The Dallas Symphony Orchestra held its first “Women in Classical Music Symposium” last year and has just announced guests and programming for this year’s event, November 8-11. This symposium is designed to shine a spotlight on all of the talented women involved in classical music, featuring conversations about their trials and successes.

The topics for this year include, “Breaking Barriers – Women in Classical Music,” “Motherhood and Music – Women as Caregivers,” “DEI: Transforming” and “Music and Wellness.” Speakers of note include pioneering conductor Marin Alsop and violinist Hilary Hahn.

There will be panel discussions, breakout sessions, talks and special concerts.

“While the current circumstances keep us from being together, we are working hard to prepare for this much-anticipated fall event and ensure our attendees have a great experience, whether that is in person or virtually,” said Kim Noltemy, Ross Perot President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony in a news release.

Registration for the Symposium is now open. Early registration is $90 with the fee increasing to $150 on July 1. Admission includes all panels as well as coffee hours, the keynote lunch, one dinner and receptions. Financial aid is available for those who need it.

A conversation at 2019 Women in Classical Music Symposium.  From left: Laura Colgate,  Co-Founder, Boulanger Initiative; Zenetta Drew, Executive Director, Dallas Black Dance Theatre; Susan Etheredge, Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life,  Smith College. Photo: Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

This event is presented as part of the DSO’s Women in Classical Music initiative, supported in part by Capital One, The Eugene McDermott Foundation and Martha Wells. Additional support for the symposium was provided by Texas Women’s Foundation, Joanne Bober and Yon Jorden. It is sponsored by Billingsley Company and will be held November 8-11, 2020, in Dallas.