Chords and Queens

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the wonderful multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Cathryn Bell. We talk about her journey as a composer and how she found her way into writing for the screen, as well as her favourite film scores and her creative process. We also dive into the lack of women in film composition and explore what can be done to better support and champion the next generation of women composers.Cathryn Bell: Website: https://www.cathrynbell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathrynbellofficial?igsh=MXE0Y2tqdnloc3Nwcw==Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@composer_storyteller?_r=1&_t=ZN-949sMoN8sBaSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ebo7AaKAjsW21wTpzYb8h?si=vpwe5NfwRsSYAFddNSguiQApple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/cathryn-bell/1645537539The Lemon Cake Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wb95lvlTyM00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Start of a Musical Journey 1:49 - Childhood Films that Inspired Her 3:18 - The Music She Listened to Growing Up4:56 - Learning the Viola 5:36 - First Memories Writing Music 6:34 - A snippet of Cathryns first composition 7:55 - The Inspiration behind the piece 8:56 - Always putting story with music 9:09 - Compositional Journey 9:28 - Lack of Composer Role Models that were Women 10:32 - Training as An Actor 12:02 What being an actor taught her about writing music 13:00 - Where do the compositions start? 14:05 - What does the first few moments of writing a piece look like? 16:00 - How to decide what instrument a piece needs 16:39 - Life as a Film Composer 17:06 - How she got started writing for the screen 21:56 - A snippet from The Lemon Cake Society Score 23:30 - Making the Score for the Lemon Cake Society 26:24 - Collaboration 31:35 - From the Vault Film Scores? 32:12 - What you wish more directors knew about writing film music34:36 - Where are all the women in film music? 34:59 - Have you been the only women in the room? 37:47 - What can we do to help women in film music? 41:21 - Advice for the next generation of women in music 43:17 - Favourite piece written by a woman 45:14 - Links to Social Media and Where to Find Her Work ✨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

On today’s episode, I’m joined by conductor, producer, and performer Shea Lolin and flautist Fiona Sweeney to discuss their recent recording of the Flute Concertino by French composer Cécile Chaminade, featured on their new album Frisson. We explore the experience of recording the work, the importance of championing music by women composers, and share advice for emerging composers on the value of collaboration with musicians and conductors in bringing new pieces to life.Shea Lolin: https://www.shealolin.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shealolin/?hl=enFiona Sweeney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionasweeney/ Cécile Chaminade Concertino, Op.107 – Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble, Shea Lolin & Fiona Sweeney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-98hwenshU✨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 and music of Marianna Martines, the 18th-century Viennese composer who lived alongside Haydn and Mozart and performed for Europe’s elite, but whose brilliance was nearly erased by history. From her virtuosic keyboard works to her stunning choral compositions, we unpack how Martines carved out a career in a world that rarely allowed women to be composers, and why her music deserves a central place in the classical canon today. Marianna Who? Martines, Vienna and Music - Alexandra Amatihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WcqqbiZc2M✨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

On the podcast this week, I’m joined by the wonderfully talented Precious Akindele. We talk about her love for Erykah Badu, her journey into writing her own music, and her advice for women and girls who want to start learning the organ.Precious also breaks down the process of creating and programming her own organ recital in March 2026, and gives us an insight into her upcoming new music.Precious’s instagram: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precious_mymusic/✨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

