Wilton High School’s music honor society will put on a women composer’s concert to bolster diverse voices in classical and contemporary music.
On Friday, Feb. 23, Tri-M, Wilton High School’s music honor society, will host a Women Composers Concert at WEPCO Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Members of the society will perform mostly solo pieces written by female musicians, such as Florence Price and Clara Schumann, Tri-M President Sayuki Layne said.
“I wanted to find a way to highlight composers that aren’t played as frequently, and I thought this concert would be a good place to start,” Layne said. “Most popular classical music is written by white men, even though a lot of contemporary music features women and people of color as composers. Tri-M seeks to bolster these diverse voices.”
Before COVID-19, Tri-M held many benefit concerts. In the spirit of these concerts, Layne, along with Tri-M Orchestra Vice President Stephanie Tang, Band Vice President Emily Gregson, and Choir Vice President Nick Somma, wanted to host a concert promoting a cause, though theirs is not a charity event. Wilton’s PEO International chapter, an organization that supports and celebrates women, is helping to sponsor their effort.
Earlier this year, members of Tri-M played at a Waveny LifeCare Network senior citizen assisted living and hospice facility in New Canaan.
Layne and the Tri-M board plan to invite 10-15 society members to perform at this concert as well as a few volunteer town members. High school Sophomore Gianna Sutherland plans to sing “Night,” by Florence Price. Price was an African-American classical composer in the early 1900s. Board members, including Layne, who plans to sing “Sympathy,” also by Price, will also perform.
The concert will be free for those who wish to attend.