The Nazareth University School of Music hosts its fourth Women in Music Festival in March to celebrate the artistry of women composers. This festival includes concerts and panel discussions, all of which serve as a catalyst for purposeful dialogue, future collaborations, and engaging performances for our Rochester and Buffalo communities.
Women in Music Festival 2025
at Nazareth University & Buffalo State University
Director and Founder: Dr. Bonnie Choi
Buffalo Coordinator: Dr. Holly Bewlay
Women Composers and La Belle Époque
During the Belle Époque, women were often celebrated as performers—particularly in domestic settings—but faced significant barriers to being recognized as composers. Even when their music was performed in the fashionable salons, or published, it frequently fell into obscurity. This program highlights the works of women composers like Cécile Chaminade, Lili Boulanger, Mel Bonis, and others.
All the events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Bonnie Choi (bchoi6@naz.edu).
FESTIVAL PROGRAM 2025
Women in Music Festival: Buffalo State Student Concert
Wednesday, March 5
4:30- 5:30 pm | Faculty/Alumni Forum
Ciminelli Recital Hall, Buffalo State
Panel discussion featuring women in leadership positions within the field of music. The panel will be facilitated by Jennifer Toohey, Chair of Women and Gender Studies, in a Q&A format.
Thursday, March 6
12:15- 1:30 pm | Student Concert
Ciminelli Recital Hall, Buffalo State
Student Performances of Works by Women Composers
Friday, March 7
4- 5 pm | Student Concert
Wilmot Recital Hall, Nazareth
Student Performances of Works by Women Composers
7:30 pm | Concert with Guest Performers
Ciminelli Recital Hall, Buffalo State
Performance by students and faculty from SUNY Buffalo State, Eastman School of Music, Nazareth University, SUNY at Fredonia
Saturday, March 8
7-8:30 pm | Concert with Guest Performers
Wilmot Recital Hall, Nazareth
Performance by students and faculty from SUNY Buffalo State, Eastman School of Music, Nazareth University
Sunday, March 9
3:00 p.m. | Concert
Beston Hall, GMPC, Nazareth
Festival Concert: Women Composers and La Belle Époque
Nazareth School of Music faculty
Mona Seghatoleslami, MC
2:15 p.m.: Pre-concert Talk
Jean Pedersen, Mona Seghatoleslami
Performances by Nazareth University School of Music faculty
3:30 p.m. | Concert
Ciminelli Recital Hall, Buffalo State
Women In Music Festival @Buffalo State
2:30 p.m.: Pre-concert Talk
Buffalo State University Faculty
Wednesday, March 19
12:10 p.m. | Concert
The Hochstein School
Live from Hochstein: In the Company of Women: Celebrating the Artistry of Women Composers
Sunday, March 23
3:00 p.m. | Concert
George Eastman Museum
Nazareth University School of Music faculty and students
The events at Nazareth University are also co-sponsored by the School of Music, the Office for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Education, Weider Community Engagement Office, Faculty Development Fund and WXXI.
The events at SUNY Buffalo State University are sponsored by the Music Department.