Who is Heard? Age, Gender, Belonging, and ‘Genius’ Music

This lecture-recital, as part of Dr Judith Valerie Engel’s doctoral degree requirement, explores how ideas of ‘genius,’ meritocracy, and success shape—and often constrain—the careers of contemporary women composers. Drawing on her thesis research with members of the Association of Canadian Women Composers, Dr Engel’s talk brings together critical reflection and live music performance.
The lecture examines ongoing structural and cultural challenges in the field of composition, including experiences of discrimination, the legacy of #MeToo, and the persistence of exclusionary narratives around artistic ‘genius.’ Particular attention is given to the intersection of age and gender, such as the systemic ageism embedded in age-restricted competitions and calls for scores. At the same time, the lecture-recital highlights how women composers are redefining and reclaiming their creative identities, reshaping what it means to compose and to succeed on their own terms.
The program features live musical examples by Elinor Dunsmuir—Canada’s (mostly) undiscovered gay icon of Classical music—whose work offers a compelling historical perspective on the  modes of dismissal  that have long shaped the reception of women composers. Dr Engel will be joined by members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the classically-trained singer Shani Cohen.
Dr Judith Valerie Engel  is an Austrian concert pianist, musicologist, and femin