This article originally appeared at classical-music.uk

As part of its celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, BBC Radio 3 has commissioned two new works which receive their world premiere performances. Film composer, vocalist and educator Ella Jarman-Pinto has set a text by the poet Jo Brandon for soprano Nazan Fikret and pianist Rebecca Cohen, which explores the emotional impact of the pandemic on women, in a piece called Plango: A Cure Lament. 

Radio 3’s Lunchtime Concert at the Wigmore Hall, featuring pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, premieres a new composition by English composer and violinist Natalie Klouda – titled Nightscapes 2020, the work is an ode to the 'nights in' that 2020 brought to Natalie’s world.

All week, from 8 March, Radio 3’s Breakfast explores the music of five women whose work has not been heard before on Radio 3. Composer of the Week explores the life and work of 20th-century British composer and pianist Ruth Gipps.

Alan Davey, controller of BBC Radio 3, says: 'Music by women is a regular part of the mix of music on BBC Radio 3 every day, but International Women’s Day gives us a chance to put the spotlight on the work of female composers in a particular way and to showcase a huge range of music.

'This includes hidden gems of the past, music that has become much-loved and familiar today, and we are also proud to have commissioned brand-new creative talents for the future.'

For more information and full listings click here.