Violinist Esther Abrami Reveals Overlooked Gems of Female Composers

At the age of 25, Esther Abrami, an accomplished violinist, discovered that her musical repertoire lacked compositions by women. This realization led her to explore and champion female composers, a journey reflected in her latest album.

Abrami's passion for the violin began at the tender age of three, inspired by the instrument cherished by her late grandmother, Françoise. "Although she stopped playing after marriage, I felt compelled to continue from where she paused," Abrami recounted, now an emerging star across Europe and China.

New Album: A Tribute to Female Composers

"Transmission," a piece conveying personal meaning for Abrami, marks her debut in composing and recording. It's featured on her new album released last Friday, characterized by its sweeping melodies and expressive harmonies.

The album includes the inaugural studio recording of Ina Boyle's Violin Concerto from 1935, a work that transports listeners to pastoral landscapes through its evocative musical storytelling. Boyle, alongside other featured composers such as Chiquinha Gonzaga and Teresa Carreño, has faded from popular memory despite her contributions.

Championing Forgotten Talents

The project fittingly involves conductor Irene Delgado-Jiménez, a recent alumna of a program led by pioneering conductor Marin Alsop. Among the contemporary contributors are Oscar-winning composers Rachel Portman and Anne Dudley, with pieces by Miley Cyrus and Yoko Shimomura adding modern flair.

Reflecting on her journey, Abrami realized her classical education excluded female-composed works. "Embarking on this exploration was like discovering a cache of hidden gems," she described.

The Legacy and Struggles of Female Composers

Mentored by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Boyle was encouraged to persevere despite scant acknowledgment—a sentiment Abrami echoes. "Hopefully, future generations won’t see the need for albums highlighting gender; for now, there is a vast amount of work required for equal representation," she asserted.

A report indicated global orchestras performed women’s compositions a mere 7.5% of the time in the past season. Abrami uses social media to influence change, inspiring young musicians, especially girls, to embrace works by female composers.

Rediscovering Musical Influencers

Pauline Viardot, once prominent in her era, became obscure posthumously, yet she was an instrumental influencer who supported contemporaries like Georges Bizet, aiding in cultivating now-revered classics.

Viardot hosted cultural salons attracting luminaries such as George Sand, Chopin, and the Schumanns. Abrami highlights these historical connections to emphasize the pivotal roles women like Viardot played.

Honoring Personal and Collective Histories

Honoring her legacy, Abrami released a haunting single for Holocaust Remembrance Day. "Wiegala," an emotional melody by Ilse Weber, resonates with Abrami, connected by her family’s history.

Weber's lullaby survives thanks to her husband’s efforts to preserve her work hidden during the Holocaust, underscoring the enduring impact of female composers.