The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera is set to honor International Women’s Day with a creative and dazzling concert. Designated Musical Director, IIya Ram reveals the event will include musical pieces from female composers in the film industry. It is expected to serve as an inspiring and entertaining evening that puts the spotlight on those women’s achievements and contributions as well as films with women playing lead roles.
“We wanted to create a program that not only celebrates International Women’s Day but also educates audiences about the incredible contributions of female composers,” Ram explains. “These are award-winning musicians, Oscar winners, and industry pioneers whose work deserves more recognition.”
The program, organized by Composer Esin Aydingoz, llya Ram, and Alison Lebovitz, will uniquely compile notable compositions from beloved films such as Frozen, Encanto, and Star Trek. Ilya, who is passionate about film music, saw this as the perfect opportunity to bring the melodic works to the forefront.
Ilya shares he” explicitly didn’t want to just do female composers but wanted to make sure that it’s highlighted through the fact that most of the program is composed by women.”
The selection process involved choosing well-known compositions that audiences would immediately recognize, reinforcing the idea that people may already know or love the work of female composers, without realizing it.
For those who may not typically attend symphony concerts, this event serves as the perfect introduction. Ilya emphasizes that classical music does not require years of study to be appreciated—music is meant to be felt and enjoyed.
“If you love movies, you’ll love this concert,” he says. “It’s about experiencing the emotions and narratives that music brings to life.”
In addition to the music, the event will feature pre-concert activities, including a discussion and opportunities for audience interaction. While not a full-costume event, Ilya teased that there will be “shiny things” and a touch of glamour to enhance the film music experience.
The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera’s International Women’s Day concert will take place this Saturday at 7:30 PM at the Walker Theatre. Tickets are still available for purchase.
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