Global Women in Music 2026

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2026, and as an official side event to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 70), the UN Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with United Voices for Peace, presents our “Global Women in Music” initiative featuring works by female composers from around the world, to advance gender equality.

On the programme:
Vesna Šouc, conductor (Serbia)

Works by:
Ethel Smyth (UK): Overture “The Wreckers”
Morena Galán (Argentina): "The things you will never hear”
Aida Saco Beiroa (Spain): "Going Home"
Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa (Zimbabwe): “Mhande”
Ana Krstajić (Serbia): "Heroic Cinematic”
Valerie Naranjo (USA — Southern Ute, First Nations): “Tierra Pura"
Ghiya Rushidat (Jordan): "Love and Tranquillity"
Niloufar Nourbakhsh (Iran): “Knell”

There will be one 15-minute intermission
Programme duration: approx. 2 hours

Only five percent of the concert music scheduled around the world is from women composers, an astounding statistic. Our unique program aims to bring female composers, conductors and performers to the forefront spotlighting their music and talent to raise awareness, motivate engagement, activism and change towards a more inclusive music industry and social environment.