impressive career, Jennifer has no desire to slow down and enjoy the fruits of her labour quite yet. In fact, there's one area of music she hasn't explored - and that's composing! Although, if you think her compositions might have a similar tone to her other four albums - well, I won't spoil it for you, but she lets us know in the episode. ;) Jennifer King:  Website: https://www.jenniferkingpiano.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkingpiano?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Cecilia Concerts Sensory Accessible Concerts  https://www.ceciliaconcerts.ca/sensory-accessible-concerts/?srsltid=AfmBOorQY9pqpJCBRZMU82-7AqeKnftfslcYgr6--CUcMZQ0j4Nz-Ain ✨New Episodes Every Monday✨ Let’s Get Social 📱 For more Classical Queens, follow us on:  Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠  Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens 0:00 Introduction  1:53 Where Jennifer’s Musical Journey Began 3:18 Finding the Piano  4:50 Early Days Learning the Piano  7:00 How Has Music Education Impacted Jennifer’s Life?  8:51 The Importance of Music Lessons in a Childs Development  9:50 Being a Proud Canadian  13:46 Becoming a Recording Artist  22:06 The Process of Making an Album  26:20 Souvenance - An Album of Music Written by Women  28:08 Reimagining Joni Mitchell  32:06 Don’t Record Something You Don’t Love  32:30 Trying to Get Women’s Work into Concert Halls  34:37 Balancing Performing with Motherhood  37:55 Collaboration as a Pianist  40:23 What Skills are required to be a good collaborator in music?  42:14 Cecelia Concerts Sensory Accessible Concerts  47:18 The Bessie Carruthers Study Club  49:20 Becoming Ethel Smyth  57:01 Becoming a Composer?  59:00 Advice for Pianists and Musicians  1:01:00 Favourite Piece by a Woman Composer

See All (38)

About

Hello and welcome to Chords & Queens, the podcast that uncovers the untold stories of the world’s most captivating female composers—with a fresh, modern twist! Every week, we shine a spotlight on a trailblazing woman who reshaped the world of music, diving into her life, her legacy, and the timeless sounds she brought to the world. Hosted by composer and multi instrumentalist Jennifer Athan. Let’s get social! Instagram - @ChordsandQueens TikTok - @ChordsandQueens

Information

  • Creator
    Chords and Queens
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chords and Queens
  • Show Website
    Chords and Queens