Lyric Music & More: March 9

In honor of International Women’s Day March 8 and Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the countless ways in which women have shaped the opera world. Last August we celebrated Women’s Equality Day by looking back at the trailblazing women who made history in Lyric’s leadership. Today we introduce you to some of the women who have changed the world from our stage, including Maria Tallchief (pictured above).

Learn their stories

Plus, meet Maestro Eun Sun Kim, watch J’Nai Bridges sing "Printemps qui commence,” learn more about soprano Ailyn Pérez, and learn about the Black composers who changed classical music forever.

While it’s still somewhat rare to see a woman on the podium, new faces and perspectives are increasingly emerging. Critically acclaimed conductor Eun Sun Kim, the recently appointed music director for San Francisco Opera, exemplifies that welcome change. Learn more about Kim and what makes her tick.

From the top

Ailyn Pérez has been hailed by The New York Times as "a beautiful woman who commands the stage" and "a major soprano." Learn more about her amazing career and her commitment to mentorship in underserved communities in this in-depth interview from the online series, Living the Classical Life.

Get to know her

In 1933, audiences heard the world premiere of Florence Price’s Symphony in E Minor performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, marking the first time a major American orchestra had performed a symphony by a woman of color. Learn how Price, Irene Britton Smith, and Nora Holt changed classical music forever.

Meet the trailblazers