Charlotte McKechnie created Athena Opera in 2016 initially as the concert, "Soir des Femmes". She aimed to highlight operas, composed by women, that had not been performed not performed since their initial premiere. Upon expanding the series in 2017, it became clear that was a strong demand from audiences and critics for such material, so rarely heard or known despite the widespread quality. This appetite lead to McKechnie evolving Soir des Femmes into Athena Opera and performing fully staged operas annually.
As the 21st century progresses, dialogue around gender and opera is increasingly prominent. Some opera companies - most notably Washington National Opera in their 2017-18 season - are including living female composers in their repertory, as well as employing more women as stage directors. However, the gulf between male and female representation in opera remains stark, and operas by women from previous centuries are still almost never performed.
Each season, Soir des Femmes produces one full opera and three smaller concerts, bringing new life to historic repertoire not performed since their time of writing. Performances currently take place in Boston, Massachusetts, and Glasgow, Scotland.
Inspired by the mission? Lend your support today to expand our repertory!
As the 21st century progresses, dialogue around gender and opera is increasingly prominent. Some opera companies - most notably Washington National Opera in their 2017-18 season - are including living female composers in their repertory, as well as employing more women as stage directors. However, the gulf between male and female representation in opera remains stark, and operas by women from previous centuries are still almost never performed.
Each season, Soir des Femmes produces one full opera and three smaller concerts, bringing new life to historic repertoire not performed since their time of writing. Performances currently take place in Boston, Massachusetts, and Glasgow, Scotland.
Inspired by the mission? Lend your support today to expand our repertory!