Join Dr. Laura Colgate (NEC alum) and Kathryn Radakovich from the Boulanger Initiative for a discussion examining why, in the 21st century, the classical music industry is still not inclusive of music by women. Discover how we got here, what needs to be done, and how you can diversify content and repertoire in the classroom to create a more level playing field for the future of classical music. We will learn more about why the Boulanger Initiative developed their composer database, how they go about finding resources and researching composers, and how we explore using more underrepresented music in our classrooms.
Dr. Laura Colgate currently is Concertmaster of The National Philharmonic at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD, and was formerly the concertmaster of Greenville Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. She frequently performs as a substitute with several major orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, and is a member of the IRIS Chamber Orchestra in her hometown, Memphis, TN. She completed her Doctorate from the University of Maryland (UMD) School of Music, focusing her thesis on Women Composers. Laura is passionate about being an innovator in the world of classical music, and in March 2018 co-founded the Boulanger Initiative, an advocacy organization for women composers based in D.C., for which she holds the position of Executive and Artistic Director. The Initiative champions the works of women composers through consulting, performance, education, and commissions and launched its performance series with the Women Composers (WoCo) Festival in Washington, D.C.
Kathryn Radakovich enjoys a varied career performing works from the modern, classical, baroque, and jazz idioms. She can be found singing with the nation’s top vocal ensembles including; Grammy and Pulitzer winning Roomful of Teeth, Lorelei Ensemble, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and Opera Philadelphia Chorus, Oregon Bach Festival Berwick Chorus, and the Philadelphia-based vocal sextet Variant 6. Equally passionate about music education, Kathryn has nearly two decades of experience teaching classical and jazz voice with students of all ages and experience levels, from grade school (The Philadelphia School) through high school (East High School), to university (Metropolitan State University), and beyond. Whether teaching one-on-one lessons, directing an a cappella vocal ensemble, leading an early music ensemble, or leading masterclasses, Kathryn takes a varied, adaptable, and enthusiastic approach to working with students of music and is also passionate about creating equal access for everyone.