For over a century, International Women's Day has been celebrated each year on March 8, and today Classic 107 is celebrating in style!

As outlined by UNESCO: "it provides an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women's empowerment but also to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide."

And this year's theme – #InspireInclusion – truly encourages and embraces the goals of equality and empowerment, emphasizes the importance of diversity and equity in a society. 

Celebrate women in the arts on Classic 107

Throughout the day on Winnipeg's Classic 107, you will hear nothing but female composers, performers and music leaders. Some of the highlights include: 

  • Some outstanding early music leaders such as Monica Huggett, Jeanne Lamon and Sol Gabetta in the early hour of Morning Light
  • Complete works by Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn in the 9 a.m. hour 
  • At 11 a.m. hear a symphony by pioneering British composer Alice Mary Smith amongst other English writers 
  • Wonderfully crafted chamber music by Louis Farrenc opens in the 2 p.m. hour paired with fellow French composers like Chaminade and Boulanger 
  • In the 3 p.m. hour, Canadian women take centre stage! 
  • Tune in at 8 p.m. to hear the music of the composer, suffragette and political activist, Dame Ethel Smyth 

Education and awareness play a crucial role in fostering inclusion. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when it comes to working in leadership and decision-making positions across a wide variety of sectors. 

Looking at the world of classical music, women continue to be woefully underrepresented. Inclusion and equal opportunity – be that as a performer, conductor, composer, arts administrator, or in any other facet of the industry – is a goal not yet reached and this year's theme reminds and encourages us all to #InspireInclusion. 

How to listen and join in the conversation

Tune into 107.1 FM, listen online, or through the Classic 107 app to celebrate this important day with us.

Do you have a favourite female composer, musician, or artist? Share your thoughts with us by calling the studio at 204.336.1071 or email us at info@classic107.com