The Nazareth University School of Music is hosting its third Women in Music Festival in March to celebrate the artistry of women composers. This festival includes concerts and panel discussions, all of which will serve as a catalyst for purposeful dialogue, future collaborations, and engaging performances for our Rochester and Buffalo communities.
Women in Music Festival 2025
taking place at Nazareth University & Buffalo State University
Director and Founder: Dr. Bonnie Choi
Buffalo Coordinator: Dr. Holly Bewlay
Women Composers of 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, Amy Beach, 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
Friday, March 7
2:30- 3:30 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, Rochester Institute of Technology
Saturay, 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, Rochester Institute of Technology
Sunday, March 9
3:00 p.m. | Concert
Beston Hall, GMPC, Nazareth
Festival Concert: Women Composers of La Belle Époque
Nazareth School of Music faculty
Mona Seghatoleslami, MC
Performances by Nazareth University School of Music faculty
2:30-3:45 p.m. | Forum and Discussion
Ciminelli Recital Hall, Buffalo State
Holly Bewlay, Moderator
Ellen Barnum,
Dr. Carolyn Guzski
Dr. Tiffany Nicely
4:00 p.m. | Concert
Ciminelli Recital Hall, Buffalo State
Women In Music Festival @Buffalo State
Buffalo State University Faculty Showcase
Tickets required: $10
Sunday, March 24
3:00 p.m. | Concert
George Eastman Museum
Nazareth School of Music faculty and students
Wednesday, March 27
12:10 p.m. | Concert
The Hochstein School
Live from Hochstein: In the Company of Women: Celebrating the Artistry of Women Composers
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, and the Faculty Devemlopment Fund.
The events at SUNY Buffalo State University is sponsored by the Music Department.