On today’s podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful performer, writer, and educator Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss. We explore her journey playing the euphonium, her experiences navigating sexism as a brass player, and her career as both a teacher and performer with the likes of the Athena Brass Band. Amy also shares the inspiration behind her children’s book Amy’s Brass Band and discusses the meaningful ways we can support more women entering the brass world whether that be as performers, composers or audience members. Amy’s Website: https://www.amybliss.netInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyschumakerbliss/?hl=en-gbMentioned in the Episode: Level Up - Charlie Drew Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHvHuMfXaFEFaustbuch - Elizabeth Raum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3e0UcI-HeYLuminaires - Lucy Pankhurst https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKmKaOFtLJEInspired by Blue - Andrea Robinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrmNHFve3ERock Hopper - Gail Robertson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5cDvlAMna4Woman - Esther Abrami https://youtu.be/zamyJwH7K3c?si=4TWdXvKJK-q9IL95Books: Voices for Change In The Classical Music Profession: https://academic.oup.com/book/45618Composing Herself: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Composing-Herself-Before-Allowed-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0FXSBK3NJBlogs / Online Resources: Its Not a Trumpet Blog https://www.itsnotatrumpet.comThe Boulanger Initiative: https://www.boulangerinitiative.orgThe Institute For Composer Diversity: https://www.composerdiversity.comInternational Women Brass Conference: https://myiwbc.orgDiversify the Stand: https://www.diversifythestand.orgBrass Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qOSlIyoFaUkuF3HtEXUJz?si=1qbEoq1VTymymxSLrWObugComposers: Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen: https://www.ingebjorgvilhelmsen.com✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today’s episode we recap some of my favourite books and music of 2025. From learning about the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz to listening to the classical pop takeover, I share with you my thoughts and findings on some of my favourite artistic finds of the year. ✨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

I’m so honoured to be joined by Katie Rowan, founder of the Ina Boyle Society and a relative of the remarkable Irish composer Ina Boyle. Katie shares the story behind the creation of the Society, the inspiration that drives its work, and reflects on Ina’s music and enduring legacy. We also look ahead to what’s next for Ina Boyle’s music, and discuss how we can all support the Society and help shape a stronger future for women composers in Ireland and beyond. The Ina Boyle Society: https://www.inaboyle.orgIna Boyle Songbook: https://www.chimesmusic.com/Products/selected-songs-5.htmlIna Boyle Biography: https://www.inaboyle.org/new-page-2 ✨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 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 Zhttps://youtu.be/QHqH3AVWHOU?si=UUCGtj885fpifpRoRosalía - Berghainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6cCharli XCX - House https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgp7wlBfASA✨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

EDIT: Ina's only opera, Maudlin of Paplewick, was completed in 1964 (not 1966) and is set to a libretto by Ben Jonson (not Edith Somerville).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. ✨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

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: 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.

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✨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

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? ✨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 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=YUA62xbanLEAlison Balsom on the Trumpet Concerto of Wynton Marsalis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx_umf4Mc5I✨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 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/✨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 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! ✨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 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

Avril Coleridge-Taylor carved her own path in the world of classical music. From her groundbreaking role as one of Britain’s few prominent female conductors to her rich, overlooked compositions, Avril’s story is one of talent, resilience, and quiet rebellion. This podcast uncovers her music, her mental health struggles and the legacy she fought to leave behind. Sussex Landscape by Chineke! Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbT5NCaVgm0PDF Catalogue of work by Avril Coleridge Taylor: https://leahbroad.substack.com/p/cataloguing-avril-coleridge-taylor ✨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

Dive into the extraordinary life of Nadia Boulanger. Composer, conductor, and legendary teacher to some of the 20th century’s greatest musicians. From falling in love with the sound of fire bells to her deep bond with her sister Lili, this episode explores how Nadia shaped the sound of modern music while redefining what it meant to lead, teach, and inspire.✨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 

Step into the remarkable life of Lili Boulanger, the French composer who shattered expectations and redefined classical music in the early 20th century. From winning the coveted Prix de Rome at just 19 to composing emotionally powerful works that still resonate today, Lili’s journey is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. And yes - long before Lizzie McGuire had her Roman moment, Lili was already living la dolce vita in the Eternal City… but with less purple flared trousers (probably). Prelude in D flat Major: https://ks15.imslp.org/files/imglnks/usimg/6/65/IMSLP871321-PMLP103926-boulnger_prelue.mp3Cortège: https://s9.imslp.org/files/imglnks/usimg/2/23/IMSLP871319-PMLP32360-boulnger_cortege.mp3Psalm 130: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flLZmONu6ls✨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