Women composers: contemporary era

The history of women in classical music is too often one of stymied creativity, enforced social norms, and a dearth of opportunity. The field remains largely male-dominated in many aspects, but progress — though slow — continues. Traditionally male-only orchestras have finally opened their doors to women musicians; conductors like Marin Alsop, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Barbara Hannigan, Susanna Mälkki, and Elim Chan regularly lead major orchestras; and composers like Caroline Shaw, Anna Clyne, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Roxanna Panufnik, and the late Kaija Saariaho have won major awards and acclaim from critics and audiences for their game-changing contributions to modern music.