Gender Matters
This paper critiques how gender interacts with promoting and reporting on the performing arts, with a particular focus on Western Art Music. Whether in event announcements, programme notes, or in concert reviews, is it always (or ever) appropriate to mention gender when discussing performances that feature female musicians or repertoire by female composers? Drawing upon first-hand experiences as Performer and Programme Curator, I will examine diverse situations in which a focus on gender issues backfires, causing injustice to the integrity and identity of artistic expression, which strives to transcend gender or to exist irrespective of it.