Poster Anna Thorvaldsdottir
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
Hrafn Asgeirsson
Extra Eclectic

Women composers define the moment

Extra Eclectic - March 5, 2025

This week on Extra Eclectic, we kick off our observation of Women’s History Month with a celebration of how women composers are at the forefront of the present in classical music. Host Steve Seel brings us two hours of outstanding music from the likes of Missy Mazzoli, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Tania Leon and more — as well as a showcase for Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, whose astounding Altar de Cuerda comes from her quadruple-Grammy-nominated CD, Revolucion Diamantina (which won three awards at the recent 2025 ceremony). Listen now!

Playlist

Smash
Jennifer Higdon
Third Sound Ensemble
Innova 990

These Worlds in Us
Missy Mazzoli
Tim Weiss
Arctic Philharmonic
Bis 2572

Carols after a Plague: Resolve
Shara Nova
Donald Nally, conductor
The Crossing
New Focus 357

Altar de Cuerda: Canto Abierto
Gabriela Ortiz
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
Los Angeles Phiharmonic Orchestra
Maria Duenas, violin

Esencia: Agua de Rosas
Tania Leon
Bergamot Quartet
New Focus 316

Black Iris
Reena Esmail
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Chicago Sinfonietta

Nocturne
Kaija Saariaho
Jennifer Koh, violin
Cedille 134

Spectra
Anna Thorvaldsdottir
International Contemporary Ensemble
Dorian 92227

De Profundis
Raminta Serksnyte
Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, conductor
Kremerata Baltica
DG 4837761

The Unquestioned Answer
Laurie Spiegel
James McVinnie, organ
Pentatone 7404

Dark Night, Bright Stars, Vast Universe
Kelly-Marie Murphy
Alexander Shelley, conductor
National Arts Centre Orchestra
Analekta 8891

Postscriptum
Lera Auerbach
Boulanger Trio
Berlin 303298

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

The sounds of Iceland

The sounds of Iceland

Steve Seel devotes the first hour of this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ to living Icelandic composers, including two works by Anna Thorvaldsdottir, whose Cello Concerto ‘Before We Fall’ was recorded on August 13 at this year’s BBC Proms Festival. Listen now!

1:58:59
Outer and inner space

Outer and inner space

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,' we’re considering astronomy, astrophysics, and the atomic age with works by Caroline Shaw, Meredith Monk, Mary Lattimore, Jennifer Higdon and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

2:00:00
A celebration of the earth

A celebration of the earth

We’re contemplating the importance and mystery of our planet on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with two hours of Earth-themed works, including selections from the 2025 BBC Proms festival. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Honoring the past

Honoring the past

Jay Capperauld’s work ‘Bruckner’s Skull’ begins our summer of highlights from this year’s BBC Proms Festival on ‘Extra Eclectic’, and also serves as point of departure for this show’s theme of contemporary composers honoring composers from the past. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Night and the city

Night and the city

You’ll swear Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade is on the trail of his latest case while listening to this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ — as we listen to music depicting the mystery and romance of the city at night. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
A cellist for the 21st century

A cellist for the 21st century

Maya Beiser has been called “queen of the avant-garde cello,” with her adventurous and idiosyncratic performances and recordings. We listen to selections from her new release, ‘Salt,’ on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
The world above

The world above

We’re looking skyward on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with music celebrating the sun, the stars and even the aurora. We hear Max Richter’s music from the film ‘Ad Astra,’ Jacob ter Velduis’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (‘Sky Falling’), Olivia Bellis’ ‘Limina Luminis’ and much more. 

1:59:56
Ballet for modern times

Ballet for modern times

Ballet as we know it may have first emerged in the Italian Renaissance, but even today, modern composers are still writing for the art form. On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we hear a number of contemporary ballet scores. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:57
Music that bears repeating

Music that bears repeating

Forms of repetition are explored on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ We hear selections including ‘Divine Objects’ from Johann Johannsson’s ‘Drone Mass,’ the ‘Chaconni’ from Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto, John Corigliano’s ‘Fantasia on an Ostinato’ and much more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
Dance party with guest host Bonnie North

Dance party with guest host Bonnie North

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Bonnie North shares a program of modern dance music, including polonaises by Thomas Ades, excerpts from Wynton Marsalis’ ‘Blues Symphony,’ Stephen Jaffe’s ‘Light Dances’ and more. Listen now!

1:58:57
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00