ABSTRACT
This chapter examines women’s careers as classical performers on the public concert stage. It commences with a discussion of the professional public performance limitations placed on women musicians through the centuries. Some historical examples of women who undertook performing careers are provided. The role of all women’s orchestras in providing performance opportunities for women is discussed. This is followed by a survey of singers and pianists who pursued performance careers in the 19th century and, as women gained more independence, some of the leading performers of the 20th century when it became an acceptable career for women. This is followed by a survey of women maintaining professional performing careers on a range of instruments including strings, brass and percussion. It concludes with a discussion of the role of women’s musical organisations in furthering the careers of women musicians.
